As the muscle era was heating up, Chevrolet released the all new Camaro, which called for an upgrade to the Mustang to compete. As he had been before, Carroll Shelby was called upon to boost the Mustang’s performance reputation. The slightly larger 1967 Mustang was the perfect platform to introduce big-block power, so the 428 CI Police Interceptor engine found its own home in the GT500. Rated at 355 HP, the Police Interceptor had the same performance camshaft that would later be used in the famed 428 Cobra Jet engine, and it employed dual inline Holley 600 CFM 4-barrel carburetors with progressive linkage and vacuum-actuated secondaries on an aluminum intake manifold. To some, it’s the ultimate muscle car/grand tourer; others love it for being the first Mustang to be powered by the 428, or simply for the beautiful, powerful styling and legendary name associated with it. Whatever the reasoning, there is no denying that the Shelby GT500s are one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time. As per the Shelby registry, this early example was built on March 1, 1967, and shipped new to Shelby authorized dealer Robert J. Poechel Inc., in Oxnard, California. It was ordered in the iconic Nightmist Blue paint color with a Parchment décor interior, which remains one of the most sought-after color combinations, with only 14 examples with an automatic transmission ever produced. As per the Marti report, the car was equipped from the factory with power steering and front disc brakes, Magstar aluminum wheels, the exhaust emission control system, a closed crankcase and a pushbutton radio. Throughout its lifetime, this example has been extremely well kept and remains in highly original condition, having never been completely restored. Underneath, its original red oxide primer can be seen on the undercarriage. This GT500 was previously part of a significant private Shelby American collection boasting only the best, most original and most accurate examples. The car is, of course, listed in the Shelby Registry and comes with documentation from Marti Auto Works, Shelby American Invoices, Shelby Research Group and more. Well-documented and well- equipped, this Shelby GT500 is a highly desirable example of one of the most sought-after muscle cars of all time.
