Chassis no. 67400F4A01013

428-cid, 355-hp OHV V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and front-disc, rear-drum power hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 108-inches

When Ford decided to make a serious performance Mustang, they went to Carroll Shelby, whose Ford-engined Cobras were setting the world on fire. They sent Shelby a white 1965 Fastback, without rear seats or hood. He worked his magic with the 289 engine, coaxing it to 306 horsepower, and put on a fiberglass hood with a functional scoop. A blue stripe was applied to lower side, with bold “GT 350” aft of the front wheel opening. A more ambitious program began in 1966. GT 350s became available in red, green, blue and black. During the year, hoods were changed to steel because the fiberglass was proving troublesome.

Nineteen sixty-seven brought a mildly re-contoured Mustang body. Shelby took out the grille, and put a pair of high beam lights in the cavity. Tail lights were replaced by rectangular units, and air scoops were punched into the side coves, ahead of the rear wheels. But the big news was the GT 500, with the 428-cubic inch engine used in that year’s Shelby Cobra. With 10.5 to 1 compression and a Holley four-barrel it made 355-hp. A four-speed manual was standard, but the C-6 automatic could be ordered. It proved more popular than the GT 350, with 2,050 built. Shelby Automotive, however, had outgrown their California plant. At the end of the 1967 production year, the final assembly operation was moved to Michigan.

One of the last California-built Shelbys, this GT 500 was originally delivered to Quebec, Canada, in March 1967. Repatriated to the United States in 1969, it was stored for a decade in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York. Purchased by a new owner in 1980, with 42,000 miles showing, it was repainted in the original colors.

In 2003, a more extensive restoration was begun. All glass and trim were removed for painting and the drive train was brought up to new condition.

As presented here, the car has a new limited-slip differential, gears and dual-friction clutch. The interior is original except for the door panels, as are the inner fenders, which are also original, all in perfect condition. So too, is the fiberglass hood, trunk lid and front valance. The lower side ducts are open and functionally cool the brakes, which was not always the case with Shelbys.

Equipped with power steering, power brakes, under-dash ammeter and oil pressure gauges and an AM radio, the car has black vinyl upholstery and the characteristic white paint with blue LeMans stripes. Body contours are excellent as is the paint. The brightwork shows just a few scratches on the rear bumper. The engine compartment is correctly detailed without being overdone, and the undercarriage is sanitary in black

Accompanied by Shelby American Registry documentation, this is a very rare GT 500, not only because of its California birthplace but because of its largely original condition. Finished in Wimbledon White with the blue LeMans racing stripe, inboard fog lights and a fold-down rear seat, it is presented in an extremely desirable configuration. Its appearance in this sale presents an opportunity not to be missed.