The Ford GT - a True Sports Car?

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The Ford GT, a True Sports Car - 550 hp Moves Two People

The Ford Mustang GT was introduced to the public on January 27, 1965. The Ford sports car was an immediate success further complimenting the more than 550,000 Ford Mustangs sold in the car’s first twelve months. The economical value and sporty accessory options offered by Ford propelled the car’s demand.

A well known Texas auto expert and former race car driver, Carroll Shelby, was convinced that the Mustang could compete on the track with the equally distinctive Chevy Corvette. Shelby converted 100 Mustang 2+2’s to racing standards and the Mustang GT, “Grand Tourismo,” was born.
With his new design, Shelby changed the five passenger Ford Mustang into a two seat sports car with increased power and handling abilities. An alternator replaced the Mustang’s generator, the oil filter was relocated, changes were made to the power steering pump and a 120 horsepower, 200 cid 6 cylinder engine replaced the Mustang’s 6 cylinder engine. With other engine options, the Ford Mustang GT provided a 289-2V, 200 horsepower V-8 to replace the Mustang’s 260-2V and the Mustang’s 289-4V was increased to 225 horsepower, while the 289-4V was used for both models.

Shelby further distinguished the Mustang GT by adding a wire ring to the gas cap, continuing the carpets up the sides of the vehicle and reducing the horns. A new interior décor option known as the pony interior included such features as special seat covers with running mustangs, upgraded interior door panes, arm rests, a wood grained steering wheel and wood grained appliqués and pistol grip interior door handles. The instrument panel provided five easy-to-read gauges. The Ford Mustang GT specifications and price combined to offer customers an affordable American sports car.

In the spring of 1965, Ford announced the availability of the Mustang GT equipment option. These accessories were specifically available to the four barrel engines and included the five dial instrument panel, disc brakes, dual exhaust, foglights, lower body stripes, bigger sway bars and an improved steering ratio.

In February, 1965, the Shelby GT350R won its first race overcoming the Corvette in the GT’s first SCAA race. By year’s end, Ford had produced 562 Mustang GT 350’s.

In 1966 Hertz Rental Car responded to the Mustang GT’s popularity by ordering 1001 Mustang GT 350H. The Hertz acquisition dramatically increased exposure for the Ford sports car.

In 1968, Shelby produced the Mustang GT500-KR or King of the Road. The GT3500-KR provided 360 horsepower by way of its 428 cubic inch Cobra-Jet V8 engine. The King of the Road could be purchased as a convertible. The GT500-KR is often referred to as the “Ultimate Shelby Mustang.”

In 1970, Shelby and Ford went separate directions. Ford Motor produced five generations of Mustangs until Shelby returned in 2006 to enhance the line of Ford concept cars. Once again, Hertz showed support by purchasing 500 of the sports car models for their customers. The 2006 GT was named the Shelby GT-H and was strikingly similar to the 1966 Mustang version.

Shelby produced two re-designed Mustang GTs in 2007. The 319 hp model is known as the Shelby GT, while the 500 hp model is the Shelby GT500. Ford followed these successes with another King of The Road version in 2008. The sports car generates 550 horsepower and is known to be the fastest Mustang ever produced. Production was limited to 1000 units.

The Ford Mustang continues its remarkable history and many of the Shelby influenced Mustang GTs are collector items and are displayed at most Ford dealerships.

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147