The 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 is an iconic American muscle car that was produced by Ford Motor Company in collaboration with Carroll Shelby. The car is a tribute to the original Shelby GT-500 and features many of the same design elements and performance features that made the original so popular.
A Look into the Iconic 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500
The 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 is a highly sought-after muscle car that has become an icon in the automotive industry. It was designed and built by Carroll Shelby’s Shelby American, a high-performance car manufacturer known for its contributions to Ford’s racing program in the 1960s.
The Shelby GT-500 was introduced as an upgrade to the Mustang GT model and featured a more powerful engine, suspension upgrades, and distinctive exterior styling. The GT-500 was equipped with a 428 cubic inch (7.0-liter) V8 engine that produced 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful muscle cars of its time.
The exterior of the Shelby GT-500 featured several unique design elements, including a vented hood with twin scoops, a blacked-out front grille, and racing stripes. The car also had a more aggressive stance thanks to its lowered suspension and wider tires.
Inside, the Shelby GT-500 featured a stylish and functional interior with bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a tachometer mounted on the center console.
The 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and desirable muscle cars of all time. Its combination of power, style, and performance has made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Unique Qualities of the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500
The 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 is a true classic car that boasts unique qualities, including:
- Striking design: The Shelby GT-500 is instantly recognizable with its sleek and aggressive fastback design, dual racing stripes, and iconic Shelby badging.
- Powerful engine: The Shelby GT-500 is powered by a 428 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine that produces an impressive 360 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
- Performance enhancements: The Shelby GT-500 features numerous performance enhancements, including a high-flow air cleaner, an aluminum intake manifold, a four-barrel carburetor, and a dual exhaust system.
- Superior handling: The Shelby GT-500 comes equipped with a heavy-duty suspension system, larger front disc brakes, and a quick-ratio steering box, making it a top performer in terms of handling and maneuverability.
- Rarity: Only 1,044 1968 Shelby GT-500s were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after classic car.
- Legacy: The 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 was made famous by the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” and has become a beloved icon in the world of classic cars.
Performance Highlights of the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500
The 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 was a performance-oriented muscle car that boasted impressive performance numbers for its time. Here are some of its key performance highlights:
- Engine: The GT-500 was powered by a 428 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Cobra Jet V8 engine, which was rated at 360 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: The GT-500 came standard with a four-speed manual transmission, with an optional three-speed automatic transmission available.
- Acceleration: The GT-500 was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of around 130 mph.
- Braking: The GT-500 featured front disc brakes, which were a relatively new technology at the time and provided improved stopping power compared to drum brakes.
- Suspension: The GT-500 featured a heavy-duty suspension system with larger shocks and sway bars, which provided improved handling and cornering capabilities.
- Exhaust: The GT-500 featured a dual exhaust system with chrome tips, which not only looked great but also provided a deep, rumbling exhaust note.
Overall, the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 was a well-rounded performance machine that offered impressive power, handling, and braking capabilities for its time.
Uncovering the History of the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500
The 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 was introduced as a high-performance variant of the Mustang by the Ford Motor Company. It was designed in collaboration with the legendary race car driver and car designer Carroll Shelby.
The first-generation Mustang, which was introduced in 1964, was a huge success for Ford. It sold over one million units in its first two years of production, and it was clear that the Mustang had struck a chord with car buyers. Shelby was already working with Ford, having designed the Shelby Cobra, and was brought on board to help develop the Mustang into a high-performance sports car.
The 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 was the second iteration of the Shelby Mustang, following the success of the 1967 model. The 1968 model featured a number of improvements over the previous year’s model, including a restyled front end and revised suspension. The GT-500 also featured a powerful 428 cubic inch V8 engine, which was capable of producing up to 360 horsepower.
The 1968 model year also marked the end of Shelby’s partnership with Ford. Shelby’s company, Shelby American, had been responsible for the design and production of the Shelby Mustangs, but by 1968, Ford had decided to bring the production in-house. This meant that the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 was the last Shelby Mustang to be produced under the original partnership.
Despite this, the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 remains a highly sought-after car among collectors and enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful performance and iconic styling.
Bringing the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 Back to Life
Restoring a classic car like the 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 is a labor of love, and requires a great deal of skill and attention to detail. Here are some steps that may be involved in bringing this iconic car back to life:
- Disassembly: The first step is to completely disassemble the car, taking note of all parts and components that will need to be replaced or repaired.
- Bodywork: The body of the car will need to be stripped of its old paint, and any rust or damage will need to be repaired.
- Engine rebuild: The 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 has a powerful V8 engine that will likely need to be completely rebuilt. This includes replacing worn-out parts, cleaning and inspecting the engine components, and installing new pistons, bearings, and seals.
- Suspension and brakes: The suspension and brakes will also need to be inspected and replaced as necessary.
- Electrical system: The electrical system will need to be checked and repaired or replaced, as needed.
- Interior restoration: The interior of the car will need to be cleaned, repaired, and restored to its original condition. This may include replacing upholstery, carpet, and other components.
- Paint and finish: Once all the repairs and replacements are made, the car will need to be repainted and finished to its original color and style.
- Reassembly: Finally, all of the restored and rebuilt components will be reassembled and the car will be test-driven to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Overall, restoring a 1968 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT-500 requires a lot of time, effort, and expertise, but the end result is a classic car that is not only beautiful to look at, but a joy to drive.
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