1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback

This 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback was offered for sale at the 2007 Christies auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is white with blue stripes and black vinyl interior. Power is from a V8 engine that displaces 428 cubic-inches and is capable of producing 524 horsepower. The engine breathes through dual Holley 650 CFM four-barrel carburetors and has stopping power provided by four-wheel disc brakes. There is a four-speed manual gearbox with a solid rear axle and front independent suspension.

The late 1960s was an all-out horsepower war by most American marques. GM had their Camaro, Chrysler their Hemi-powered cars, and Ford with the potent GT500. The GT350R versions were true race-bred machines while the GT500 had many power features, big engines, and comfortable interiors.

The GT500 was first put into production in 1966 and carried a sticker price of $4,195. They were instantly popular, outselling the 289-powered engines nearly 2-to-1. These were the final Mustangs to be built by Shelby-American, as all future models were constructed by Ford, with some input from Shelby.

This example spent its early life in Texas where it had a lime green exterior and black vinyl interior. It had an automatic gearbox, power steering, power brakes, shoulder harness, AM radio, fold down rear seat, and deluxe wheels. The original sticker price for this machine was $4,000.

The car was brought to Hollywood in 1999 under new ownership, at which time it looked very different than it does now. It was covered in dust and in desperate need of repair. It took a few years for the restoration to be completed, but when it was done it was a brilliant recreation of its youth. The engine was given modifications that included uprated rods, pistons, camshafts, and aluminum heads. It was fitted with a free-flow exhaust and MSD electronic ignition system. The result was 524 horsepower with a maximum torque rating of 567 foot-pounds. To handle this massive among of power, the car was fitted with 17-inch Halibrand-type wheels, larger brakes, and low-profile semi-racing rubber.

At auction this car was estimated to sell for $120,000 - $160,000. Though it was one of the more exciting vehicles to cross the auction block, it failed to find an interested buyer willing to part with the necessary funds to satisfy the reserve. The car was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007