The Shelby Mustang is a performance muscle car from the 1960s. It was a series of Ford Mustangs which were specially modified by Carroll Shelby's company and sold as a series. The program was factory-sponsored and production was eventually moved in-house. The spirit of the series continues today in the special Mustang Cobra models.
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1965
The first Shelby version of the Mustang appeared in 1965. All '65 Shelbys were painted Ford "Wimbledon White". Although most of the 1965 Shelby's you see today have Le Mans stripes, less than 40% of the 1965 GT 350's came factory equipped with them. All GT 350s featured rocker panel stripes with the GT350 name. The engine was a modified K-code 289ci Windsor V8 with special "Cobra" valve covers, tri-Y headers, a special intake manifold and Holley carburetor increased power from 271 to 325 hp (162 to 228 kW). Approximately the first 300 GT 350s produced were "rear battery" cars, meaning the car's batteries were trunk-mounted. Customer complaints of acid-fumes led to the creation of the Cobra Battery Caps, which vented the acid fumes outside of the car by way of hoses exiting through the trunk floor panels. An estimated 50 1965 GT 350s (around serial number 200) came equipped with the very rare Cobra battery caps. Vehicle production changed shortly thereafter, leaving the battery in the engine compartment. Today, the most desirable of the 1965 GT 350s are the units with factory installed rear batteries. Production #'s: Street Prototype 1 unit, Competition Prototype 2 units, Competition Shelbys 34 units, Street Models 516 units, Drag Racing Models 9 units. ** Actually 562 1965 Shelby GT-350s were built including 526 street including (1) prototype and (4) drag cars and 36 R models including the factory prototypes.
1966
The 1966 was differentiated in body color (non-white versions were introduced - colors included blue, red, green and black, as well as the original white) and trim. The "Le Mans" stripes were continued as an option, as in 1965. It featured special quarter-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side and an optional automatic transmission. A fold-down rear seat was now standard as well. Where early 1965 cars had black engine blocks, 1966 and later cars had the 289 engine painted blue.** The first 252 GT-350s for 1966 were "carry-over" cars. They had the 1965 Ford Mustang Bodies and 1965 Ford Mustang serial numbers under their Shelby serial numbers. They had mostly 1965 features including standard Koni shock and Engines painted black. Blue engines did not occur in 1966 until after these 252 "carry-over" models were produced. 1966 production was 1373 fastbacks including (2) prototypes and (4) drag cars and (252) "carry-over" models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. 1001 Hertz fastbacks were produced including (2) prototypes. 4 convertibles were also produced for a total of 2378 units for 1966.
Shelby struck a deal with the Hertz Corporation to produce a special line of GT350s for rent which were subsequently sold to the public after their rental-car lives were finished. These 'GT350H' cars are quite rare and sought-after today, with some examples selling for more than $120,000. Shelby produced 1000 of these cars: 800 in Raven Black, and 50 each in Candy Apple Red, Wimbledon White, Sapphire Blue and Ivy Green. All Hertz cars featured gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes. Early "Hertz" cars were available with 4 speed manual transmissions until so many cars were returned from rental with burned and broken clutch assemblies that all of the later cars shipped to Hertz were equipped with an automatic transmission. The Guns N' Roses video "Don't Cry" features a Shelby GT-350H with guitarist Slash at the wheel. Production #'s: GT350 2,380 units (4 were special order convertibles for Carroll Shelby, the rumor is that 6 were made, but only 4 VIN's have been discovered)
1967
The new 1967 Mustang was followed with a new Shelby. It featured a 1967 Mercury Cougar tail light panel minus the chrome trim, a flip-up spoiler, and two sets of air scoops on each side. This was also the first American car to feature a factory roll bar. This year also saw the introduction of the GT500 alongside the continued GT350. The new GT500 featured a 428-in³ (7 L) big-block V8. This is also one of the most famous Shelby Mustangs. A modified GT500 clone, known as "Eleanor", was featured alongside Nicholas Cage in the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds. Jim Morrison of the 60's Rock & Roll group "The Doors" owned a 1967 Shelby GT500 that he transferred to the Zeppelin Publishing Company just before his death in 1971. The exact location of the "Blue Lady" today is unknown. The Morrison Mustang is a much sought after treasure and a documentary on the car is scheduled to be released in 2008. This GT500 was also featured in Jim Morrison's art film, "HWY." A convertible prototype of the GT500 was made in 1967, which was designated to be scrapped. Before Ford Motor Co. could destroy the prototype, it was stolen. The car was eventually recovered by Ford and sold as '68. Production #'s: GT350 1,175 units, GT500 2,048 units.
