The 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: A Legend in Steel and Spirit
"Some cars are designed for driving, some for showing off, but the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 was made for history books."
The
1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is not just a car: it is a piece of American
automotive history, a symbol of raw power and unbridled passion. Conceived by
the legendary Carroll Shelby, this muscle car was the epitome of
high-performance engineering wrapped in a body that screamed attitude and
dominance. The GT500 was not merely a vehicle; it was a statement, a
declaration that the muscle car era had reached its zenith.
A Brief
History
The
story of the Shelby GT500 begins with Carroll Shelby, a man whose name is
synonymous with high-performance cars. After his success with the Cobra and the
earlier GT350, Shelby set out to create a car that would dominate both the
streets and the tracks. The result was the GT500, a Mustang that was more than
just a sports car; it was a beast. Under the hood, the GT500 packed a 428 cubic
inch Police Interceptor V8 engine, delivering 355 horsepower—though it is
rumored that the actual horsepower was much higher, potentially nearing 400 hp.
"It’s like trying to hold back a tidal wave with a paper cup,” one journalist famously quipped after taking the GT500 for a spin. Indeed, the GT500 was not for the faint of heart. It was a car that demanded respect and offered an adrenaline rush that few could match.
Design and
Development
The
GT500 was born out of Shelby's desire to push the limits of what a muscle car
could be. With a body crafted from the iconic 1967 Mustang Fastback, the GT500
featured unique front-end styling, a functional scooped hood, and a rear
spoiler—all of which gave it a distinct, aggressive look. The car was also
equipped with a fiberglass nose and tail section, a feature that set it apart
from the standard Mustangs.
Shelby
worked closely with Ford engineers to ensure that the GT500 was not just about power,
it was about control. The car was outfitted with a heavy-duty suspension
system, making it one of the most well-balanced muscle cars of its time.
Inside, the GT500 came with all the trimmings, including a wood-rimmed steering
wheel, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and a functional roll bar, reinforcing its
racing pedigree.
A Secret
Under the Hood
One
of the lesser-known facts about the GT500 is that its engine was underrated on
purpose. Ford and Shelby downplayed the car's horsepower to avoid scaring off
potential buyers and to comply with insurance regulations of the time. This
"little white lie" has only added to the mystique of the GT500,
making it a car that enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on even today.
Sales and
Success
The
1967 Shelby GT500 quickly became a success, both on track and in the showroom.
Priced at around $4,195 when it first hit the market, the GT500 was more
expensive than the average Mustang but offered far more in terms of performance
and exclusivity. In 1967, a total of 2,048 units were produced, and today, a well-preserved
GT500 can fetch anywhere from $150,000 to over $300,000 at auction, depending
on its condition and provenance.
|
Year |
Number
of Units Produced |
Price
(in 1967) |
Current
value (in 2024) |
|
1967 |
2,048 |
$4,195 |
$150,000 - $300,000+ |
Moments of
Fame
The GT500's reputation was further cemented by its appearances in popular culture. One of the most iconic moments was its starring role in the 2000 movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," where a 1967 Shelby GT500, affectionately known as "Eleanor," was the star of the show. This film reignited public interest in the GT500 and solidified its status as a cultural icon.
Iconic
Colors
The GT500 was available in several colors, including Nightmist Blue, Wimbledon White, and Lime Gold. However, the most iconic color of all is arguably "Candy Apple Red." This vibrant hue not only accentuated the car's aggressive lines but also made it stand out in any crowd.
The
Competitors
The
1967 Shelby GT500 did not just face competition on the streets but also in the
hearts of car enthusiasts. It went head-to-head with some of the biggest names
in the muscle car world, including the Chevrolet Camaro SS, the Pontiac GTO,
and the Dodge Charger. Despite the stiff competition, the GT500 held its own,
becoming one of the most revered muscle cars of its era.
Legacy
The
1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is more than just a car; it is a legend that
continues to inspire awe and admiration. It embodies the spirit of the muscle
car era—a time when American manufacturers were pushing the limits of speed,
power, and design. Even today, the GT500 remains a dream car for many, a symbol
of freedom, power, and the open road.
"In the world of muscle cars,
there are fast cars, and then there are legends. The 1967 Shelby GT500 is
both."
Technical
Specifications
|
Type |
Size |
Carburetor |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
V8 |
428 cu in |
4-barrel |
355 hp |
420 lb.-ft |
Performance
Stats
|
0
to 60 mph |
Quarter
Mile |
Engine |
Engine
Source |
|
6.5 seconds |
14.5 seconds |
V8 428 |
Ford |
1960-1970
Shelby Mustang Models
|
Year |
Model |
Units
Produced |
|
1965 |
Shelby GT350 |
562 |
|
1966 |
Shelby GT350 |
2,378 |
|
1967 |
Shelby GT500 |
2,048 |
|
1968 |
Shelby GT500KR |
1,570 |
|
1969 |
Shelby GT500 |
1,536 |
|
1970 |
Shelby GT500 |
789 (continued from 1969 production) |