1970 Shelby Mustang GT350

There was no production of Shelby GT350 or 500 models in 1970, however, unsold 1969 models were given 1970 identification numbers under FBI supervision. Along with new I.D. numbers, 1970 models received a front chin spoiler, two black hood stripes, and modifications to comply with emission standards. The GT500 had a modified carburetor and marked 'ed' (edited) on the tag, and the first character in the VIN was changed from a 9 to a 0, an update that required replacing the driver's door data plate and the windshield VIN plate as well as all of the factory paperwork. The distributor in both models was changed to a 1970 version. Due to a new federal regulation that required a locking steering column, the 1970 Shelby update had to be completed before January 1, 1970. Thus, 1970 Shelbys do not have a locking column like all other 1970 Mustangs.

The total number of re-VIN'd models was 789 units.

The Shelby Mustangs were built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1968, and from 1969 to 1970 by Ford. The Ford-built cars used a 351 cubic-inch Windsor V8 in the GT350 and a 428 CID V8 in the GT500. The 351 Windsor was rated at 290 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and fitted with a four-barrel carburetor, finned aluminum valve covers, and a chromed dipstick.

Transmission options included a three-speed automatic or four-speed manual. Unlike the preceding Shelby GT350 models, which retained the basic overall appearance of the stock Mustang, the 1969 and 1970 models sported a completely new style. They wore a restyled front end with a full-width grille and single headlights inside a chromed surround, the lower half of which served as the front bumper. There were three NACA style-ducts on the hood piping fresh air to the engine and two facing rearward to vent engine heat, complemented by functional brake cooling scoops on the front fenders and upper rear quarter panel scoops. In the back was an integrated fiberglass spoiler, Thunderbird taillights, and a center-mounted, cast metal dual exhaust bezel.

In place of the Le Mans stripes were narrow hood stripes that defined the scoops and full-length side stripes that ran from the headlights to the rear bumper. The Deluxe Decor Group interior added high-backed Clarion Knit bucket seats, trip and tach odometer, a custom console with Stewart Warner gauges, wood-grain dash and door inserts, two toggle switches for the driving lights and courtesy lights, an in-dash clock, and Shelby badging.

All fastback body styles had a roll cage with inertia-reel safety belts.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020