Shelby Mustang GT Information

It is a car every driver knows. The Ford Mustang GT has a firm place among the best American muscle cars of all time. Today it is known for its speed, power, and performance. However, this was not the case at first. Not until Ford enlisted the help of Carrol Shelby to create the Shelby Mustang GT did the model begin on the path to success. Learn more information about the Shelby Mustang GT.

Upon its first release, the Ford Mustang was an immediate commercial success. Sales soared past anticipated numbers in just a couple months. Hundreds of thousands of Mustangs hit roads across the world, but Ford was not satisfied. They wanted to get the most from the Mustang and boost its performance. In the mid 1960’s, there was only one man for the job.

First Generation Shelby GT350

Ford vice president Lee Iacocca billed the first Ford Mustang as a car that was suitable for the road or the track. The model needed help to compete as a racer. That is why Iacocca contacted Carrol Shelby. A few years earlier, Shelby’s cobra had become the benchmark in performance. Now, Shelby set out to do the same for Ford’s Mustang.

The first model Shelby produced was the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350. Sometimes referred to as the Cobra, it gave drivers the same all-out performance as Shelby’s most famous model. Thanks to the modifications to this model, the GT350 had a 306-horsepower output. Like the cobra, the first Shelby Mustang opted to forgo many luxury features. Instead, it focused on customers who valued the best performance driving.

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The 1966 model featured a few more convenience features including foldable back seats. This year also saw ‘Mustang’ dropped from the vehicle’s title. After two years of work, Shelby released what is perhaps the most iconic car in the entire line. Setting the design and performance precedent for all following Mustangs, the 1967 Shelby GT captured the hearts and minds of drivers.

For this model year, a couple of changes occurred. Most significantly, the GT500 was added to the model line. This variation was even more powerful with a 428-CID V8 engine that produced 360 horsepower. Production of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT was also moved from California to Ionia, Michigan for this model year. The move gave Ford increased control over the vehicle’s development.

Breaking from Shelby’s bare-bones approach to auto manufacturing, Ford made sure to fit the GT500 with more amenities. The 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT had air conditioning and power steering, just like the base Mustang. Still, the Shelby GT had capabilities that exceeded the previous two model years. Thanks to these factors, the GT500 became much more popular than the GT350 version.

Shelby Cobra GT500

Shelby became more involved once again in 1968 and that model year was released under the title of Shelby Cobra GT. This year saw the introduction of the GT500KR and the first convertible Shelby GT. Production moved back to California but after 1969, Shelby and Ford ended their partnership. Shelby GTs continued to be sold in Europe until 1972, but after that, the model’s production paused for almost 25 years.

Ford Shelby GT Discontinuation and Revival

Although the Shelby GT faded away, the Ford Mustang continued strong. Its second generation was released in 1974 and then a third generation spanned from 1979-1993. By the time the Mustang’s fourth generation was announced in 1994, it was already one of the world’s best-known models.

Its status as an American classic already secure, drivers still remembered the days of the Shelby GT fondly. The GT500 made its return in 2007. Once again, Ford and Shelby collaborated to build a timeless sports car. These first models of the second generation GT500 produced 500 horsepower thanks to a 5.4L engine.

Second Generation GT350, GTS, and Special Editions

Since its return, the Shelby GT has seen many new models. Shelby reintroduced their GT350 which now came with a 5.0L V8 engine. Unlike the original GT350s, the new models came in a convertible option. At this time, the GT500 Shelby Mustang had also seen improvements. The V8 engine added 40 horsepower and reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.6 seconds.

Ford introduced a new idea to the Shelby GT line in 2012 with the GTS. This vehicle was catered to younger buyers, leaving out some luxury features. In their place, the GTS put performance front and center without running up the price tag. This made the GTS an affordable racer. It was one of many special editions from the 2010s. The GTS was a first for the line. However, many of the special editions like the Super Snake and GT500KR called back to the Shelby GT’s origins in the 1970s.

Shelby GT Mustang’s Lasting Legacy

From the beginning, the collaboration between Shelby and the Ford Mustang felt like a perfect fit. Carrol Shelby’s skill at creating sports cars capitalized on the model’s initial success. The Shelby GT contributed to building the reputation the Ford Mustang has today. Its distinctive silhouette and classic performance have made it one of the most popular sports cars ever released.

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT is a vehicle that has stood the test of time. It became an icon back in the 1970s and then came back stronger than ever in the early 2000s. That success is rare, but it speaks volumes to the passion drivers have for this model.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 for Sale at BJ Motors

Today, finding an original 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is not easy as barely more than 2,000 were ever produced. At BJ motors, we currently have one in our inventory. Ours comes with Night Mist Blue paint and white LeMans stripes, one of 510 ever released with this combination. Act fast to view this historic muscle car. This example can be found on the official Shelby Registry and comes with a Marti Report. Check out the listing for photos and all the details.

Like all classic vehicles at BJ Motors, this 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is in outstanding condition. Drivers will get the same experience they would have when this car was brand new. This version is widely considered the definitive Shelby Mustang GT. Discover why it has maintained its strong reputation decades later.

About BJ Motors

At BJ Motors, we have a great selection of American muscle cars. Find classic models and modern favorites at our dealership. Check out our complete inventory today and contact our staff with any questions. Reach out today for more information about the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 or any of our other sports cars.