SSC Ultimate Aero (2006)Ank kumar , CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

2006 — USA

SupercarAmericanV8 EngineTurbo/SuperchargedRecord BreakersOver 500 Horsepower
Engine6,345 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Power1183 hp
Torque1094 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed manual
DrivetrainRWD
Body StyleCoupe
Weight2,750 lbs
0–60 mph2.7 sec
Top Speed256 mph
Original MSRP$654,500
BrakesDisc (ventilated, Brembo 6-piston) / Disc (ventilated, Brembo 4-piston)
SuspensionIndependent, double-wishbone, coil springs / Independent, double-wishbone, coil springs

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

The SSC Ultimate Aero TT was built by Shelby SuperCars (no relation to Carroll Shelby) in West Richland, Washington. In September 2007, it officially became the fastest production car in the world at 256.14 mph, taking the record from the Bugatti Veyron. Its twin-turbocharged Chevrolet-derived V8 produced an astounding 1,183 horsepower — and remarkably, it achieved this without the Veyron's four-wheel-drive system, dual-clutch transmission, or active aerodynamics. The Ultimate Aero was a raw, analog hypercar that relied on pure power and lightweight construction. Built in small numbers by a tiny American company, it proved that the world speed record didn't require a billion-dollar development budget.

$400,000 – $800,000

These are extremely rare — possibly fewer than 20 ever built. Verification of authenticity is essential. The Chevrolet-derived engine is more serviceable than exotic European powertrains. Values are stable but these are very illiquid — finding a buyer takes time. Not for novice supercar owners.

SSC (Shelby SuperCars, founded by Jerod Shelby — not related to Carroll Shelby) built the Ultimate Aero from 2006-2013. The record-setting run was verified by Guinness World Records. Only an estimated 10-20 were built total.