Restore or Preserve: 1967 Ford Shelby GT500

Decisions, decisions. Imagine for a moment that you found this 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 in your garage. Upon close inspection, you discover that previous owners have made changes to this classic. We’re not talking about anything insignificant, because at least one change is quite profound. Would you return the car to its factory form, or preserve the Shelby as a driver-grade vehicle? Those are the choices facing someone, and considering the seller’s price isn’t cheap, the finished product could potentially involve a significant financial investment. You will find the GT500 listed here on eBay in Columbia, New Jersey. The seller set their BIN at an eye-watering $195,000 with the option to make an offer.

The working relationship between Ford and Carroll Shelby remained strong in 1967, and while the GT350 was the mainstay of the collaboration, the GT500 first appeared that model year. It took the GT350 concept to a higher level, with a larger, more potent V8 slotted beneath the hood, creating a more brutal vehicle than the GT350. This first-year example is a tidy, driver-grade vehicle, although the seller indicates that the paint shows its age. That brings us to the first decision facing the buyer. The current shade gracing the Shelby’s panels isn’t original, and isn’t even a genuine Ford color. The seller’s Marti Report confirms it left the line wearing Dark Moss Green, and it is unclear what prompted the change. It may have happened before Shelby vehicles hit their stride in the classic market, with the person performing the change having no insight into the impact such changes could have in the future. However, the lack of panel imperfections and this GT500’s rust-free status could make reversing the change relatively straightforward and worthwhile. This gem retains the correct scoops and spoilers that were a hallmark of the GT500, along with the distinctive wheels. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.

If the GT350 was fast, the GT500 took the concept to a higher level. Lifting the hood revealed the 428 “Police Interceptor” V8, which Shelby’s Sales Literature quotes as producing 355hp and 420 ft/lbs of torque. This car also features a four-speed Top Loader transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. We’ve reached the part of this Shelby’s story where it becomes a mystery machine. The seller emphasizes that the car’s drivetrain is correct, but doesn’t go so far as to call the GT500 numbers-matching. The engine carries the correct date code, and the Top Loader sports the appropriate “RUG S1” Tag. They admit that the carburetors, while correct, are reissued components. Therefore, it would require an in-person inspection to confirm whether the mechanical components are original or were replaced by previous owners. There is no information supplied regarding the Shelby’s mechanical condition, but I would expect nothing less than a turnkey classic for the asking price.

Potential buyers will probably be impressed by this classic’s interior, because there is little to criticize about its condition. Trimmed in Black vinyl, there is no visible wear or signs of abuse. The carpet appears slightly faded between the front seats, but that’s about as bad as it gets. It features the distinctive rollbar, safety harnesses, gauges, and the timber wheel that were integral to the GT500 package. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, making this one aspect of this vehicle that is as it left the factory.

At $195,000, this 1967 Shelby GT500 can’t be accused of being a cheap vehicle. A previous owner’s decision to change the paint shade is irritating, because reversing that single modification could involve a significant investment if the buyer craves the high-end result a classic of this caliber deserves. The potential question about its numbers-matching status is another consideration, as it could impact its future value. However, if the drivetrain is original, recent successful sales suggest that splashing the cash on a repaint would be worthwhile. Is that the path you’d take, or would you enjoy this GT500 as-is?