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Last Updated: Sep 9, 2008 - 2:11:40 PM |
What do you get when you mix a Mustang with a Cobra? Well, in 1965,
you’d get a potent pavement pounder known as the Shelby GT350. The
Shelby GT350 was the end result of a triumphant marriage between two
automotive icons, Ford Motor Company & Carroll Shelby - father of
the legendary Cobra. Ford knew they had struck gold with their Mustang
- which sold 22,000 units in the first day - but they were equally
aware the competition was hot on their heels with their own plans for
the pony car class. Ford realized they needed an advantage in order to
better secure their position in the market that they virtually created,
so Ford turned to perhaps one of the most sales friendly advertising
campaigns - "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday." There was arguably no
better man known for building race winning sports cars than Carroll
Shelby himself.
The 65 Shelby GT350’s did just what
Shelby built them to do. The GT350 was taking first place in class
& first place overall in races all across the SCCA schedule.
Advertisements claimed "It’s what’s up front that counts". Shelby’s
GT350’s successfully fulfilled their goal of pumping excitement into
the Mustang brand which in turn helped Ford achieve record-setting
sales of the Mustang. Unfortunately, Shelby’s 65 GT350 wasn’t as strong
of a sales success with only 516 street models sold in 1965.
There
was clearly a limited market for the no-frills, raw performance type of
road warriors the 65 GT350’s were, but even so, Shelby dealers &
Ford executives agreed the GT350 had potential to be not only a great
marketing tool, but a strong sales success of its own. The consensus
was with a few modifications in the right areas, the GT350 could be
made to appeal to the broader masses that included more than just the
pure racing enthusiasts. So for 1966, alterations included an automatic
transmission, a back seat, and various unique styling cues such as
triangular Plexiglas C-pillar windows and functional lower rear quarter
panel scoops, all of which visually distinguished the Shelby GT350 from
the standard Mustang. Perhaps the most significant improvement was the
added option of choosing among several unique paint schemes. As a
result of these various enhancements, sales for the 66 Shelby GT350
quadrupled over sales of the 65 GT350.
By 1967, it was evident
what path the Shelby-ized Mustangs were headed down. Shelby’s clientele
was made up primarily of educated enthusiasts with deep pockets. They
knew what they wanted and they were willing to turn those pockets
inside out in order to acquire the Shelby marque. Because of customer
& dealer feedback, the 67 GT350’s took an even farther shift away
from the brutish GT350’s of 1965 and moved more in the direction of the
refined grand touring boulevard cruisers, combining performance with
luxury in an even more distinguishing package.
The most distinctive changes came in the exterior styling of the 67
Shelby’s. Besides various luxuries, it was equally important to these
privileged buyers that Shelby’s GT cars were as visibly different from
the standard Mustang as possible. Stripes weren’t going to cut it
anymore. Ford actually altered the overall appearance of the Mustang in
1967 and consequently, Shelby followed suit with his GT cars. The front
hood, nose & rear deck lid were purposely deleted during Fords
production of the 67 Mustang as these areas would become unique to the
Shelby GT cars.
The hood of the 67 GT350 was a fiberglass unit
that measured 4 inches longer than the standard Mustangs and featured a
wide split hood scoop. The hood was mated to an all fiberglass front
nose which included the front headlight housings & fender
extensions as well as the grille surround and the lower valance. Center
mounted high beams were placed in the grille opening as was a Shelby
GT350 nameplate which matched a similar plate mounted to the rear
decklid. The back end of the 67 GT350 featured a pair of 67 Cougar
taillights split down the middle by an exclusive Shelby Cobra adorned
pop-open gas cap. The Shelby’s fastback roofline swept back to the
fiberglass rear decklid, curving upward into the GT350’s tail spoiler
which was greeted on each end with matching fender extensions.
Perhaps
the most striking differences on the 67 Shelby GT cars were the
C-pillar and quarter panel air scoops. The C-pillar-mounted scoops
channeled air for interior cooling while the lower quarter panel scoops
were designed to cool the brakes. Even so, the lower scoops were
functional on only the early 67 Shelby’s before the decision was made
to eliminate the ducting, making the scoops purely decorative.
