One of the traps with project builds is that costs can sometimes spiral out of control as the builder seeks perfection. Such is the case with this 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback. The seller aimed to create a fitting tribute to the legendary Shelby GT350, and their eye for detail is admirable. However, the process cost them a cool $150,000, and the car has only clocked around 370 miles since they finally packed away the tools. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on eBay in Riverton, Utah. The solitary bid of $65,000 is below the reserve, although the listing statistics suggest the action may intensify in the coming days.
The seller followed a sensible path when creating this classic. They sourced a rust-free ’67 GT Fastback from Arizona, massaging the panels before adding the iconic Shelby fiberglass hood, trunk lid, and functional scoops. They then applied a pearl-based Orange that really pops. The finishing touches included the correct Shelby badges and a set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. The close-up shots reveal no evidence of orange peel or other imperfections. The paint is as flat as the seller claims, and the exterior shines like a mirror. The contrasting White stripes are sharp, while the trim and glass appear perfect. The seller states that this Mustang has only covered around 370 miles since they completed the build, and the lack of cosmetic imperfections supports that claim.
If this Mustang were a genuine GT350, lifting the hood would reveal an upgraded version of the 289ci K-Code V8. It delivered 306hp and 329 ft/lbs of torque, making the GT350 a pretty potent package. However, this Mustang could show a genuine “350” a clean set of heels. The seller equipped it with a 351ci motor from a 1969 Mach 1. However, it wasn’t a case of bolting in the V8 and hoping for the best. They dispatched the 351 to a professional for a complete rebuild that lightened their wallet by a cool $20,000! The upgraded powerplant is teamed with a four-speed Top Loader transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Was the engine investment justified? The seller claims a power output of 450hp, so I think the answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” The engine exhales through headers and a custom 3″ exhaust, with the seller stating that the V8 roars like a lion, a claim I find easy to believe. The lack of action since the build ended means the winning bidder will effectively be breaking-in this turnkey classic.
One aspect of this classic that didn’t receive a complete makeover is its interior. Trimmed in Parchment vinyl, the seller added a console with a Shelby lidded bin, as well as a rollbar with the iconic shoulder harnesses. Close inspection reveals a couple of small imperfections, but the fact that this Mustang has accumulated a selection of show silverware since its unveiling suggests there are no major problems. A Hurst shifter emerges through the console housing some auxiliary gauges, the driver confronts a factory tachometer, while the interior also features a tilt-away wheel and an AM radio.
I admire enthusiasts who throw caution to the wind, creating the classic of their dreams with little consideration of the final cost. That is the story behind this 1967 Ford Shelby GT350 Tribute. That the seller is forced to part with this car after finally reaching their goal due to an impending divorce must be a bitter pill to swallow. Under different circumstances, I suspect this Ford would have remained safely parked in their garage for many decades. Placing a value on the vehicle is virtually impossible because cars of this caliber write their own rules. What would you be prepared to pay for this stunning Shelby GT350 Tribute?
Another excellent resto mod. What fun it would be
I totally agree. If this was the real thing, you wouldn’t drive it…and what fun is that? I know clones aren’t well respected for many fans, but they do afford you the opportunity to actually use them as originally intended without the anxiety of having an accident. Cool car.
with only 370 miles since completion, nobody is driving this version either :)
This may be a painful truth, the seller feller would have been better leaving off all the Shelby stuff. It’s NOT a Shelby. Like the statue of Liberty in Vegas, It’s NOT the statue of liberty. A huge part of the collector universe is that it’s real, has a history and you are now part of that history. This of course doesn’t say that this Mustang isnt worth what he put in. Just be an honest cray cray resto mod and it might get more value out of it.
Maybe that was the only way he/she could ever get one of his/her own car of their dreams. The real ones are prohibitively expensive for anyone who doesn’t make a seven-figure income nowadays. The divorce sale is a kick in the back half. Best of luck to the seller. Here’s hoping it all gets better.
spent 6 figures to create a Shelby clone….ooookkay…GLWA
I hope he didn’t get a divorce because of the car cost lol. Since you remove all my other posts, I wonder how long it’ll take before you remove this one.
Sorry, but that engine compartment does not look like it would be on a $150K build , especially with only 370 miles since they completed the build. And the bubbles in the paint around the side scoops ?
Exactly.
Steve R
IMO a clone/ tribute are just drivers. I personally wouldn’t throw 150 large into a driver. I would prefer a restored 67 Mustang over a tribute car any day.
Despite the money, it is a well done mustang with a potent powertrain.
I made the mistake of looking at the pictures first, especially of the engine compartment. I thought, at least the owner drove it a lot, then I read the ad, which says it only has 357 miles, I thought it would be more like 30,000 miles.
Not sure what cloned GT 350’s sell for, but I’d drop the reserve and take the money. The cost of the build is irrelevant, that money is gone, it’s only worth what someone will pay at this point in time. The ad has too much hype to be taken seriously.
Steve R
The engine compartment overall definetly isn’t one of a 150K build. Also when viewing the interior photos on the ebay ad, the controls on the left side of the dash are in bad shape also. If that is the quality of a 150K build, they got taken for a ride.
“One of the traps with project builds is that costs can sometimes spiral out of control”
Been there dumb that..
$20K to rebuild a 351? You can buy a strong crate engine for half that.
Too much $$$$$$ in and beautiful but still a tribute. 65 is a richeous bid unless you expect personal value. GLWT
The body style, the color, the wheel/tire combination. GREAT !!!!
Besides the bubbles in the paint on the one roof scoop, the left side hood edge has damage. Not things to be expected on something like this.
simple answer is no
I would prefer the stock Shelby motor & exh (with correct authentic big single sideways muffler) for that absolute authentic ’67 sound & feel.