Among American muscle cars, few names resonate as strongly as Shelby. The Shelby Mustangs, bearing the iconic Cobra emblem, have etched their place in automotive history with raw power and breathtaking performance.

The partnership between Ford and Carroll Shelby commenced in 1965, marking a pivotal moment in the history of American automotive performance. It was a collaboration born out of mutual admiration and a shared vision to create high-performance vehicles that would not only dominate the racetrack but also capture the hearts of enthusiasts on the streets.

Carroll Shelby, a former racecar driver and renowned automotive engineer, had already made a name for himself with the creation of the Shelby Cobra, a legendary sports car that combined a lightweight British chassis with a robust American V8 engine. His reputation for performance excellence and his relentless pursuit of speed and power made him an ideal candidate for Ford's ambitious venture.

Ford, on the other hand, was eager to establish itself as a formidable player in the burgeoning muscle car and high-performance market. They recognized that partnering with Shelby would bring a level of expertise and innovation that could set their vehicles apart from the competition.

The first fruit of this collaboration was the 1965 Shelby GT350, a car that would go on to become a timeless classic. It was built on the foundation of the Ford Mustang but underwent extensive modifications under Shelby's watchful eye. The GT350 was equipped with a high-revving V8 engine, performance suspension, and distinctive styling, instantly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with on both the track and the street.

The success of the Shelby GT350 paved the way for further collaboration between Ford and Carroll Shelby, leading to the creation of other iconic models like the Shelby GT500 and the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. These vehicles not only dominated racing circuits but also found their way into the garages of enthusiasts who craved unrivaled performance and style.

The Ford and Carroll Shelby partnership was marked by innovation, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of power, speed, and handling. It was a partnership that left an indelible mark on the world of high-performance automobiles and continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts to this day.

In essence, the partnership between Ford and Carroll Shelby in 1965 was the catalyst for a new era of American muscle cars, where power, precision, and passion converged to create some of the most iconic and revered vehicles in automotive history.

The GT350 also featured a number of performance upgrades over the standard Mustang, including a stiffer suspension, better brakes, and wider tires. These upgrades made the GT350 a more capable car on the road, and it quickly became a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

The Shelby Mustang has continued to evolve over the years, and today, there are two main models: the GT350 and the GT500. The GT350 is powered by a 5.2 liter V8 engine that produces 526 horsepower, while the GT500 is powered by a 5.2 liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 760 horsepower.

Both the GT350 and GT500 are capable of delivering exhilarating performance, and they continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide. If you're looking for a muscle car that combines raw power with stunning design, then a Shelby Mustang is the perfect choice for you.

The Birth of Shelby Mustangs

The legacy of Shelby Mustangs traces back to the early 1960s when Ford joined forces with legendary car designer Carroll Shelby. The goal was clear: transform the Ford Mustang into a high-performance powerhouse. The result? The birth of the Shelby Mustangs, each an embodiment of automotive excellence.

1968 Ford Shelby GT350: A Track-Tuned Icon

The 1968 Ford Shelby GT350, an evolution of the original '65 model, was a masterpiece in its own right. Under its hood roared a naturally aspirated 4.9-liter V8 engine, churning out 250 horsepower. This was a car meticulously designed for the racetrack, with precise handling, responsive steering, and a suspension tuned for high-performance driving.

In terms of design, the GT350 retained the iconic fastback silhouette, complete with racing stripes and aggressive styling. The front grille featured the famous "SHELBY" lettering, announcing its pedigree to anyone who caught a glimpse.

Inside, the GT350 offered a driver-focused cockpit with high-back bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a center console. This combination of racing DNA and luxury touches made it a delight to drive both on and off the track.

1. Engine: Equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.9-liter V8 engine delivering 250 horsepower, designed for precise handling and high-performance driving.

2. Design: Iconic fastback silhouette with racing stripes and aggressive styling, featuring the distinctive "SHELBY" lettering on the front grille.

3. Interior: Driver-focused cockpit with high-back bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a center console, combining racing DNA with luxury touches.

4. Track-Ready: Suspension tuned for high-performance driving, making it a favorite on the racetrack.

5. Legacy: An evolution of the original '65 model, the GT350 continued the legacy of Carroll Shelby's performance-tuned Mustangs.

1968 Ford Shelby GT500: The Brute with a Supercharged Heart

The 1968 Ford Shelby GT500 was an absolute brute, taking the GT350's legacy and cranking it up several notches. Under the hood lay a fearsome 7.0-liter V8 engine, supercharged to produce a jaw-dropping 355 horsepower and a colossal 420 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse could accelerate the GT500 from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds, an impressive feat for its time.

In terms of design, the GT500 embraced a more muscular and aggressive stance compared to its sibling. A larger front grille, flared fenders, and the iconic Cobra emblem adorned its exterior, announcing its dominance. With wider tires and beefier brakes, it was built to handle the extra power and torque.

Inside, the GT500's interior was all about comfort and performance. Luxurious leather upholstery, ample cabin space, and a driver-centric layout made it an ideal long-distance cruiser, while the power under the hood promised exhilarating straight-line speed.

1. Engine: Powered by a supercharged 7.0-liter V8 engine, producing a staggering 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, enabling rapid acceleration.

2. Muscular Design: Embraced a more muscular and aggressive stance with a larger front grille, flared fenders, and the iconic Cobra emblem, signifying its dominance.

3. Supercharged Power: The GT500 was renowned for its earth-shaking power and remarkable straight-line speed, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

4. Interior Comfort: Luxurious leather upholstery, ample cabin space, and a driver-centric layout provided comfort for long-distance cruising.

5. Performance: Equipped with wider tires and beefier brakes to handle the extra power and torque, making it a formidable performer.

6. Legacy: The GT500 represented the pinnacle of Carroll Shelby's Mustangs, setting a new standard for American muscle car performance.

1. What are the distinctive design features of the GT350?

The GT350 boasted an iconic fastback silhouette with racing stripes, an aggressive front grille with "SHELBY" lettering, and a driver-focused interior with high-back bucket seats.

2. How many units of the 1968 Ford Shelby GT350 were produced?

In 1968, Ford produced a total of 1,053 units of the GT350.

3. How fast is the GT500 in terms of acceleration?

The GT500 was known for its rapid acceleration, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

4. What are the key design elements that distinguish the GT500?

The GT500 had a more muscular and aggressive design with a larger front grille, flared fenders, and the iconic Cobra emblem on the front grille and rear fender.

5. How many units of the 1968 Ford Shelby GT500 were produced?

In 1968, Ford produced a total of 4,450 units of the GT500.

In the battle between the 1968 Ford Shelby GT350 and GT500, one thing is clear: both cars are emblematic of American muscle car glory. The GT350 represents precision engineering and track-ready agility, while the GT500 embodies the raw, unbridled power that defined the era. Enthusiasts and collectors today continue to cherish these classics, not only for their performance but for the enduring legacy they've left in the world of automotive excellence.

Whether you're drawn to the elegance and handling finesse of the GT350 or the earth-shaking power and muscular presence of the GT500, one thing remains certain: these cars continue to captivate and inspire, reminding us of a time when American muscle cars ruled the open road.

source: issue.com