Painting Stripes on the 2020 Shelby GT500 is Expensive

Sure, the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 pushes supercar-like performance, and it will only sell for $73,995 without options. But leaked information shows adding simple options like painted-over race stripes will cost you dearly.

Ford must feel confident some well-heeled individuals won’t take issue with the $10,000 price tag for racing stripes. Of course, if you’re more budget-conscious, the vinyl version cost a mere $1,000. Even better, I’m sure the aftermarket will be quite willing to sell similar stripes or other styles and colors Ford won’t offer at a severe discount.

Supposedly the whole reason for the astronomical cost of stripes painted on your GT500 is the process. Speed Phenom of YouTube fandom claims to have the inside scoop on this. Apparently, Ford must ship the cars to Penske for the stripes to be painted, then the car is sent back to the Ford factory and the clear coat is sprayed on. Why such an admittedly dumb process that jacks the cost up? Ford can’t paint stripes at its paint shop, which is laughable.

Of course, later on when this car skyrockets in value, little details like whether or not the stripes were originally painted on will matter. So Ford will get its extra $10,000 from most buyers, making the cost of the car at least $83,995.