Once a car maker has plundered and plagiarised its own heritage to create a new model, it’s almost inevitable that modern takes on the most evocative period versions will follow. Mini was quick off the mark with the Coopers, Fiat is working on a 500 Abarth, and in the US Ford has helped create the Hertz and Shelby Mustangs. And why not? If you’re going to go the retro route, go the whole hog, especially if it creates more dynamic models.

The Ford Shelby GT apes the legendary Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 of the ’60s, but I must admit to having a few early misgivings about it when I discovered that the scoop riveted to the bonnet is purely cosmetic, the engine upgrade gives just 19bhp and the reworked suspension is an off-the-shelf Ford Racing package.