| 1967 Shelby GT500CSS Notchback Coupe | |||||||||||||||||
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| Description: Following the great success of the first Shelbys, in 1967 Ford and Shelby began considering the expansion of the model line to include convertibles and notchbacks. Toward that end, a Bright Red early-production 390 notchback Mustang was delivered to Shelby to test the concept. Nicknamed “Little Red”, it was given Shelby serial number 67411H900131 and commandeered by Shelby American’s Chief Engineer Fred Goodell for use as a daily driver. One of the first modifications performed on the car was an upgrade to the interior that included black Connally leather upholstery and mouton carpeting, materials normally seen only in upscale European GT and touring cars. The most important changes took place under the hood however, where a series of increasingly powerful engine and transmission combinations were tested over time. In its final configuration the car was fitted with a 428 breathing through twin Paxton superchargers. Shelby tested the car’s appeal to the public by displaying it at the 1967 Los Angeles Auto Show, where it met with enthusiastic reviews. It also saw regular use by friends like Bill Cosby, and the Shelby-friendly automotive press, most notably Charles Fox, who reviewed “Little Red” in the pages of Car and Driver. It was on hand again for the 1968 Shelby & Ford Performance Dealer show at Riverside Raceway. While the plucky notchback never made it to official Shelby status, it did make a lasting impression as the inspiration for the famous 1968 GT/CS “California Special” series of Mustangs. “Little Red” was eventually shipped to Ford Headquarters in Dearborn, and finally to Kar Kraft, where it followed past abandoned prototypes into the crusher, seemingly gone forever. “Little Red” has now been resurrected as a new series of Legendary GT Shelby Continuation cars, licensed by Carroll Shelby and built to the specifications that defined the original. The first new “Little Red” is finished in Bright Red and wears “Shelby GT500” badges on the padded black vinyl top. White sill stripes announce the new “G.T.500C.S.S.” designation. Informed collectors will note the unique louvers in the twin-nostril fiberglass hood, the wide-set twin-light grille treatment and the color-keyed Shelby 10-spoke wheels of the original. Inside, the custom interior treatment includes special Legends GT trim and stitched logos, wood-rimmed GT500 tilt steering wheel, special Shelby dash cluster, brushed metal dash and door accents and, of course, Carroll Shelby’s personal autograph. As throughout the rest of this great machine, parts and components are carefully restored or NOS stock from official Shelby suppliers. Though many different engines were tested in the original, this one uses the tried-and-true 428 with special large-valve Le Mans heads, Holley 750cfm four-barrel and single-plane aluminum intake manifold. The custom-built C6 automatic and 3.5:1 Detroit Locker rear end complete the powertrain. A large-diameter Cobra Jet exhaust system eliminates the stock crossover muffler for vastly improved scavenging. The Ford air-conditioning unit is as original, as are the crinkle-finish valve covers and air cleaner. Handling and braking are amply suited to the big-block’s power, with heavy-duty springs, Koni shock absorbers and power-assisted large-diameter front disc and rear drum brakes. Licensed by Carroll Shelby, recognized by the Shelby American Automobile Club and eligible for the World Shelby Registry, “Little Red” is a genuine Shelby treasure. |
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