Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Shelby GT350 Mustang
s/n 67200F2A101406
Nightmist Blue with Black Interior

In 1965, Carroll Shelby put his name on the first K-coded Mustang fastback. The GT 350 packed the potent 289/271 hp engine and a host of other significant performance modifications, resulting in not only a remarkable performance car, but also creating the formula for every performance-based independent car manufacturer. Shelby was a marketing genius, his team knew how to drum up media interest, and with Ford race support, it became clear: if you wanted a capable American performance car that could compete against any of the high priced European offerings, the GT350 was the car to buy. Not only was the GT350 a performance car, utilizing the proven Mustang platform, enthusiasts could enjoy American reliability and sports car handling without worrying about costly maintenance or difficulties acquiring parts.

For 1967, the Mustang was updated and restyled, but the 289 K code powertrain was retained for the new GT350 model. When it came to the body, Shelby and his design team were allowed more money and time to develop unique and more elaborate modifications. Both the GT350 and GT500 received the same body changes which included a fresh new grille, sculpted rear spoiler, unique vents and extractors along the side and sail panels of the car, new alloy wheels, and unique inboard headlights centrally recessed into the grille. Inside, the car a fully integrated roll bar was featured along with a full complement of instrumentation and of course, race inspired amenities.

This particular early series car was completed on March 28, 1967 at the Shelby factory, finished in Nightmist Blue with black interior, 4-speed transmission, and inboard headlamps, then shipped to Larsen Ford, Inc. White Plains, NY on April 3, 1967. The first owner, Jeffrey Haeger of Harrison, NY, purchased the car July 14, 1967. On October 20, 1967, K. Thompson of Cos Cob, CT purchased the car, arranging for warranty repair November 14, 1967. The car further received warranty work on December 8, 1967, replacing a defective headlight switch. A later owner is known to have been Greg Silvestri, Sr of Glen Burnie, MD as indicated in the 1967 Shelby Registry.

The car was purchased in 2003 by Shelby expert Bret Matteson, owner and operator of Cape Cod Mustang and (later) Tango Classic Autos, Raynham, MA. At this time, Matteson inspected this Shelby and found it to be an original GT 350 retaining its original engine. Knowing the car was worthy of restoration, Bret listed it in 2006 at Tango Classic Autos. A customer (the father of the current owner) purchased the car as a restoration project, engaging Matteson to perform the work. Cape Cod Mustang completed a comprehensive restoration, taking the car down to a bare metal shell using media blasting to determine the areas that would need new sheet metal. The doors, fenders, and rear quarter panels were removed while the car was rotisserie prepared for proper body and paintwork. Repairs were made in the rocker panels, trunk floor, transmission tunnel, front floors, and portions of the inner front fenders using new metal, professional welding methods, and correct reproduction stampings. A pair of correctly formed Dynacorn Industries rear quarter panels was sourced and installed while the remaining sheet metal was repaired as needed for reassembly. A coat of Shelby Nightmist Blue metallic was applied, without stripes as originally delivered. All 1967 Shelbys came from the factory without stripes (although stripes were often added at dealerships).

During the restoration process, every effort was made to utilize correct Shelby parts and proper reproduction pieces. Correct factory finishes and hardware were applied throughout the car. Upon completion, the owner brought the car home and stored it in his climate-controlled garage for almost a decade, starting it occasionally but driving it minimally in order to preserve the restoration. As an early production car, this GT 350 features the rare and desirable inboard headlamps, centrally located inside the deeply recessed grille. Later series cars were assembled with outboard headlights due to a California restriction limiting the location of headlights.

After the restoration, the car received additional sorting and adjustments in 2008-2009, and in April of 2017, the car was recommissioned after storage, to include a safety inspection (hoses, electrical system and lights), oil and filter change, transmission and differential fluid changes, brake fluid, and new battery. The car has been driven about 500 miles since. The power steering pump was replaced in December of 2017, and an inoperative tachometer rectified.

Today, this Shelby GT 350 still presents beautifully. The Nightmist Blue paintwork is glossy and was performed to high standards. The hood, doors, and trunk lid show good panel gaps and proper fitting to the body. The exterior chrome and various polished trim, emblems, and badges are all in very good condition, having been correctly restored and finished per original specifications. The glass, lenses, and lighting have very nice factory finishes overall with newer rubber and gasket material installed during the restoration. Some light hazing is evident in the bumper chrome and a few minor surface scratches are visible on the trim pieces, but overall these are minor areas on otherwise very nice exterior trim. The wheels are in very good condition with correctly polished surfaces, showing no significant scratches or marks. Tires are in very good visual condition but are older and likely will need to be replaced should the new owner wish to drive the car extensively.

The interior has been faithfully restored using correct interior components, proper materials, and attention to detail including the aluminum instrument panels, correct contoured dash pad, very nicely finished instruments, and correct heat-pressed door panels. The interior is finished off with low pile carpeting and correct seatbelts as well as the unique Shelby roll bar. The wood rimmed Shelby steering wheel is in excellent condition, nicely accenting the race inspired interior, which invites performance driving.

Under the hood, the original 289/271 HiPo engine has been rebuilt to correct specifications using proper components. The painted finishes have been applied with originality in mind, using correct hardware, hose clamps, hoses, and wiring. The finish overall is very tidy and properly presented without overkill or heavy polish to the original style castings and satin paints. The car was obviously prepared for show, which was done some years ago, but still appears crisp. Under the car, the metalwork appears to have been done properly with correct welding and seam lines wherever possible. There is little evidence of use underneath the car, further confirming the last decade of mostly storage, preserving the restoration.

The car starts easily and runs smoothly, delivering the potent and throaty HiPo V8 sounds that have captured the hearts of generations of performance car lovers. First gear is easily engaged and acceleration is brisk off the line and into the higher revs. The car is very nicely balanced owing, in part, to the lighter V8 engine, allowing for responsive handling in cornering. Steering is power-assisted and therefore light, and the overall driving experience is not demanding. The carburetion is even, the clutch usable, and the overall experience fairly less civilized when pottering around town, and decidedly less civilized when desired. The ride is composed and solid when underway at freeway speeds; tempting even the most reserved driver to stick the long pedal and widen their grin.

This 1967 Shelby GT 350, delivered with inboard headlights, Nightmist Blue metallic paint, and 4-speed transmission is desirably equipped and ready for enjoyable driving and showing. Correctly restored and preserved over the past decade, this original engine Shelby is a well-balanced performance car, eager to remind automotive enthusiasts of the power and excitement readily at hand while driving a motoring legend.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608