1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: A Muscle Car Icon

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: A Muscle Car Icon

How the 1967 Shelby GT500 Redefined Performance

The 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 stands as a true legend among muscle cars, earning the admiration of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Born in the golden era of American performance machines, the GT500 took the already formidable GT350 to the next level with increased power, bolder styling, and upgraded performance. Decades later, it remains one of the most coveted classic Mustangs, consistently commanding six-figure bids at auctions and securing its place as an enduring symbol of automotive excellence.

Why the 1967 Shelby GT500 is So Sought After

Several factors contribute to the legendary status of the 1967 Shelby GT500:

  • Carroll Shelby’s Influence: The GT500 was one of the first Mustangs directly influenced by the performance expertise of Carroll Shelby, blending raw power with street-friendly usability.
  • Big Block Power: Unlike the GT350, which used a high-revving small block engine, the GT500 featured a massive 428 cubic-inch V8, making it a true powerhouse on the road.
  • Limited Production: Only 2,048 units were produced in 1967, increasing its desirability among collectors.
  • Hollywood Fame: The GT500 gained additional pop culture fame when it was featured as Eleanor in the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds.

All of these elements combine to make the 1967 Shelby GT500 one of the most collectible Mustangs of all time.

Engine and Performance

The heart of the GT500 was its 428 Police Interceptor V8, a powerful engine that gave the car brutal acceleration and high-speed capability. Here are the key specifications:

  • Engine: 428 cubic-inch (7.0L) Police Interceptor V8
  • Horsepower: 355 HP @ 5,400 RPM
  • Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
  • 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
  • Quarter Mile: 14.5 seconds @ 102 mph
  • Transmission Options:
    • 4-speed manual
    • 3-speed automatic
  • Dual Holley 600 CFM carburetors

Exterior: Iconic and Aggressive

One of the most recognizable aspects of the 1967 Shelby GT500 is its aggressive, race-inspired design. Shelby American took the standard Mustang Fastback and transformed it into a muscle car masterpiece with the following features:

  • Front Fascia: The GT500 features a unique fiberglass front end, including a longer hood with functional air scoops, and a custom grille housing inboard high-beam headlights, giving it an aggressive appearance.
  • Side Profile: Prominent upper and lower side scoops enhance aerodynamics and cooling, while the elongated fastback roofline contributes to its sleek silhouette.
  • Rear Design: A fiberglass rear tail light panel houses horizontal sequential taillights sourced from the 1967 Mercury Cougar, and an integrated "ducktail" rear spoiler adds to its muscular stance.
  • Wheels and Tires: The GT500 is equipped with 15-inch aluminum wheels paired with Goodyear performance tires, ensuring improved traction and handling.
  • Shelby Badging: The Mustang logos were removed and replaced with unique Shelby Cobra badging.

Popular colors for the 1967 GT500 included Nightmist Blue, Wimbledon White, and Lime Gold, though custom orders varied widely.

Interior: A Blend of Comfort and Race-Inspired Elements

The 1967 Shelby GT500’s interior combined Mustang’s standard comfort with a race-inspired layout.

  • Instrumentation: The dashboard includes a 140-mph speedometer and an 8,000-rpm tachometer, along with additional Stewart Warner gauges for oil pressure and amperage mounted below the dash.
  • Seating and Trim: The Deluxe Mustang interior is available in black or parchment, featuring sport bucket seats with stainless steel-trimmed seat backs, brushed aluminum dash and door trim, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel bearing the Shelby logo.
  • Safety Features: A two-point roll bar anchors inertia-reel harnesses, enhancing occupant safety during spirited driving.

These carefully crafted interior elements not only distinguish the 1967 Shelby GT500 from standard Mustangs but also contribute to its enduring legacy as an icon of American automotive design.

Pricing and Auction Values

The market value of a 1967 Shelby GT500 varies significantly based on factors such as condition, originality, provenance, and specific configurations.

Current Market Values:

  • Standard Models: Prices typically range from $150,000 to $200,000. For instance, Hagerty's Valuation Tools lists a 1967 Shelby GT500 in #3 (Good) condition at approximately $154,000.
  • Exceptional Examples: Vehicles with unique histories or rare configurations can command higher prices. Notably, a 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake sold for $2.2 million at a Mecum auction in 2019.
  • Modern Reproductions: Companies like Revology Cars offer modern reproductions of the 1967 GT500, starting at $358,020.
  • Notable Sales: A freshly restored 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback, finished in factory-correct Dark Moss Green, was estimated between $300,000 and $400,000 at an RM Sotheby's auction in 2024.

Highly Desirable

The 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is more than just a car—it’s a piece of American muscle car history. With its big-block power, aggressive styling, and limited production numbers, it has earned its place as one of the most sought-after Mustangs of all time.

For collectors, owning a GT500 represents the pinnacle of the Shelby legacy. Whether it’s a meticulously restored example or a survivor car waiting for a revival, the GT500 remains a highly desirable investment with a bright future in the classic car market.