GT500 Retro to Modern
Modern vs. Original Mustang Shelby
Do you prefer brand new vehicles or older model vehicles? This is a question often asked
and talked about when searching or buying the right vehicle. In this essay I will contrast the
differences from the original early model years to the modern manufactured Mustang Shelby as
seen today. In my opinion nothing compares to a classic, even if it is faster.
It all began nearly fifty years ago when automotive legend Carroll Shelby was approached by Ford and asked to make the 65’ Mustang a high performance racer. Shelby and his company, Shelby American, accepted the job without hesitation in hopes to publicize his company and began work on the very first Shelby Mustang in August of 1964. Approximately six months later on January 27th, 1965, the Shelby GT350 was born and made its public debut. In all, 562 GT350’s were built by Shelby and manufactured by Ford throughout the rest of the year (1965). It’s popularity exploded with the public and laid the foundation for what was to come over the following few years.
In 1967, the “Eleanor” Mustang was created, making it the first GT500. An ultimate upgrade in the engine size from a 289 cubic inch block (GT350) to a 427 big block (GT500) provided higher performance in speed from increased horsepower. An article in the Muscle Cars magazine stated, “A perfect blend of sports car and muscle car, the 67’ Shelby GT500 satisfied a maturing taste for high performance and set the tone for generations to come.“ Only four hundred In 1967, the “Eleanor” Mustang was created, making it the first GT500. An ultimate upgrade in the engine size from a 289 cubic inch block (GT350) to a 427 big block (GT500) provided higher performance in speed from increased horsepower. An article in the Muscle Cars magazine stated, “A perfect blend of sports car and muscle car, the 67’ Shelby GT500 satisfied a maturing taste for high performance and set the tone for generations to come.“ Only four hundred
Do you prefer brand new vehicles or older model vehicles? This is a question often asked
and talked about when searching or buying the right vehicle. In this essay I will contrast the
differences from the original early model years to the modern manufactured Mustang Shelby as
seen today. In my opinion nothing compares to a classic, even if it is faster.
It all began nearly fifty years ago when automotive legend Carroll Shelby was approached by Ford and asked to make the 65’ Mustang a high performance racer. Shelby and his company, Shelby American, accepted the job without hesitation in hopes to publicize his company and began work on the very first Shelby Mustang in August of 1964. Approximately six months later on January 27th, 1965, the Shelby GT350 was born and made its public debut. In all, 562 GT350’s were built by Shelby and manufactured by Ford throughout the rest of the year (1965). It’s popularity exploded with the public and laid the foundation for what was to come over the following few years.
In 1967, the “Eleanor” Mustang was created, making it the first GT500. An ultimate upgrade in the engine size from a 289 cubic inch block (GT350) to a 427 big block (GT500) provided higher performance in speed from increased horsepower. An article in the Muscle Cars magazine stated, “A perfect blend of sports car and muscle car, the 67’ Shelby GT500 satisfied a maturing taste for high performance and set the tone for generations to come.“ Only four hundred In 1967, the “Eleanor” Mustang was created, making it the first GT500. An ultimate upgrade in the engine size from a 289 cubic inch block (GT350) to a 427 big block (GT500) provided higher performance in speed from increased horsepower. An article in the Muscle Cars magazine stated, “A perfect blend of sports car and muscle car, the 67’ Shelby GT500 satisfied a maturing taste for high performance and set the tone for generations to come.“ Only four hundred