Additional decoration came in the buyer’s choice of wheel options. The
67 Shelby came standard with Goodyear Speedway 350 E70x15 tires wrapped
around 5-spoke style wheel covers borrowed from the 67 Thunderbird -
distinguished with Shelby Cobra center caps. Buyers could individualize
their Shelby’s with the optional Kelsey-Hayes MagStar wheels or the
10-spoke aluminum wheels that came later in the year. As sharp as the
looks of the 67 GT350 were, a period advertisement advised potential
buyers "the fact that everybody looks at you is the last reason on
earth for buying a Shelby GT, unless you love to be looked at!" There’s
no doubt about it, this was an eye-catching road car.
In
addition to unique exterior styling, the 1967 GT350 built on the
successes of 1966 and added even more civilized amenities such as the
Mustang’s Deluxe Interior, available in either black or parchment. The
interior was highlighted with a brushed aluminum dash that surrounded a
140-mph speedometer and an 8000-rpm tachometer, recessed behind a
unique wood-grained steering wheel. Brushed aluminum accents carried
over to the driver & passenger side doors and Shelby Cobra GT350
logos adorned the brushed aluminum dash just above the passenger side
glove box as well as the steering wheels horn button. Oil pressure
& ammeter gauges were mounted underneath the center of the dash,
secured in a metal bezel that was in fact an upside down rally-pac
housing borrowed from the 66 Mustang. A standard feature on the 67
Shelby’s - which was a first for any production car at the time - was
the GT350’s functional roll bar that came bolted to roof mounted
brackets and welded to the floor pan. An integral part of the roll bar
was a pair of shoulder harnesses, another production first, each of
which were fastened to a pair of inertia reels. Over and above all of
the included interior touches, the 67 GT350 further benefited from the
addition of power brakes & power steering, optional air
conditioning and a practically full spectrum of exterior colors.
One thing that remained virtually unchanged for the 67 GT350 was its
race proven power plant - Shelby’s massaged 289ci Hi-Po solid-lifter
V8. Topped off with a Cobra hi-rise aluminum intake manifold and a
715-cfm Holley carburetor, the GT350’s brawny 289 V8 was good for an
estimated 306hp and 329 lb/ft of torque. The substitute of fiberglass
parts in certain areas improved the GT350’s power to weight ratio which
helped the GT350 launch to 60-mph in 7.1 seconds with quarter mile
times in the low 15’s at over 90-mph. The 67 Shelby GT350 held onto
much of the original performance of its 1965-born heritage, but
otherwise, it was quite a departure from its 65 GT350 elder. Even so,
it was what the buying public wanted, and as a result, over six times
as many GT350’s were sold in 1967 compared to sales in 1965.
Times
were changing though. The 67 GT350 would undergo yet another cosmetic
alteration for the 1968 model-year and the 1967 GT350’s impressive
289ci V8 would be replaced in 1968 by Ford’s 302ci V8 which was good
for a lesser 250hp. While Shelby also had its 428ci GT500’s for both
years, the writing was nonetheless on the wall. Each year, Ford had
extended greater authority over the Shelby Mustang program to the point
that Carroll Shelby became disheartened with what had once been his
invention. The relationship between Ford & Shelby eventually came
to an end in late 1969 and the final Shelby GT Mustangs hit the market
in 1970. By this time, with increasing governmental regulations and
insurance industry pressures, the end was imminent.
To this day,
the automotive world hasn’t seen a car quite like the Shelby GT350
& GT500 Mustangs of 1965-1970. But with the new 2005 Mustangs
resurrecting familiar styling cues established by the 67 & 68
Mustangs, plus the fact that Carroll Shelby & Ford have recently
rekindled their legendary relationship, the hope is alive that we may
one day again behold the brilliance known as the Shelby GT350.
