The modified 1967 pony car will be up for auction at the Mecum Auctions Indy Fall Special on October 7, after restoration work is finished in 2021.

The millions of Mustangs produced simply by virtue of their affiliation with Ol’ Shel’s race-winning sports vehicle were enhanced by the Shelby Mustang, which was derived from Ford’s popular pony car. Regretfully, the original Shelby Mustang was a transient species, much like the fruit fly. The Shelby G.T.350 made its debut in 1965, and although vehicles with the G.T.350 and G.T.500 namesake were produced until 1970, only the first three model years are truly considered to be “authentic” Shelbys. I was told it by Carroll Shelby himself once.

Production was moved back to Ioina, Michigan for the 1968 model year. Based on the author’s assessment, the 1968 and 1969/1970 versions were primarily customized Mustangs, with the latter having several NACA vents installed on the hood. On the other hand, a particularly intriguing transitional vehicle was the 1967 Shelby. Compared to its 1965 and 1966 predecessors, it was much larger. It came with a 428 ci V-8 engine as well as the amazing 289 ci small-block V-8, which was in its last year. The 1967 Shelby G.T.500 was the ideal vehicle for individuals who held the view that “cubic inches are irreplaceable.” They wouldn’t be let down either.

A very unusual 1967 Shelby G.T.500 will go up for auction at the Mecum Auctions Indy Fall unusual on Saturday, October 7, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Two thousand and forty-eight of the 3,225 Shelbys produced for 1967 were big-block vehicles. With the exception of one convertible prototype—later dubbed “Big Red”—all were fastback coupes that came before the well-liked 1968 soft-top model.

Both models had the same dramatic appearance, with an expanded fiberglass front and an upswept spoiler at the back. Identifiable as anything other than a regular Mustang were the broad fiberglass bonnet scoop, ahead of each rear wheel, and scoops on the C-pillars. Utilizing the Mercury Cougar’s rear taillights as a model, the car’s broad rear stance was accentuated. A pair of intimidating high-beam lights that were positioned in the center of the mesh grille were really impressive to see when viewed in the rearview mirror.

The Ford Police Interceptor engine, large brakes, and agile handling characterized the G.T.500 as a true sports vehicle, even though it was larger and more opulent than its utilitarian predecessor. Surmounted by a pair of Holley 650 cfm carburetors mounted on an aluminum intake manifold, the big-block was officially rated at 355 horsepower and 420 ft lbs of torque; nevertheless, these were somewhat cautious figures considering the era. The large Shelby was a fast car for the time, good for a 14.3-second quarter mile, and for $4,195, it was also somewhat of a bargain.

The big-block ’67 is a legendary muscle vehicle that, along with the ’65 G.T.350, might be the cornerstone of any Shelby collection. After a refurbishment in 2021, this Shelby No. 00706 was painted in Nightmist Blue with white Le Mans stripes by Legendary Motorcar. The color choice is excellent because it highlights the fastback lines and goes well with the unusual

The original heads are included in the sale, however the 428 ci V-8 engine, manufactured by Survival Motorsports’ Barry Rabotnick, features a new block and heads dated January 1967. Furthermore, this automobile was designed with motoring purists in mind, as evidenced by the stock roll bar and four-speed manual transmission. Copies of the dealer invoice and window sticker are included, and it is registered in the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry.