For sale by auction on Saturday 24thNovember 2012 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey.

There are cars that always give the aura of undiluted power. The Shelby Mustang is a high performance iant of the Ford Mustang which was built by Shelby American from 1965 through to 1970. For 1967, the GT350 carried over the K-Code high performance 289 powerplant with a 'COBRA' aluminium hi-rise. The GT500 was then added to the line-up. These later cars carried over few of the performance modifications of the 1965-66 GT350s although they did feature more cosmetic changes. For 1967 Shelby Mustangs got progressive rate springs that were comfortable on the motorways but stiffened as they were compressed to give good handling. A special front anti-roll bar was fitted along with Gabriel adjustable shocks.

The new big block Shelby Mustang was the GT500. It was powered by Ford's hydraulic lifter 10:1 compression, 428ci, V8 with the long duration, high-lift police interceptor camshaft. It was rated at a conservative 355 horsepower but actually pumped out some 50hp more while generating 420lb-ft of tire scorching torque. Power front disc, rear drum brakes and power steering were mandatory options along with roll bar mounted inertia reel shoulder harnesses and fold down rear seats. The 1967 Shelby Mustangs came with the full complement of scoops as well as unique fiberglass hood, nose and rear deck. In 1967 there really was nothing that could surpass the Shelby GT500; it over-powered the competition both on and off the track.

The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 offered here is one of the very desirable early cars displaying all of the early model year options that were discontinued by the year's end. This modern day icon was sourced and imported in 1988 by Dream Cars of Redhill. Only 2,048 GT500's were built in this year meaning very few original examples are now left.

The Shelby number and all important Ford VIN number cross match and vehicle has been confirmed as correct and present on the Shelby register. As one of the early 1967 cars, it is also fitted with the desirable and rarely seen inboard lights; a feature that was later removed on account of the generally difficult California DMV regulations. Another feature of note includes the low, side mounted fiberglass scoops which are fully functional for brake cooling, a much needed feature that was, again, eliminated during 1967 production. The 'Shelby' part of the car includes a roll-over bar, twin instrument housing on the centre consul as well as the 140mph speedometer.

Since arriving in the UK in 1998 it has had extensive maintenance work carried out along with any bodywork that was required, however the emphasis has been on reliability rather than just the stunning looks that it naturally has. Works include the removal and overhaul of the engine, replacement of suspension, complete renewal of braking system, upgrading of cooling system (to include twin Kenlow's and twin oil coolers), replacement of steering and water pumps along with a new exhaust system and steering box with most of the work carried out by local Mustang specialists.

Set up to be used regularly on European trips, this stunning example has been taken to ious race meetings this year the Le Man Classic (4th time), Dijon race circuit, Spa, Chimay as well as several other UK circuits including regular visits to the Goodwood breakfast club.

Much admired.

http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2012-11-24/car/ford-shelbby-mustang.aspx