Until
that day comes, enthusiasts can relive the glory of the 67 Shelby
GT350’s thanks to the impressive talents of the modeling wizards
located in Watervliet, Michigan. Eric Trapp and his team at Exact
Detail Replicas have teamed up with acclaimed model designer Raffi
Minasian and distinguished Shelby historian Rick Kopec to deliver a
truly astonishing 1/18 scale diecast model of the 67 Shelby GT350. This
particular GT350, modeled after a 1:1 67 GT350 belonging to Jarrod
Kings, is actually the first in a series of high detail 1967 & 1968
GT350 and GT500 models from Exact Detail.
Authentically finished
in a flawlessly rich Dark Blue covering with traces of metallic flake
and optional white LeMans stripes, the Exact Detail 67 GT350 is simply
stunning. The white stripes literally bounce off the surface of the
model as do the several touches of chrome bright-work from the trim
around the front & rear panes of glass to the dual chrome plated
exhaust tips to the pair of simulated hood pins. Other chrome accents
such as the front & rear bumpers, drip rail moldings, and outside
door handles literally dance in brilliance against the Shelby’s deep
blue paint. The front & rear light assemblies are also framed in
chrome as well are the inboard high beams which are mounted within a
realistically detailed mesh grille.
Several distinctive markers
have been accurately positioned on the replicas exterior, properly
distinguishing this Shelby from any ordinary Mustang. Identical Shelby
Cobra GT350 badges adorn the front grille & rear decklid and
similar badges are properly worn on the front fenders in a vertical
orientation just above the white side stripes which surround the
Shelby’s bold G.T. 350 identifying characters. A chrome plated
Shelby-exclusive pop-open-style gas cap - appropriately affixed to the
rear tail light panel, filling the space between the Cougar style tail
lights - is also decorated with a Shelby Cobra GT350 emblem. Even the
beautifully detailed 10-spoke aluminum wheels are authentically
accented with Shelby Cobra center caps. An eye-catching contrast to the
Shelby’s dark exterior, the 10-spoke wheels are realistically detailed
with miniature valve stems and come wrapped in a set of soft blackwall
tires. Shelby enthusiasts will right away recognize the lack of raised
white lettered Goodyear Speedway 350 tires - which were standard issue
on the 67 Shelby’s - but the blackwalls are nonetheless period correct
and could have been opted over the rwl Goodyear’s.
The shut
lines of the various opening body panels are remarkably tight and the
contours of the 67 Shelby from the curve of the rear quarter panel to
the pronounced line in the Shelby’s profile, which runs from the rear
quarter panel scoop to the leading edge of the front fender, have been
exceptionally recreated. Compared to various pics of 1:1 67 GT350’s,
there has been some debate of accuracy in the angle of descent in the
front hood, specifically sighting the downward slope leading to the
grille as appearing too steep. Personally, to this enthusiast, the
front end of the Exact Detail 67 Shelby GT350 looks reasonably correct.
Bottom line, whether or not the skin of this snake is truly off a
fraction of an inch or whether it’s simply an optical illusion produced
by the resizing of the 1:1’s specs in the modeling process, you don’t
have to have Rick Kopec’s vast knowledge in order to properly identify
this beautiful Shelby.
Underneath the scooped hood rests a
magnificent reproduction of the GT350’s engine bay. With the hood open,
you can see the detailed structure in the front nose extension between
the back of the radiator and the front grille. Exact Detail hasn’t
overlooked any of the details, including the Shelby’s pair of horns,
the detailed units which house the grille mounted high beams, and the
"L" shaped hood latch bar. Of course, the main focal point under the
hood is unquestionably the GT350’s Hi-Po 289 V8 which looks so real
that you can almost hear the pavement pounding 306 horses rumbling
between the Shelby’s detailed shock towers. Surrounded in a wild jungle
of distributor wires & hoses, the GT350’s wonder of a small-block
is anything but small on detail. The accurately painted Ford corporate
blue engine block is topped off with a pair of black finned Cobra valve
covers and an aluminum painted intake manifold which is mounted beneath
a painted 4-barrell Holley carburetor and a detailed chrome air cleaner
lid with the appropriate 289 High Performance decal.
