Being a European event, American automakers didn't have a very strong presence at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Imagine our surprise, then, when we discovered that the Shelby Series 2 had snuck into the show.

First revealed back in May, Shelby's new roadster is a successor to the long-forgotten Series 1. Only 249 examples were built in 1999. The Series 1 was supposed to be the start of a new sports car range from Shelby but the project was canceled due to financial constraints. Nearly two decades later, the Series 1 has finally been given the successor it deserves.

To get the project off the ground, Shelby has collaborated with Wingard Motorsports, which purchased the remaining Shelby Series 1 chassis and parts several years ago. The Series 2 rides on the same aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis as the original but has been thoroughly updated to meet modern standards. A new suspension system has been fitted along with a high-performance braking system featuring six-piston calipers at each wheel. Compared to its predecessor, the Series 2 is also 12 percent lighter.

Only four examples will be produced per year with a choice of aluminum, carbon fiber or one of the first titanium car bodies. In terms of engine options, the Shelby Series 2 is available with a supercharged V8 that develops 580 hp but Shelby says other engine options support over 800 hp.