1968
The Shelby GT350 Mustangs sports a 302 cubic-inch V8 while the GT500 came equipped with the 428 cubic-inch Police Interceptor engine. In February of 1968, the GT500-KR became available and was considered the ultimate Shelby. Under the hood was a 428 cubic-inch Cobra-Jet V8 which produced 360+ horsepower. This 1968 Shelby GT500-KR Convertible, finished in yellow 'Factory Special Paint', was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It sold for $258,500.
1969 and 1970
Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969. The GT350 and GT500 for the 1969–70 model years received extensive facelifts, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches. Ford was heavily involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having very little input. Production of Shelby Mustangs ceased with the 1970 model year. The 1970 models were in fact left over 1969 models. VIN tags from 1969 Shelby's were removed and replaced with 1970 Shelby VIN's with careful supervision from FBI agents.
2006-2007 Shelby GT-H
Ford introduced the Shelby GT-H version of the Mustang at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April 2006. Like the original GT350H from 1966, the GT-H features gold-on-black paint and will only be available at the Hertz car rental agency. A modest power bump over the regular Mustang GT results in a claimed 325 hp (242 kW) and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m). Features include a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a package from Ford Racing including a 90 mm cold air intake kit, X-pipe, special performance suspension, and Ford Racing "GTA" axle-back mufflers. Just 500 will be built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original. For 2007, convertible version of GT-H is offered for rental at Hertz.[1]
2007-2008 Shelby GT
The 4.6 liter, 319 hp Ford Shelby GT slots between the 300 hp Mustang GT and the 500 hp Ford Shelby GT500. It is essentially a retail sale version of the Hertz rental-only Ford Shelby GT-H, except a manual transmission is available. Other differences include the deletion of the rear spoiler, a retro hood scoop in place of the CS6/8 Shelby hood, and silver versus the gold stripes, with the car available in either white or black for 2007 or Vista Blue for 2008. The Hertz Shelby GT-H attracted so much attention that Ford dealers and customers asked for a version of their own. Like the GT-H, the Shelby GT is modified at Shelby Automotive's factory in Las Vegas. Production of the Shelby GT began in December 2006, for sale beginning in January 2007. Up to 6000 cars will be built with final numbers as of this date still not in but are expected to be slightly less than this amount. At the request of owners a number of Shelby GTs are being modified in various ways by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas. Interestingly some of these modifications include installing both the rear spoiler and the CS 6/8 hood. An available super charger, again installed by Shelby Automobiles, increases horsepower to 400+. With it's quick response and throaty growl the engine modifications made my Shelby Automotive earned the Shelby GT's version of the 4.6v3 engine one of the year's 10 Best Engines by Ward Automotive judges.
2007-2008 Ford Shelby GT500
Shelby and Ford returned with a Shelby-branded Mustang, the Shelby GT500 for 2007. Introduced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show, the GT500 uses a 5.4L Modular 500HP supercharged V8. Features include the Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission, suspension tuning, a body kit, and 18 inch wheels. Deliveries of the Shelby GT500 began in May 2006.[2] A collaboration of Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and Carroll Shelby, the GT500 will be produced in limited quantity for three years (approximately 10,000 units/year) on the line at Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan (AutoAlliance) assembly facility. The right to purchase the first 2007 Shelby GT500 was auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on 21 January, 2006 in Scottsdale, Arizona for $648,000. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.[3]
Specifications
- Engine: Iron block 5.4-liter (330 cu in), DOHC, 32-valve, 90-degree V-8
- Aspiration: Eaton M122 Roots-type Supercharger w/Air-to-water Intercooler
- Power: 500 hp/372.85 kW (At the crankshaft. SAE certified) 447hp/333.33 kW (At the rear wheels, tested via dyno/rolling road)
- Drive type: Rear Wheel Drive
- Body/frame: Unit Steel w/Aluminum Hood
- Front Brakes: 14" Brembo Vented Discs w/4-Piston Calipers
- Rear Ford Vented Discs w/single-Piston Calipers
- Brake Size (front/rear): 14 in./11.8 in.
- Wheel Size (front): 18 in. x 9.5 in.
- Wheel Size (rear): 18 in. x 9.5 in.
