Historically significant GT 500 was the first and only 1967 big-block GT convertible and one of two Shelby GTs classified as 1968 prototypes.
Initially assigned to Carroll Shelby as his personal driver, this unique GT 500 convertible (VIN # 0139) was originally Candyapple Red, top, and repainted Wimbledon White, above, in 1967 for its second photo shoot (Hollywood Park horse track). Today it wears its original color and is in Brian Styles’ impressive muscle car collection. It is arguably the rarest and most significant drop-top muscle car. The first production GT convertibles were 1968 models.
Fortunately I was at the 1968 Ford Long Lead Press Preview on July 6, 1967 at Riverside International Raceway representing Hi-Performance CARS magazine and photographed and rode in the prototype convertible, above. I also got to drive and photograph the Acapulco Blue GT 500 coupe that Carroll Shelby brought with the convertible. Riverside was a popular venue for Ford press events back in the day.
Styles’ one-off prototype GT 500 convertible, special ordered by Shelby American as a 1967 model in August, 1966, was designated “Company Car – Engineering Proto” and was assigned inventory #062. It was one of three big-block GT 500s ordered, the first production Shelby Mustangs to receive big-block dual-quad 428 Police Interceptor engines, above. All three, built at the San Jose, CA plant, were also equipped with C-6 automatics, AC, power steering & brakes, emission controls, AM pushbutton radios, tinted glass and black interiors.
By spring 1967, the convertible was transformed into a “1968 Styling Prototype” and fitted with unique fiberglass hood, front end and tail light panel, above, top, Al Rogers (MCACN 2011) photo. B&W photo, above, was taken in April 1967 for Shelby American advertising & marketing. Shelby’s mission was to create the convertible that would be available as a 1968 production model. Photos of this car were used in marketing and advertising promotions, the first appearing in Car Life, Playboy and Road & Track. It later disappeared in the Ford system and was eventually sold off at a Ford Employee Auction.
While the 428 big-block in the convertible was originally equipped with dual Holley quads (Standard Equipment on 1967 GT 500), VIN # 0139 represents the only factory-built GT 500 convertible with a dual four-barrel big-block. It is one of only two 1967 model year Shelby GT Mustangs to be classified as “1968 Prototypes.” Photo, above, one-off '68 prototype convertible with '68 Mustang "Pilot Car" at Riverside Press event.
For more information about this unique Shelby muscle car, please visit,
http://www.1967shelbyconvertible.com/
Check out the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC), http://www.saac.com/
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