MOTOR CARS | 309When the factory introduced a 390ci ‘big-block’ V8 option on the
Mustang for 1967, Shelby went one better, installing Ford’s 428ci
(7.0-litre) Cobra Jet V8 to create the GT500, one of the great, iconic
musclecars of the 1960s. Produced at the A O Smith Company’s
plant in Ionia, Michigan from 1968, the Shelby Mustang continued
to be based on the stock version, receiving the latter’s styling
changes and mechanical improvements while retaining its own
distinctive special features, until production ended in 1970.
Built in 2005 with Carroll Shelby’s approval, the car offered here
is the prototype of a proposed series of new GT500 Convertibles,
which would have been the first soft-top Shelby Mustangs since
- Although externally it looks like the original GT500, ‘001C’
has been upgraded with best of modern technology, boasting a
fuel-injected 408ci (6.7-litre) aluminium-block V8 engine and a five-
speed Tremec TKO 600 racing transmission. This engine produces
a staggering 525bhp, and the custom-made X-braced chassis and
running gear have been up-rated to cope. The DC&O fuel injection
is worthy of note, its intakes resembling a set of period-correct
Weber velocity stacks – a particularly nice touch. A racing-
specification fuel cell is fitted for ultimate safety.
Carroll’s signature is found throughout the classic Shelby-style
interior, from the seats to the instruments, which include a
160mph speedometer and 0-10,000rpm rev counter, and he has
personally signed the dashboard. Other noteworthy features
include a nitrous-oxide release button, ‘Go Baby Go’ shifter,
centre-mounted fire extinguisher and a multi-speaker Sony AM/
FM/CD/MP3 stereo system.The only car of the proposed series actually completed, this
unique Shelby Mustang previously formed part of the Don Davis
Collection in Fort Worth, Texas and was sold at auction when the
collection was dispersed in April 2013. Maintained in-house by
Mr Davis’ staff, it was described as ‘essentially a new car’ and is
presented today in generally excellent condition. Recent works
totalling £6,264.14 include a new twin-plate clutch, handbrake
conversion and re-wiring completed 31.05.14 It is offered with
current MoT and V5 document.
£150,000 - 180,000
€190,000 - 230,000