The Ford Mustang is one of the most recognizable cars in the world, and its earliest versions are among the most desirable. However, it gets even better when you add Carroll Shelby’s name into the mix.
The Shelby GT350 was the nicest upgrade to the stock Mustang in the 1960s. It meant you got a much nicer engine and this resulted in a legend that took over race tracks from one American coast to the other. However, Shelby realized Ford was making a 428 cubic-inch V8 out of its 390 blocks and borrowed that to make the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500.
Many people only know the 67 Shelby GT500 as Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds. Reproductions of that movie car sell for a lot of money, but I could never stand the look of that front end. What I’d want is a GT500 that looks classic yet handles to modern standards, a bit like this thing.
Vanguard Motors is calling it a Shelby Mustang GT500 “Tribute” which means it’s not a real GT500. Because it’s not the rarest car and it’s done right, we’ve got no problem with this, unlike the fake 1969 Camaro ZL1.
The exterior styling of the GT500 is nicely captured with elements that are specific to the car, like the lights, Shelby taillights, the hood, and reproductions of the original aluminum wheels (which do look bigger). The body is reinforced with a roll cage and rotisserie-painted in Dark Moss Green with racing stripes in white.
Why the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 is very expensive
Back in 1967, the GT500’s 428 was officially rated at 355 and 420 lb-ft of torque. The numbers were considered conservative, underrated, but Shelby was targetting the reliability that its customers wanted and the racing version of the big block lacked.
On the other hand, the GT500 “Tribute” comes with a built 428ci Cobra Jet V8 with Edelbrock aluminum heads, Comp hydraulic roller cam, roller rocker arms, forged internals, dual Edelbrock 500CFM carburetors, Shelby oil pan, and upgraded serpentine pulley system. The engine has been dyno-tested to 465 hp and 459 lb-ft of torque, running on 93 Octane pump gas. As you can hear for yourselves, its 3-inch Magnaflow exhausts are quite loud.
Shelby produced only 2,048 examples of the GT500 for 1967. It was the last Shelby Mustang made by Shelby American before going to Ford, so it’s the one to have. Prices have gone up in recent years.
Depending on the condition, such a car could cost from $100,000 but can be justified at over $200,000 as well. Even though it’s not original, this Shelby GT500 “Tribute” is selling for $179,900. However, the price is justified simply by the fact that it’s a driver’s car.
With lots of power and a light chassis, the original can be scary, but this has been brought to pro touring standards of handling. Under the hood, you’ll see a lot of tower bracing, while the chassis is helped by modern adjustable coilovers. The steering has been upgraded, and large disc brakes have been fitted to all corners.
Inside, she’s like a mix between muscle car and GT: air conditioning, Shelby auto meter gauges, but also comfortable Shelby leather scat seats with Shelby signatures, matching fold-down rear seat. Check out the signed dash!
