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To The Ford Gallery To the General Gallery THE SHELBY GT500. Though 1967-1970 may have a been a short
stint, the Shelby GT500 left a lasting impression and remains in legendary status for hot
rod and classic car collectors. After the
introduction of the Mustang in 1964, Ford wanted its Mustang to be associated with
Shelby’s known high performance. An
agreement had been made between the two companies where almost-completed Mustangs would be
sent to Shelby for performance enhancement, bringing the GT350. In 1967 the Mustang had been redesigned, including
a larger engine area. That is where Shelby
stepped in and replaced the basic engine with their 428ci Police Interceptor power plant
which was fitted with an aluminum 427 "medium riser" intake manifold and two
600cfm four-barrel carburetors. Along with other Shelby modifications to the suspension,
exhaust system, custom fiberglass body **Want more power? Many dealers offered engine swaps wherein the GT500 could be fitted with the 427 cubic inch engine from the legendary side-oiler 427 Cobra race car which produced 425 horsepower. **Real Collectors only please!? Shelby had been leasing a Los Angeles International Airport hangar for production of their cars. After the 1967 production run was finished the lease expired and production was shifted to A. O. Smith Company of Ionia, Michigan. Thus the 1967 Shelby Cobra GT500's are often considered to be the last TRUE Shelby cars. **King of the Road, the GT500KR! With the 1968 models, the GT500 received the 335 horsepower Cobra Jet engine and was renamed the GT500KR; KR standing for "King of the Road." Minor cosmetic changes such as sequential tail lights differentiate the 1968 from 1967 models. 1968 also saw the introduction of a convertible GT500. Only 318 GT500KR convertibles made!! **Good night sweetheart, well it’s time to go! 1969 saw the introduction and increased production by GM and Plymouth of their hot rod and muscle cars raising competition. The Mustang, which had been decreasing in it racing quality prompted Shelby’s request to split with Ford. **Gone In 60 Seconds featured a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, named Eleanor. http://www.gonein60seconds.com/ ***** finals
***** 1970 GT500's were actually 1969 cars that received new
vehicle identification numbers, black stripes, and a front chin spoiler. Ford also started
offering its own performance versions of the Mustang including the Boss 302, Boss 429, and
Mach one Mustangs. With the parting of Shelby
and Ford, production of the GT500 ceased. Find
one of these and you know you have a super classic. |