- Tire Size (front): P255/45ZR18
- Tire Size (rear): P285/40ZR18
- Steering: Rack & Pinion with Power Assist
- Front Suspension: Reverse-L independent MacPherson strut, 34 mm tubular stabilizer bar
- Rear Suspension: Three-link solid axle with coil springs, shocks, Panhard rod, 24 mm solid stabilizer bar
- Wheelbase: 107.1 in (2720 mm).
- Length: 187.6 in (4765 mm).
- Width: 73.9 in (1877 mm).
- Height: 54.5 in (1384 mm).
- Curb Weight: Coupe - 3,920 lb (1,778 kg) K Convertible - 4,040 lb (1,833 kg) Khia
- Weight Distribution (front/rear): 57%/43%
- Track (front/rear): 61.9 in (1572 mm)/62.5 in (1588 mm)
- Interior volume, F/R/cargo 53 cu ft (1.5 m³)/33 cu ft (0.9 m³)/12 cu ft (0.3 m³)
Performance
- Horsepower: 500 bhp (SAE-certified)
- Torque: 480 ft·lbf (650 Nm) (SAE-certified)
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 s
- Quarter-Mile: 12.9@ 112 mph (180 km/h) (MM&FF magazine)
- Top Speed: 155 mph (249 km/h) (Electronically Limited)
- Coefficient of Drag: 0.38
- Horsepower Per Liter: 83.19 bhp
- Horsepower Per Weight: 188.92 bhp
2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR
The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, is scheduled for release in the spring of 2008, is powered by a (estimated) 540 horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 variation with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack. Production will be limited to 1,000 units. The Shelby GT500KR styling features include a carbon composite hood with scoops and hood pins, a lowered front air dam, and 14-inch Brembo front brakes with functional cooling ducts. The 2008 GT500KR draws on styling features from the classic 1968 "King of the Road" GT500KR model, and includes 40th anniversary badging, racing stripes, and Carroll Shelby signature embroidered seats. The GT500KR's price is estimated to be around the $52,000 range. The GT500KR will be the second fastest production Mustang ever built after the Saleen S281 extreme which boasts 550h bhp. However, Shelby released that there will be a Super Snake option in 2008(see super snake). A GT500KR appears in Knight Rider's new TV movie airing in February 2008.
Specifications
- Front Engine, RWD, 4 passenger, 2 door coupe
- 5.4 L/550 hp/510 ft·lbf (690 Nm) supercharged DOHC 32 valve V8 Engine
- 6 Speed Manual Transmission
- 3,800 lb (1,700 kg) curb weight
- 107.1 in (2,720 mm) wheelbase
- 188 x 73.9 x 54.5 in
Super Snake
Starting in 2008, previous 2007 Shelby GT500 Mustangs could be sent to Carroll Shelby's Special Performance Plant in Las Vegas to be rebuilt into a Super Snake, which resembles the 1968 GT500KR, for an additional cost of $27,995. The Super Snake will offer a 600 hp version with warranty or an "over 725 hp" version without warranty and a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds.[4][5] The Super Snake is inspired by the 1967 GT500 Super Snake, a car made by Carroll Shelby for Goodyear Tires.
Unique performance
In 2002, Carroll Shelby joined forces with a company called Unique Performance in Farmers Branch, Texas, to produce the GT500E, a Shelby Mustang based on the "Eleanor" 1967 Mustang GT500 featured prominently in the 2000 movie Gone In 60 Seconds, starring Nicolas Cage. Other new Shelby Mustangs followed, including the GT350SR and GT500SR. Each of these new Mustangs is given a Shelby VIN number and all are eligible for inclusion in the Shelby American World Registry.[6] On October 5, 2007 Shelby’s licensing branch announced it has taken steps to sever the relationship with Unique Performance after numerous complaints and several lawsuits filed by customers who had paid money for “Continuation” Shelby GT-350SRs and GT-500Es (Eleanors) but not received cars.[7]
See also
References
- ^ New 2007 Ford Shelby GT Begins Production. Ford press release. Retrieved on December 29, 2006.
- ^ Shelby Cobra GT500 Deliveries Start. Retrieved on May 19, 2006.
- ^ Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation Raises The Roof At Barrett-Jackson Auction. Retrieved on 2007-11-06.
- ^ St. Antoine, Arthur. "Come Slither: Shelby Super Snake is the ultravenomous version of Mustang GT500", Motor Trend, 2007-04-27. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ Gall, Jared. "2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake", Car and Driver, 2007-05-01. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ Unique Performance.History of Carroll Shelby
- ^ "Trouble at the Mustang Ranch", Autoweek. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
