A 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500: A Muscle Car Legend
The 1960s Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT500 models are legendary muscle cars, renowned for their power and performance. These vehicles epitomize the raw power and aggressive styling that defined the muscle car era. The 428 cubic-inch V8 engine, equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors, generated an impressive 355 horsepower – enough to turn heads and leave competitors in the dust.
A Restored Piece of History
This particular article focuses on a meticulously restored 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback. Only 2,048 of these models were produced that year, making each one a highly sought-after collector’s item. This specific car began its life at Carey Paul Ford in Decatur, Georgia, and was originally painted black by its first owner.
From the factory, this GT500 boasted a number of desirable features, including:
- Folding rear bench seat
- AM radio
- Hurst shifter
- Shoulder harnesses
- Power front disc brakes
- Power steering
Restoration and Enhancements
The current owner acquired the vehicle in 2015 and undertook a comprehensive restoration process from 2016 to 2019. The restoration returned the car to its original Lime Gold paint scheme. Furthermore, it included these significant mechanical upgrades:
- Engine and Transmission Overhaul: The original 428 cubic-inch V8 engine and four-speed Toploader transmission were meticulously rebuilt.
- Performance Upgrades: Several modifications were added to enhance the engine’s already impressive power. These upgrades included milled heads with oversized valves, forged H-beam connecting rods, a roller camshaft, roller lifters, a finned aluminum oil pan, electronic ignition, and Cobra Jet-specification exhaust manifolds. These changes significantly increased the engine’s performance.
- Interior Refresh: The front seats were retrimmed to their original specifications.
- Wheels: Reproduction 15-inch Magstar wheels were installed, maintaining the car’s original design aesthetic.
The restoration prioritized preserving the car’s originality while boosting its performance capabilities. The result is a vehicle that seamlessly merges classic styling with modern performance enhancements.
A Well-Driven Classic, Not Just a Show Piece
The odometer shows approximately 93,000 miles, with 2,000 of those logged under current ownership. This demonstrates that the car has been actively driven and enjoyed, rather than simply being stored as a pristine show car.
Auction Details and Included Items
At the time of the original article, the car was being auctioned, with the bidding reaching $152,000. This represents a significant increase over its original MSRP of $4,790.28, reflecting its rarity and the extensive restoration work. The auction also included:
- Original window sticker
- Jason Billups summary (a vehicle history report)
- Shelby American Automobile Club registry report
- Deluxe Marti report (a detailed factory build sheet)
- Service records
- Spare parts
- Car cover
The sheer volume of documentation adds to the car’s value and provenance, providing a compelling history for any future owner. This attention to detail underscores the value of meticulous preservation for classic automobiles.
Conclusion: A Tempting Investment
This 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback offers a truly exceptional blend of history, performance, and aesthetic appeal. Even without final auction results, this vehicle represents a significant investment in a piece of automotive history. For the right enthusiast, its rarity, restored condition, and enhanced performance make it a highly desirable acquisition. The amount of care and effort put into restoring and preserving this classic muscle car highlights its intrinsic value far beyond simple monetary worth. It is a timeless piece of automotive history worthy of attention in the current collector car market.
