Ever the opportunist, Carroll Shelby took advantage of Ford’s decision to enlarge the engine bay of its redesigned 1967 Mustang. While Ford stopped at a factory-fitted 390 cu. in. V-8, Shelby’s new GT500 made use of the conservatively rated, 355-horsepower 428 cu. in. V-8 with a pair of four-barrel carburetors. Actual power output was more in the neighborhood of 400 hp.

Knowing how customers would use their GT500s, Shelby fitted the new model with an integrated rollbar. The Mustang’s standard grille was discarded and inboard foglights were installed in its place. At the rear, Shelby added Thunderbird-sourced sequential taillights, giving the GT500 a distinctive look. Of course, the now-characteristic Le Mans stripes remained part of the package.

Just 2,048 examples of the first GT500 were built, including this example. Sold new to a San Francisco owner on April 15, 1967, it eventually made its way through a few Midwestern owners. Today, it presents beautifully after a restoration to exacting standards by Eurosport Automotive in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Underneath, no screw was left unturned in Eurosport’s quest to detail it to Mustang Club of America show standards including correct red oxide with proper overspray.

Looking as it did back in April of 1967, it features correct magstar wheels and Goodyear Polyglas tires, with matching spare. The interior features the correct Shelby gauges, shoulder harnesses, a original wood steering wheel and an AM radio. This car’s confidential number has been verified by Shelby American Automobile Club.