Description
In the mid-1960s, Ford and Shelby are busy building fierce and fast sports cars together. The GT350 has been in production for some time when the GT500 is added to the line-up in 1967. The GT500 is for many the holy grail when it comes to the classic Ford Mustang. In 1969 the model undergoes a major facelift. The nose in particular is being revised considerably, with the headlights now located in the grille, instead of outside.
What remains is the huge 7-liter V8 engine, 428 cubic inches in size in American terms. This 335 hp Cobra Jet was introduced in the middle of ’68 and had a rather absurd torque of 569 Nm at 3, 200 rpm for the time. Incidentally, there are many stories that show that these engines delivered much more power in practice. Original cars have been tested that came in well over 400 horsepower. Very special values, especially when you consider that we are talking about almost 55 years ago.
In addition to the brutal appearance due to the wheels, stickers and air intakes, the GT500 has also been made lighter by making various sheet metal parts such as the front, hood, rear panel, trunk lid and air intakes of fiberglass. All in all, it makes for an icon among American sports cars.
The particularly beautiful specimen you see here is a rare manual Shelby GT500. The car has been completely restored and provided with a beautiful olive green paint. It combines beautifully with the stickers on the flanks. It looks great and the condition of the body does not detract from that: the Shelby has been neatly restored.
A recent MartiAutoWorks Report is included with this GT500. The car is equipped with a number of nice options, which we mention in the original language for the atmosphere, in Dutch there is often less of the charm left: Traction-Lok Differential, Optional Axle Ratio, Sport Deck Rear Seat, Power Steering , Power Front Disc Brakes, AM Radio, Deluxe Belts/ Warning Light, Tachometer and Trip Odometer . Furthermore, the report shows that the car was originally supplied with the present close-ratio manual gearbox, a highly sought-after version.
The interior is particularly beautiful, with neat upholstery and very neat carpet. The whole creates a very neat impression. The dashboard, steering wheel, door panels: originality prevails everywhere, with Caroll Shelby’s signature on the glove compartment as icing on the cake.
Finally, of course, the technology, with the colossal V8 as the crown jewel. The technology may be almost 55 years old: it is a matter of turning the key and being treated to fantastic music immediately. No doubting starter motor, no coughing and sputtering while coming to life: immediately a goosebumps-inducing sound.
Driving the GT500 is the same story, what an experience, what a sound, what an acceleration. The whole car also feels fantastic while driving, once on the road with a Shelby you actually want to keep driving until the tank is almost empty. The amazing V8 is happy to help you with that.
This Mustang is one to enjoy immediately. So miles devour, preferably on stretched roads with long bends. What a delight!
