1967 SHELBY GT500

This genuine Shelby GT500 is a fully restored example of the iconic American muscle car, finished in arguably the most handsome colour scheme for the model, and boasting exceptional attention to detail. Under the bonnet is the numbers-matching Ford 428 PI V8 (7.0-litre), fed by twin Holley four-barrel carburettors on an aluminium manifold, producing up to 355bhp and 420lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a C3 three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer indicates 30,279 miles.

Not to be confused with replicas, recreations, or otherwise standard cars with upgraded engines and aesthetics, this is an authentic and numbers-matching Shelby GT500; one of 2,048 examples built in 1967, of which only 53 were built with this paint/trim combination, and only 25 of those had the automatic transmission. Featuring the ‘Police Interceptor’ V8, it also sports the correct bodywork, including fibreglass for the front end, bonnet, tail light panel, rear deck lid, and the side scoops. The only modification to the factory specification is the installation of a hidden alarm system and GPS tracker.

This particular GT500 has an intriguing history. It was delivered from the factory to London, Ontario, Canada, where it was supplied via Rankin Ford Sales Ltd. The first owner on record, Mr Richman, purchased the car in November 1967, and it remained in his possession for around two years. His account of the matter states that he took an Alfa Romeo for an extended test drive one weekend in 1969 from the main dealer in London, Ontario, and left the GT500 as collateral. When he returned, the dealer had sold the car, and he was forced to keep the Alfa.

In 1971, the car is reported to have been purchased by Mr Scaife of Ingersoll, Ontario, and it remained in the same family for the next 43 years. However, it is understood that the car was only driven on the road for around seven years, before being parked up in a barn in 1978. It was not discovered again until 2008 - two years after Mr Scaife Snr passed away - when the police had found the vehicle and tried to track down its owner.

The car had been passed on to Mr Scaife’s son by inheritance, and some initial restoration of the Shelby was undertaken, including an engine and transmission rebuild. When the son ran out of funds to complete the project, it was subsequently sold on to another Ontario resident, Mr Murphy, in July 2014. The car was exported to the US in 2015, passing through the hands of another owner in Connecticut, and a Shelby Mustang specialist in Massachusetts.

In December 2015, it was purchased by the current owner, and was shipped to New Zealand. It was then sent to Classic & American Restoration Services in Pukekohe, NZ, and a total ground-up nut-and-bolt restoration was commenced. It was completely refurbished to its original factory specifications, using the Marti report from Ford’s factory records and the original order information.

A concours award-winning two-year restoration followed, and the Shelby GT500 subsequently featured on the cover of New Zealand Classic Car magazine in June 2018. The car was exported to the UK around the same time as the owner relocated, and it is now taxes-paid and re-registered on British number plates.

Today, the bodywork and paint remain in outstanding condition. During the restoration, much of the metalwork and other panels were renewed due to corrosion, including the wings, wheel arches, the floor, rails, rockers, and the door skins. It was refinished in the striking hue of Dark Moss Green, which now presents superbly, as shown in the photo gallery. The car rides on the correct 15-inch 10-spoke deluxe wheels, which are in great shape.

Inside, the car is fitted with the original style Black Décor bucket seats, and the upholstery is in superb order throughout. There are no scuffs, marks or other damage, and the finish is period-correct and beautifully crafted. The interior trims, dashboard panel, and of course the classic wood-rimmed steering wheel, are all in excellent condition. The vendor reports that all switchgear is currently working as it should, and there are no known faults.

Its last mechanical work was carried out at an indicated 29,135 miles, when GK Automotive & Reconditioning in New Zealand carried out a full engine rebuild - and the car has covered just 1,100 miles since then. All four tyres are in excellent condition, with around 80% of their tread remaining.

Accompanying this GT500 are copies of the original production order, vehicle order selection sheet and prices, and the accessory price list. There is also Shelby American Inc. authenticity paperwork, not to mention the all-important Marti Report that confirms the factory specification, and the fact that it retains its original numbers-matching engine. A period-correct reproduction owner’s manual is also present, and the car’s history is well-documented, as outlined above.

With just 2,048 examples originally built, the Shelby GT500 is a rare American muscle car. It finds new fans across the generations, with its handsome styling and legendary nameplate, and always turns heads at shows and on the road. The chance to own such an impeccably restored example is surely an unmissable opportunity for serious collectors and enthusiasts.

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