Is this the first '67 Shelby GT350 ever built?
When Ford threw a new challenge at Shelby American with the 1967 Mustang, restyled and enlarged to accommodate the 390 big-block, Shelby American took advantage of the opportunity to revamp its Shelby Mustang, which would be offered for the first time as both a small-block GT350 and big-block GT500. With design assistance from Ford, a new fibreglass front nose and rear end with spoiler and Thunderbird-style tail lights provided the 1967 Shelby with a distinctively different appearance compared to the plain-Jane Mustang.
Early in 1966, Ford built a 1967 Shelby prototype in Dearborn and shipped it to California so Shelby American could develop its build processes, which included the installation of the fibreglass body components, grille with centre-mounted high-beam headlights, performance springs and shocks, upper and lower side scoops, 15-inch wheels and tyres, and other unique parts. On October 19, Shelby American completed the first two regular-production GT350s, including this Wimbledon White fastback with blue stripes.
As one of the first completed 1967 Shelby GT350s, it is equipped with many early production parts, including a hand-built, one-piece grille; flat tail-light panel; and 4-point roll bar. The 'inboard' headlights in the grille were intended for all 1967 Shelbys until information surfaced that they were illegal in some states, resulting in a later version with 'outboard' lights. The red marker lights in the upper scoops are also indicative of early 1967 production; they are found only on the first 200 cars.
Mecum Auctions will be offering this very special Mustang at their upcoming Kissimmee auction on the 14th January, the estimated value is between $200,000 – $250,000. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions.