One of the legendary names in the car industry is Carroll Shelby, a retired race car driver and automotive designer. Born in Texas in 1923, Shelby is still active in the automotive industry, lending his talents to producing special versions of select cars including the Ford Mustang.

Carroll Shelby

The original Shelby Mustang was built from 1965 to 1970 and again from 2007 on to this present day. Whether one of the original models or a contemporary Shelby, each variant showcases Mustangs which are more powerful than the stock models. Indeed, some call the current crop of Mustangs supercars, recognizing that these vehicles can keep up with the best of them. But this article is about the initial run of Shelbys, not today’s road beast.

The initial run of Shelby Mustangs were powered by a 4.7L (289 cubic inch) V8 engine and paired with either a three-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmission. Sold as GT350 or GT500 models, the first model was sold only in white and had its battery placed in the trunk, and included over rider traction bars, relocated A-arms, and other important modifications.

From 1966 on, the Shelby Mustang welcomed additional colors including black, blue, green, and red. Quarter panel rear windows replace the factory spec vents while functional brake scoops were used. Optionally, buyers could choose a Paxton supercharger. The battery was placed back underneath the hood, the traction bars discontinued, and a fold down rear seat became standard.

Colorful Engines

Lift the hood of those early year Shelby Mustangs and what you would find is an engine block painted black (1965) or blue (1966-1970). An optional no-spin slip differential was made available from 1966 and various color schemes were rolled out.

So what distinguished the GT350 from the GT500? That would be the engine choices. The very first model offered the 289 cubic inch engine only but in subsequent years three more engines were added to the Shelby Mustang line. The 4.7L was replaced by a 4.9L in 1968 and that engine represented the GT350. The GT500 was originally powered by a 390 cubic inch (6.4L) V8, but in later enjoyed the 428 cubic inch (7.0L) engine.

Shelby Leaves

Carroll Shelby discontinued his relationship with Ford in the summer of 1969, but his name was still affixed to 1970 model year Shelby Mustangs although those were, in fact, based on the 1969 model.

Years went by and Shelby found work elsewhere including lending his name to a number of Dodge modifications thanks to Lee Iacocca’s invitiation. Iacocca launched the Ford Mustang but when he was dismissed by the automaker he sought shelter at the Chrysler Corporation.

Shelby Returns

By 2006, Shelby and Ford decided to renew their relationship with Carroll Shelby agreeing to lend his name to a concept Shelby GT-H model which appeared at the New York International Auto Show that year. Received with rave reviews, the two parties inked a deal with the 2007 model year welcoming the return of the Shelby Mustang.

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