1967 Ford Mustang GT350 Tribute

Description

Experts will note that Shelby wasn't building convertibles in 1967 (they came when Ford took over production in 1968) but this 1967 GT350 tribute is an awesome "what if" car that nails the Shelby look and fortifies it with plenty of horsepower and luxury features to make it a wonderful grand touring machine.

When you build a Shelby, you can't go wrong with Wimbledon White bodywork, and it looks particularly good on the aggressively styled 1967 models. During the build, this one received all the Shelby body parts that would have gone into a real 1967 Shelby GT350 convertible and after seeing it in the flesh, you have to wonder why it didn't happen. From the more pointed nose to the twin nostrils on the fiberglass hood, this car has a ton of road presence and looks fast just sitting still. Out back the spoiler was integrated into the rear fascia in such a way as to totally obscure the Mustang underneath, and, of course, a set of sequential Thunderbird taillights makes it cool to see at night. Paint quality is good, not completely show quality and with some touch-ups, but you can't argue with the look and for a car that begs to be driven, you're not going to pick nits. The GT350 stripes along the rockers add some welcome contrast to the all-white ragtop and correct Shelby badges have been installed in their rightful places throughout. The only chrome on the car is the bumpers, which are in great condition and look sharp against the shiny white paint.

The parchment interior is a very attractive contrast to the usual black, and in a convertible, the lighter color is a much better idea. The low-back buckets have reproduction seat covers on them that look great and there's a Shelby console between them, complete with embossed snake logo on top. A wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel completely transforms the Mustang's interior, giving it a rich, upscale look, and the inclusion of factory A/C means this convertible is an all-weather friend. The factory gauges are in excellent condition with bright markings and clear lenses, and they're joined by an aftermarket oil pressure gauge tucked under the dash. Other features include a tilt steering column, AM/FM radio, and a white power convertible top with distinctive split rear window and a matching parchment boot. The trunk is outfitted with a reproduction plait mat, so it looks right, too.

Small block GT350s have always been about handling, and the 289 cubic inch V8 in this car provides plenty of grunt without weighing down the nose. It's dressed in Ford Blue with Cobra valve covers, so it certainly looks the part, and the chrome open-element air cleaner looks correct. A modern A/C compressor ensures a reliable flow of cool air with R134a refrigerant inside, and this car came with factory power steering, a desirable feature in any car with V8 power. It starts easily and runs like a Ford small block should, with the C4 3-speed automatic clicking off reliable, smooth shifts and powering what appears to be the original 8-inch rear end. The stance is just right for a Shelby and those beautiful Torque Thrust style wheels on 225/50/16 BFG radials are an excellent choice that fits with the Shelby theme.

We love cars like this Shelby that give us a taste of what could have been. For the Shelby look without the Shelby price tag, tributes like this are hard to beat. Call today!