I've always been curious if this car has been identified and if it is still around. I'm assuming this is a Bronze car, but the color looks closer to Sunlit Gold from 1968 to me. Also wondered about the lack of Shelby valve covers in the photo. I remember that there was speculation that this may have been one of the 390 cars, but then I thought I heard that 390 cars had never actually been authenticated. Anybody know for sure?
I think it is a Lime Gold car, I have that magazine but not at my office...
Quote from: owenkelley on October 30, 2018, 01:24:30 PM
I've always been curious if this car has been identified and if it is still around. I'm assuming this is a Bronze car, but the color looks closer to Sunlit Gold from 1968 to me. Also wondered about the lack of Shelby valve covers in the photo. I remember that there was speculation that this may have been one of the 390 cars, but then I thought I heard that 390 cars had never actually been authenticated. Anybody know for sure?
Hello Owen,
The car is serial number 00173 and it is Lime Gold. I have attached a photo that is a zoom in on the serial number plate.
Thanks,
Eric
Noticed the black-headed rivets; when did they switch fm regular silver?
Max
Quote from: Alan on October 30, 2018, 03:26:19 PM
Noticed the black-headed rivets; when did they switch fm regular silver?
Max
SA didn't use them for very long. 158 is the earliest black ones I have in my vintage pictures and 136 the latest silver. Someone else might be able to help tighten those numbers up some.
Thank you.
Max
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 30, 2018, 04:03:26 PM
Quote from: Alan on October 30, 2018, 03:26:19 PM
Noticed the black-headed rivets; when did they switch fm regular silver?
Max
SA didn't use them for very long. 158 is the earliest black ones I have in my vintage pictures and 136 the latest silver. Someone else might be able to help tighten those numbers up some.
Bob shared two great examples.
#0136 and #0158 were completed by Shelby American 2 DAYS apart (12/14/66 - 12/16/66). However, I would think the VIN plates were put on upon arrival at SA, not when completed (especially because they were not completed in order). It might be better to look at the San Jose build dates.
There is a 2 WEEK window between these same 2 cars out of San Jose (11/14/66 - 11/29/66). Looking at both SJ and SAI build dates we need to look at VIN #'s between 120-160. (#126 shows silver rivets with an original tag, SJ build is same as #136 on 11/14/16.)
Here are a couple of more shots from that Motor Trend test, these might have been up on the old forum.
In the one photo looks like another Mustang in line behind the Shelby, the other photo is (I believe from the same car ?) has radio delete. I also think this was talked about on the old forum. I think Rich had more info.
Mike
Which car won the 1/4 mile....?
Quote from: Richstang on October 30, 2018, 05:25:58 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 30, 2018, 04:03:26 PM
Quote from: Alan on October 30, 2018, 03:26:19 PM
Noticed the black-headed rivets; when did they switch fm regular silver?
Max
SA didn't use them for very long. 158 is the earliest black ones I have in my vintage pictures and 136 the latest silver. Someone else might be able to help tighten those numbers up some.
Bob shared two great examples.
#0136 and #0158 were completed by Shelby American 2 DAYS apart (12/14/66 - 12/16/66). However, I would think the VIN plates were put on upon arrival at SA, not when completed (especially because they were not completed in order). It might be better to look at the San Jose build dates.
There is a 2 WEEK window between these same 2 cars out of San Jose (11/14/66 - 11/29/66). Looking at both SJ and SAI build dates we need to look at VIN #'s between 120-160. (#126 shows silver rivets with an original tag, SJ build is same as #136 on 11/14/16.)
I don't think the build at SJ is relevant to when the tags were put on at SA.
I understand the cars still had to be shipped from SJ to SA and we don't know when they arrived. It could be a day later or maybe 2 weeks later depending on scheduling, the number of completed unit, how many rail cars were available to load, etc. That's why I'm suggesting we look at both the finished SJ date and the completed SA dates to see what falls in between. (Trying to cover all the bases).
I really find it hard to believe the VIN plates were added after completion, would you agree with that thought?
Quote from: Richstang on October 30, 2018, 10:18:35 PM
I understand the cars still had to be shipped from SJ to SA and we don't know when they arrived. It could be a day later or maybe 2 weeks later depending on scheduling, the number of completed unit, how many rail cars were available to load, etc. That's why I'm suggesting we look at both the finished SJ date and the completed SA dates to see what falls in between. (Trying to cover all the bases).
I really find it hard to believe the VIN plates were added after completion, would you agree with that thought?
I agree 100% with that line of thinking. I am sure the VIN plate helped in one way or another with keeping track of cars during the Shelby conversion process from beginning to end.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 30, 2018, 10:24:05 PM
Quote from: Richstang on October 30, 2018, 10:18:35 PM
I understand the cars still had to be shipped from SJ to SA and we don't know when they arrived. It could be a day later or maybe 2 weeks later depending on scheduling, the number of completed unit, how many rail cars were available to load, etc. That's why I'm suggesting we look at both the finished SJ date and the completed SA dates to see what falls in between. (Trying to cover all the bases).
