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In the early 1980s, an ambitious project was born to create a mid-engine version of the AC 3000ME, powered by an American engine. The car was designed for the U.S. market by American partners Steve Hitter and Barry Gale, who had previously imported De Tomaso Panteras. After seeing an AC 3000ME in Europe, Gale negotiated with AC Cars to secure the U.S. rights and ordered a chassis without an engine, which arrived in the U.S. in February 1981.
The project initially faced hurdles in finding the right engine. The team first tried to use a Chevrolet V6 and then a Buick V6, but both attempts fell through. Eventually, they turned to Carroll Shelby, who was working with Chrysler at the time. With Shelby's involvement, the project moved to Shelby’s High-Performance Center in Santa Fe Springs. There, the car was fitted with a turbocharged 2.2L Chrysler engine and a 5-speed transaxle, creating the Shelby ME 2.2 Turbo prototype.
This modified AC 3000ME was restyled by designer Bob Marianich and painted in Chrysler colors. The prototype was completed and presented to Lee Iacocca, the president of Chrysler, in hopes of securing production approval. However, Chrysler decided not to pursue the car, marking the end of the project.
The Shelby ME 2.2 Turbo prototype was then used as a test mule by Shelby before being placed into storage. It remains a unique, almost-forgotten piece of automotive history, with significant modifications that showcased Shelby's vision of a U.S.-engine-powered, mid-engine sports car. Despite its potential, the car never reached production, but the prototype remains in existence today.
