A Super Rare Super Baja

November 2021 Feature Seth Harper

This article originally appeared in our September 2021 issue.

Many can say they’ve completed a triathlon, but how many can say they’ve won a gold metal in the triathlon at the Olympics? Many can say they’ve flown an aircraft, but how many can say they’ve done it in space? Being one of only a few is special. It’s unique. It sets you apart from others and in the truck scene, only 250 lucky diesel pickup enthusiasts will have the honor of saying they own and drive the slick design of the 2021 Ford Shelby F250 Super Baja.

Carroll Shelby

Shelby is the only person to ever win the 24 hours of Le Mans as a driver, team manager and manufacturer, and his name carries a lot of weight in the automotive world. Shelby was portrayed by Matt Damon in the 2019 film [Ford v Ferrari] as an automotive designer for Ford and has a driving career that even saw him in a Formula 1 car at one point.

In 1962, Shelby founded Shelby American — a subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. — and the company has produced a number of high-profile vehicles since then. The Shelby American website (www.shelby.com) pays tribute and provides the history of its founder, who passed away in 2012.

Super Baja

Though an owner of such a rare build might be tempted to keep it safely locked away in a garage where bad weather and salt can’t reach it, that’s not what this truck was designed for. The Super Baja is built for daily driving, in addition to heavy-duty off-roading and towing. It combines the strength of Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine, producing 1,050 lb.-ft of torque, with Shelby’s off-road suspension system creating a diesel capable of handling most terrains thrown at it.

“The astounding capabilities of the Ford Shelby F150 truck led to requests for a three-quarter-ton truck that delivered maximum towing capacity and serious off-road capabilities,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “We leveraged expertise gained from our Shelby Raptor and Shelby F150 programs to create the Shelby F250 Super Baja pickup.”

Building on what they had with their previous Ford trucks, the Shelby team carefully developed their version of the F250. FOX performance created a suspension system that gives the truck a higher ride height, more travel and improved off-road handling. The Shelby F250 Super Baja wears 18-inch alloy wheels bearing BFG KM3 37-inch tires, with a pair of spares mounted on a steel chase rack in the bed. The Shelby gets a functional Ram Air Hood with extraction vent, powder-coated steel front and rear bumpers, tow points, air flow vents and LED lighting around the truck. Additional features include painted front grille and fender flares, XL power steps with rock sliders and lights, bed liner, tinted windows and powder-coated exhaust tips. Exterior Shelby stripes and badges proclaim the truck’s heritage.

“The amazing suspension on the Shelby F250 Super Baja is engineered to handle a wide variety of terrain, from hard core off-roading to performance street driving,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American vice president of operations and chief designer. “It includes a custom BDS lift system, custom front radius arms and dual steering stabilizer. We installed front coilovers with FOX adjustable reservoirs in the front and factory race adjustable shocks with piggyback reservoirs in the rear. We integrated functional bodywork to maximize our modifications. In addition to the spectacular torque, Ford’s V8 turbo diesel delivers a best-in-class 475 horsepower. With so much power and extraordinary handling, it is the ultimate heavy-duty truck.”

With performance clearly present and accounted for, Shelby made sure they weren’t lacking in the comfort division. The pickup comes equipped with deep tinted windows, exclusive full-leather seat covers, accents and embroidery, stainless steel gauges with a speedometer recalibration, custom carbon fiber accents, embroidered floor mats and billet racing pedals. Plus each comes with Shelby Super Baja badges and CSM serialized plate on the dash.

A Performance-Oriented Partnership

Shelby teamed up with Champion to help owners get the best possible production out of their truck that they can.

“We deigned the Shelby F250 Super Baja pickup to perform under extreme conditions, both on and off-road,” added Patterson. “With 6.7 L V8 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel churning out 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque, the truck can really fly. For such an aggressive application, we recommend using Champion’s Blue Flame 15w40 CK4/SN Performance Diesel Engine Oil.”

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids. The Shelby F250 Super Baja needs a total of 13 quarts of oil including the capacity of the oil filter.

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish buildup.

First Come, First Served

This Shelby super truck has an MSRP starting at $125,805 and comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty with the powertrain warranty from Ford Motor Company remaining intact.

According to Patterson, dealers that have received the truck have sold them quickly and they anticipate that to continue. If you’re looking to own a Super Baja of your own, you might want to start talking to your local Ford dealer, starting yesterday.

Sources:

BDS Suspension

517-279-2135

www.bds-suspension.com

BF Goodrich

877-788-8899

www.bfgoodrichtires.com

Billet Badges

www.billetbadges.com

Champion Oil

800-821-5693

www.championbrands.com