Las Vegas, October 8th 2022: Shelby American Inc. has announced plans to expand into the world of Web3, appointing Virtua as its official metaverse partner. The partnership will see the Las Vegas-based high-performance vehicle manufacturer go full throttle into the metaverse.
Shelby will work with metaverse platform Virtua to create the ‘Shelbyverse’, a virtual world where Shelby enthusiasts can engage with unique digital collectibles, memorabilia, and the wider community, as well as enjoy the brand’s unique slice of Americana.
Founded by automotive legend Carroll Shelby in 1962, Shelby American’s cars have starred not only on the track, but also in many Hollywood productions. With a distinctive look, American muscle under the hood, and the company’s signature Cobra emblem, Shelby cars are instantly recognisable and universally admired. Hundreds of premium high-profile companies license the Shelby brand through Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc.
Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. CEO, M. Neil Cummings, said: “The ‘Team Shelby’ club has tens of thousands of members worldwide, who enjoy experiencing the Shelby lifestyle at car shows throughout the United States and Europe. Shelby is now as much about the community as it is about the cars. Our merchandise and car partnerships, racing clubs, and the Carroll Shelby Foundation mean so much to so many.
“Through this step into the metaverse with Virtua, more people around the globe will be able to be an active part of this community, interacting with like-minded Shelby fans and gaining access to exclusive opportunities.”
To announce the initiative, Shelby and Virtua were joined on stage by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson at cNFTcon 2022 in Las Vegas, an event which gives Cardano blockchain users the chance to learn, network, and celebrate all things Cardano. A Sebring Edition Shelby Cobra 289FIA was also displayed at the show.
Fans attending the event were able to sign up to the Shelbyverse and have the chance to win limited edition Shelby American digital collectibles. Those not attending are also able to sign up here until October 11th 2022.
The partnership sees Virtua take another step towards becoming a metaverse partner of choice for automotive and big-name brands, following the successful launch of its partnership with Williams Racing earlier in the year.
Talking about the partnership, Jawad Ashraf, Virtua’s CEO and Co-Founder, added: “Shelby American Inc. is a much-loved brand with a rich history. In order for it to build upon that legacy and engage with a new generation of automotive enthusiasts, the natural next step is to establish a presence in the metaverse.
“Our metaverse provides the perfect environment for Shelby to shape this new fan experience and offer a new level of engagement, and we’re really excited about working with them to realize their vision.”
For more information about Shelby’s plans for the metaverse, visit http://shelby.virtua.com