As
incredible as this miniature 289 is, the engine bay wouldn’t be as
remarkable as it is without the remaining fine points that surround the
superbly detailed small-block. Fine points such as the fan & fan
shroud with the accurate label of caution, the radiator with its chrome
plated cap, the detailed battery with cables and painted caps, even the
starter solenoid which rests right alongside the battery. The
windshield washer fluid reservoir is properly painted with simulated
fluid and includes a line of its own which runs back towards the
firewall and a detailed master cylinder.
On the other side of
the firewall, concealed between a pair of realistically hinged doors,
rests an extraordinarily detailed interior. Highlights include the
simulated brushed aluminum treatment to the dash & door panels,
soft to touch folding bucket seats, woven fabric lap belts, and woven
shoulder harnesses attached to simulated overhead inertia reels which
are mounted to the interior roll bar. On top of these great features is
an even greater amount of detail. The speedometer & tach in the
brushed aluminum dash are fully detailed and clearly legible. They rest
behind a detailed 3-spoke steering wheel which is accented with a
simulated wood grain rim and a Shelby Cobra emblem on the horn button.
Another Shelby Cobra GT350 emblem adorns the brushed aluminum dash just
above the passenger side glove box and next to it is a genuine Carroll
Shelby stamped autograph. The floor pedals have been detailed with a
splash of paint as has the floor mounted shifter. The oil pressure
& ammeter gauges are crisply painted onto a thin but sturdy piece
of metal which is properly attached to the underside of the dash. The
dash pad is authentically detailed with accurate perforations and the
headliner is appropriately finished off, including a pair of
non-poseable sunvisors. The bucket seats are trimmed in a chrome plated
molding and are genuinely detailed with the correct seat pattern and
stitching accents. The woven lap belts are finished off with the
appropriate fasteners and the "female" clasps are precisely detailed
with authentic Shelby Cobra insert emblems. Chrome plated sill-plates
frame off the marvelously detailed interior and a fully carpeted floor
with detailed floor mats finish it off.
The GT350’s opening trunk is also finished off with flooring of its own
- a detailed, accurately patterned trunk mat. The trunk mat lies
beneath a detailed jack stand and a spare tire wrapped around a
10-spoke aluminum wheel which is topped off with the proper mounting
hardware. An impressively readable jack usage & storage label can
be found on the underside of the trunk lid and amazingly, the
galvanized trap door latch that holds the fold down rear seat in place
has been molded and detailed with a splash of paint. A bright red
toolbox sits to the left hand side of the fuel filler neck housing
which is just above the GT350’s painted fuel tank. The painted fuel
tank is just one of the many details found on the belly of this 67
Shelby. Splashes of paint have also been added to the rear differential
as well as the 4-speed transmission. The rear shocks have been
highlighted with orange paint and the front coil suspension is
accurately represented by a pair of springs. Steel fuel & brake
lines have become signature features on any Exact Detail model and
they’ve faithfully been included on the 67 Shelby. The fuel line runs
along the outside of the frame to the fuel tank and brake lines are
routed to both the front discs & rear drums. The exhaust &
mufflers are finished in a stainless steel application and the
driveshaft is painted in shade of bare metal, realistically finished
with painted on driveshaft identification stripes. Turn the rear wheels
on this GT350 and watch as the driveshaft comes to life for the first
time on an Exact Detail model, rotating in sync with the rear wheels.
So
what do you get when you mix an automotive legend with a modeling icon?
You get the 1/18 scale Exact Detail 1967 Shelby GT350. Other
manufacturers have attempted to capture the look of the 67 Shelby’s in
the past in various scales from 1/43 to 1/18, but none have achieved
the breathtaking splendor the Exact Detail release evokes. Of course,
the other manufacturers didn’t have the three wizards working on their
models. Eric Trapp has proven his detailing skills time & time
again with the Exact Detail line and Raffi Minasian is a legendary
designer and artist that has proven his talents more than once as the
former design director at the Franklin Mint. And what more can you say
about Rick Kopec, President of the Shelby American Automobile Club?
There isn’t a better man besides Carroll Shelby himself to work with on
a Shelby related item. With these three experts combined, you can
expect the end result to be nothing short of extraordinary. If one were
asked to sum up the Exact Detail 67 Shelby GT350 in one word,
extraordinary would be it.
Facts & Photos
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