The '68 Shelby GT-500 Mustang
by Bill Holder
photos by Phil Kunz
During the building of the GT-500 Shelby Mustangs, there were a number of different influences which produced some sizable differences between the models.
First of all, the initial '67 GT-500 was built in California, the same location as the small-block GT-350 models. The production was accomplished on airport property, and the lease was up. The decision was then made to move Shelby production to Michigan. For the 1968 model, all were shipped in a partially assembled state from a New Jersey assembly plant to A.O. Smith in Livonia, Michigan where the production process was completed.
The '68 GT-500 was unique in that it was the first year that a convertible model was constructed. 402 were built and today they are about as collectable and valuable as any of the Shelby models. The convertible prototype had been built the previous year.
The '68 model was certainly the most recognizable as a Mustang, but it had the look of being on steroids. First, there was a significant and unique hood scoop near the front edge of the hood. Directly in front of the scoop were the block letters of "Shelby". The larger grille opening contained a pair of outboard-mounted rectangular fog lights.
The GT-500 identification was located on the front quarters and within the wide triple stripe which traversed across the lower body. Directly above the GT-500 name was the revival of the familiar Cobra emblem, which was done in chrome.
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