THE FRANKLIN MINT INTRODUCES NEW LIMITED EDITION REPLICAS OF THE HIGHLY-ACCLAIMED FORD SHELBY GT500

High-quality Die-cast Model of Sensational Muscle Car Packed with Features and Unprecedented Precision Detail

ASTON, PA, February 12, 2007 - The Franklin Mint, the world's leading private mint and most trusted name in collectibles, is teaming with Ford Motor Company and the famous Carroll Shelby Enterprises to introduce the latest die-cast automotive legend in its catalogue of world renowned replicas" the highly-acclaimed Ford Shelby GT500. The exclusive, 5,000-piece limited edition will be available this spring to automotive enthusiasts around the world clamoring for what promises to be the highest-quality, most detailed replica of one of the finest muscle cars ever produced.

The Franklin Mint carefully developed a revolutionary set of new tools to create this model, which is packed with features including opening hood, doors and trunk, functional steering and suspension, and more. Painted in a scorching Vista Blue with White Racing stripes - a classic Shelby color combination - this model is sure to fly off the shelves; a must have for any muscle car or automotive enthusiast.

"The Ford Shelby GT500 is one of the most extraordinarily designed muscle cars to ever roll off the assembly line," said Steven J. Sisskind, president of The Franklin Mint. "Carroll Shelby is the top powerhouse in automotive design, and the GT500 exudes performance. It is one of the most beautiful cars ever made."

One of the most renowned names in the industry, "who has impacted the automotive world as both a racecar driver and designer over the last 50 years" Shelby designed and built the Shelby GT500, as well as the famous 427 Shelby Cobra, the Shelby GT350 and other cars that would go on to be known as some of the most perfectly constructed automobiles ever made.

Being offered at a retail price of $120, this model will be available online at www.franklinmint.com, as well as through The Franklin Mint's catalogs and exclusive dealer network. More information is available at www.franklinmint.com or by calling 1-800-The Mint.

About The Franklin Mint

An American institution founded in 1964, The Franklin Mint is known worldwide for its innovative design, meticulous attention to detail, and creating some of the highest-quality collectible products in the world. The Franklin Mint's peerless archives includes over 12,000 product lines, including "limited edition" fine art sculptures, heirloom collectible dolls, commemorative coins, designer jewelry, precision die-cast models and historic reproductions, as well as collections honoring some of the world's most revered individuals and institutions.

As one of the originators of many direct marketing techniques still used today, The Franklin Mint has brought collectibles to tens of millions of people around the world for over four decades. The Franklin Mint's product lines have included some of the all time, best-selling collectible products including Monopoly." The Collector's Edition, the original Civil War Chess Set and numerous successful licensed programs with Chevrolet, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Ford, General Motors, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, The Smithsonian Institute and Paramount Studios, just to name a few.