Early Ford

Early Shelby Mustang History

Carroll Shelby was a racing legend even before its entry into the history books as a Ford Mustang tuner. Its victory at Le Mans and fame behind the wheel of Allards is what drove Ford to turn to him the effort of turning the sports coupe Mustang into a racing car truth.
While the figures Shelby Mustang production is low, the influence of these cars had in the industry is impressive. It started a tradition of legends racing and automobile manufacturers resulting special production vehicles in a small number of very broad appeal. While Shelby ended his relatonship in the 70 Ford, their paths cross again when in 2005 Ford launched the latest version of the legend of the Mustang.

1965 The first Mustang

The first version of the Shelby Mustang appeared in 1965. All were painted 1965 Shelby Ford "Wimbledon White" with the option to watch blue stripes. Although most of the 1965 Shelby is on the road today have Le Mans stripes, less than forty percent of the 1965 GT 350s already equipped with them. All the 350s rocker panel GT stripes appears the GT350 name. The engine was a modified version of K-code 289 V8 Windsor cublic inch valve covers with special "Cobra" tri-Y headers, a special intake manifold and Holley carburetor increased power from 271 to 306 horsepower.

Approximately the first 300 GT 350s produced were "behind battery "cars, ie, the vehicle's batteries were mounted in the trunk. Customer complaints of smoke acid led to the creation of the covers Battery Cobra, acid fumes vented outside the car through the hose out through the trunk floor panels. An estimated 50 1965 GT 350s (Around serial number 200) comes equipped with tops very rare Cobra battery. Vehicle production changed shortly thereafter, leaving the battery in the engine compartment. Today, the most desirable of the early 350 1965 GT are the units with factory installed rear batteries.

1966 Shelby Mustang

The 1966 was different in body color (not white versions were introduced – colors included blue, red, green and black, and the original target) and seat. The "Le Mans" stripes were continued as an option in 1965. Introduced special quarter-panel windows and rear air ball on each side and an optional automatic transmission. The folding rear seat was now standard as well. Where early 1965 cars had black engine blocks 1966 and later cars had the 289 blue motor.

The first 252 GT-350s for 1966 is "drag" cars. They had the 1965 Ford Mustang 1965 Ford Mustang Bodies and serial numbers on their Shelby serial numbers. They had mostly 1965 features as standard Koni shock and painted Motors black. Blue engines did not occur in 1966 until after these 252 "carry-over" models were produced. 1966 production was 1373 Fastbacks including (2) prototypes and (4) drag cars and (252) "carry-over" models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. 1001 Hertz Fastbacks were produced including (2) prototypes. 4 Convertible Also there were a total of 2,378 units for 1966.

Shelby struck a deal with the Hertz Corporation to produce a special line of GT350s for rent which were subsequently sold to the public after their rental car lives were finished. GT350H These cars are very rare and sought after today, with some examples sales of over $ 420,000. Shelby produced 1,000 of these cars: 800 in Raven Black, and 50 each in Candy Apple Red, Wimbledon White, Sapphire Blue and green ivy. All Hertz cars featured gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes. Early "Hertz" cars were available with 4 speed manual transmissions until so many cars were returned rental with burned and broken clutch assemblies that all the later cars shipped to Hertz were equipped with an automatic transmission. These cars tend to be abuse in the early life of hard use in the fleet of hire. Good examples of restoration can be found.

1967 GT350s and GT500s

The new 1967 Mustang was followed up with a new Shelby. It had a 1967 Mercury Cougar chrome rear light panel minus the trim, a flip-up spoiler, and two sets of air scoops on each side. This was also the first American car to feature a factory roll bar. Surfaces such as hood and trunk lid were of fiberglass instead of steel to reduce weight and ease of industrial imports.

This year also saw the introduction of the GT500 alongside the continued GT350. The new GT500 featured a 428 cubic inch big-block V8. This is also one of the most famous Shelby Mustangs.

A modified GT500 clone, known as "Eleanor", appeared with Nicholas Cage in the remake of 2000 Gone in 60 Seconds. This body style modified GT500 is very popular today, and is partially responsible for the resurrection of Shelby Mustang Prices in recent years.

A convertible prototype of the GT500 was made in 1967, which was designated to be destroyed. Before Ford could destroy the prototype, was stolen. The car was eventually recovered and sold as 68.

1968 GT350, GT500 and GT500 KR-

The Mustang Shelby GT350 was powered by a 302 cubic inch V8 while the GT500 is equipped with the huge 428 cubic inch engine Police Interceptor. In February 1968, the GT500-KR became available and was considered the last Shelby. Under the hood was a 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 that produces 360 horsepower. The name means "KR", "King of the road was a quick marketing move by Carroll Shelby, who had caught wind that Chevrolet was about to unleash a marketing campaign that introduced the 1968 Corvette as the 'king of the road. After a quick search of copyright, they found that the "KR" and "king of the road had not been recorded. Stickers, photos, stickers and quickly became Shelby and his team and placed in the new GT500.

1969 and 1970 GT350, GT500
Carroll Shelby terminate his contract with Ford in the summer of 1969. The GT350 and GT500 for the 1969-1970 model years received extensive facelifts, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches. Ford was heavily involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having very little input. Shelby Mustang production ceased with the model year 1970. Models 1970 were in fact left over 1969 models. 1969 Shelby VIN tags were removed and replaced with 1970 Shelby VIN with careful supervision from FBI agents.

27/08/2008 http://autobuynow.info/

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