I really find it hard to believe the VIN plates were added after completion, would you agree with that thought?
I agree 100% with that line of thinking. I am sure the VIN plate helped in one way or another with keeping track of cars during the Shelby conversion process from beginning to end.
Thanks Bob
+1 which car won?
https://www.motortrend.com/news/shelbyvette/
427 Vette ran 13.8/104 mph. 435 hp, 4-speed, 3.55 posi.
The Shelby was noted in the article as being 0.7 sec slower. But its spec chart isn't shown in this link. (It was included in the original magazine article, but I just don't have that handy to look at.)
So what about the valve covers? Did other early GT500's come with the "Power by Ford" valve covers? I don't have my registry handy. Is this car still out there somewhere?
Here are photos of the GT500s tested by Car & Driver, automatic & air con (photo from passenger side) & Road & Track (photo from the front). both had finned valve covers.
PS: they both might have had the same car, because the R&T test in the text says it was also an auto with air (Rich would know the answer and the #s)
Mike
Quote from: owenkelley on October 31, 2018, 03:27:03 PM
So what about the valve covers? Did other early GT500's come with the "Power by Ford" valve covers? I don't have my registry handy. Is this car still out there somewhere?
No it was not typical for early cars early or otherwise to have plain Power by Ford valve covers. The valve covers only raise questions at this point.
Quote from: honker on October 31, 2018, 05:15:27 PM
Here are photos of the GT500s tested by Car & Driver, automatic & air con (photo from passenger side) & Road & Track (photo from the front). both had finned valve covers.
PS: they both might have had the same car, because the R&T test in the text says it was also an auto with air (Rich would know the answer and the #s)
Mike
That is #100.
Quote from: honker on October 31, 2018, 05:15:27 PM
Here are photos of the GT500s tested by Car & Driver, automatic & air con (photo from passenger side) & Road & Track (photo from the front). both had finned valve covers.
PS: they both might have had the same car, because the R&T test in the text says it was also an auto with air (Rich would know the answer and the #s)
Mike
Hello Mike,
The February '67 issues of
Car and Driver and
Road & Track, and the March '67 issue of
Sports Car Graphic all used 67411F--0100-ENG. in their road test articles.
Thanks,
Eric
I don't have those mags handy. How consistent were the performance times?
Quote from: Side-Oilers on October 31, 2018, 08:37:08 PM
I don't have those mags handy. How consistent were the performance times?
Hello,
1/4 mile times were as follows:
C&D = 15.0 secs at 95 mph (car number 0100)
R&T = 15.5 secs at 95 mph (car number 0100)
SCG = 14.3 secs at 92 mph (car number 0100)
MT = 14.52 secs at 101.35 mph (car number 0173)
Thanks,
Eric
15.5 to 14.3 is a huge range from one car. Yes, different drivers on different days at possibly different tracks, etc.
But still...my grandma can put a '67 GT500 in the 14s any day, and she's dead.
Quote from: Side-Oilers on October 31, 2018, 02:33:02 PM
https://www.motortrend.com/news/shelbyvette/
427 Vette ran 13.8/104 mph. 435 hp, 4-speed, 3.55 posi.
The Shelby was noted in the article as being 0.7 sec slower. But its spec chart isn't shown in this link. (It was included in the original magazine article, but I just don't have that handy to look at.)
Depends on driver :o
Well in this case I believe the Vette was a stick and the Shelby was an auto so there's that(3.25 rear?) ::)
Quote from: 557 on October 31, 2018, 09:58:51 PM
Well in this case I believe the Vette was a stick and the Shelby was an auto so there's that(3.25 rear?) ::)
And probably, one of the reasons, the 'Vette cleaned it's clock. ::)
Quote from: shlby66 on October 31, 2018, 10:05:33 PM
Quote from: 557 on October 31, 2018, 09:58:51 PM
Well in this case I believe the Vette was a stick and the Shelby was an auto so there's that(3.25 rear?) ::)
And probably, one of the reasons, the 'Vette cleaned it's clock. ::)
Why have they always compared the Corvette to a Mustang? Apples and oranges.
Should have compared it to a Cobra.
Quote from: 557 on October 31, 2018, 09:58:51 PM
Well in this case I believe the Vette was a stick and the Shelby was an auto so there's that(3.25 rear?) ::)
Hello,
The GT500 used against the Corvette was car number 0173. It was the Lime Gold car with a 4-speed, 3.50:1 rear end, no A/C, and radio delete.
Thanks,
Eric
Thanks for the specs, Eric.
I guess the R&T guys couldn't drive a stick very well.
I want a new test!
67 427/435 L88 Vette vs 67 GT500 Super Snake
These times are impressive for today's cars. I couldn't imagine what it was like back in 1967! Once upon a time
Today's Tires...or.....the ones on the cars in..THE DAY... 8)
Quote from: Side-Oilers on October 31, 2018, 11:53:48 PM
Thanks for the specs, Eric.
I guess the R&T guys couldn't drive a stick very well.
Like I say, It depends on the Driver :P