1967 Ford Mustang GT350 Tribute

Description

Some of our favorite cars are those that were never built but could have been. Experts will surely tell us that Shelby didn't start building convertibles until 1968, but if they'd been doing drop-tops in 1967, this GT350 tribute might be the result.

This was clearly a no-holds-barred build with incredible attention to detail, making this Mustang spiritually very close to its Shelby cousins. All the important stuff is there, including a fiberglass hood, nose, quarter panel scoops, and even the trunk lid, so it will definitely get its share of double-takes from the non-experts. The most distinctive feature are the close-set driving lights in the center of the grille, which, of course, were outlawed early in 1967 Shelby production yet still offer the coolest Mustang look, well, since ever. Hood pins, proper GT350 emblems and stripes, and the coiled-snake badges all reinforce the idea that this is a car that could have lived and breathed in 1967. Nice chrome bumpers add a touch of upscale class to the Shelby's bare-knuckles attitude and having seen this car in the flesh, we have to wonder why Shelby took so long to getting around to building one.

The interior strikes just the right balance between sporting and elegant that Shelby aimed for when they built the GT500, and this GT350 gets the benefits. The two-tone blue upholstery is familiar Mustang fare, along with the blue carpets and beautifully finished door panels with bright inserts. However, the wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel is drop-dead gorgeous and really transforms the interior from average to spectacular. Then there's the roll bar behind the seats, a familiar Shelby styling device that's more style than structure, but who cares when it looks this good! Beautifully restored gauges, an original AM radio, and a matching wooden shifter handle all confirm that this was a very expensive build, not some guy's backyard hack job. The blue convertible top stows easily under a matching boot and the trunk is properly outfitted with a proper mat and full-sized spare tire with cover.

The essence of the GT350 was a cackling small block, and this convertible doesn't disappoint with a 289 cubic inch V8. Fire it up and it has a definite performance sound with the wonderful whir of a solid lifter camshaft working away inside and the snarky small block practically defined Mustang performance in the early days. It's dressed in finned Cobra valve covers and an open-element air cleaner, and sports Shelby-esque upgrades like the export brace between the fenders to stiffen the front end. It's also got power steering, a welcome addition even to the relatively lightweight Mustang and everything connected to it appears new. Long-tube headers feed a Magnaflow stainless steel dual exhaust system that sounds spectacular and the C4 3-speed automatic isn't a demerit in this convertible, which loves to cruise. An 8-inch rear end is properly detailed with a red oxide center section and the floors are wearing satin black so the new components really pop when you glance underneath. Reproduction Shelby 10-spoke alloy wheels are perhaps the best-looking of all Mustang wheels and they're thoughtfully wrapped in F70-15 Firestone Wide Oval bias-ply tires for the period-perfect look.

No, Shelby didn't build any 1967 GT350 convertibles, but perhaps they should have. After seeing how great this one looks and how superbly it runs, you'll forget about pedigrees and investments and instead just start having a blast with your favorite mythical Mustang. Call today!