Mustang Blog Tag: Classic Mustangs (64-78)

Carroll Shelby's Personal 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" Being Auctioned For Charity

Carroll Shelby's Personal 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" Being Auctioned For Charity December 10th, 2008 By Matt Rigney, Author, December 10th, 2008 Matt Rigney 1 Comment

The man in the Stetson Black Hat, Carroll Shelby has donated his one-of-a-kind 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS 'Black Hornet' Mustang from his personal collection to be auctioned on Ebay by Restoration Hardware to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The 'Black Hornet' Mustang pays tribute to another one-off Mustang, the Shelby Green Hornet which served as a rolling test mule for new technologies like electronic fuel injection, independant rear suspension, power antenna and four wheel disc brakes.

The Shelby Black Hornet Mustang was built by Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T. as a continuation Shelby EXP500 under a license from... The man in the Stetson Black Hat, Carroll Shelby has donated his one-of-a-kind 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS 'Black Hornet' Mustang from his personal collection to be auctioned on Ebay by Restoration Hardware to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The 'Black Hornet' Mustang pays tribute to another one-off Mustang, the Shelby Green Hornet which served as a rolling test mule for new technologies like electronic fuel injection, independant rear suspension, power antenna and four wheel disc brakes. The Shelby Black Hornet Mustang was built by Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T. as a continuation Shelby EXP500 under a license from Carroll Shelby Licensing. Barry used an original 1968 Mustang which he painted 'Stetson Black' in honor of the hat worn by Carroll Shelby. The Black Hornet is identical to the Green Hornet just after it received disc brakes but prior to the EFI or independent rear suspension. The car has been owned since 2003 by Mr. Shelby and includes a myriad of custom parts which can be seen below. This is truly a one-of-a-kind Shelby Mustang being auctioned on Ebay for a good cause. The Ebay auction runs from December 2-12 with bidding already up to $105K. Photos and more information can be seen after the jump... 1968 Shelby EXP500 Black Hornet Mustang Created under the direction of racing legend Carroll Shelby, the Shelby EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" pays tribute to its chrome and green prototype, the Shelby Green Hornet, and is the only approved reproduction. Like its predecessor, the "Black Hornet" sports the famous scoops and stripes, powered by a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine with a heart-pounding 335 horsepower. The car began life as a vintage 1968 Mustang, and was transformed into an authentic Shelby muscle car worthy of inclusion in the Shelby Worldwide Registry. Titled to Mr. Shelby and donated from his personal collection, the car is being auctioned by Restoration Hardware to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation™. As a rolling test "mule" for new technologies, the original Green Hornet Shelby GT500 was one of the most important cars in automotive history and one of the rarest Shelby prototypes of all times. Visionary Carroll Shelby challenged his band of hot rodders to out-engineer the world's best. In so doing, every innovation imaginable was tested on this notchback coupe. Over the course of a couple of years, the Shelby American crew used this car to experiment with ground-breaking technologies such as an early electronic fuel injection system on the 428 cid engine, independent rear suspension, a power antenna and four wheel disc brakes. This development mule was far ahead of its time and also served as the prototype for the "GT/CS" model Shelby before being turned into a test car. To commemorate this groundbreaking Shelby, Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T., built a continuation Shelby EXP500 under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing using an original 1968 Ford Mustang. Painted "Stetson Black" in honor of the hat worn by the lanky Texan, the EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet" is identical to the Green Hornet just after it received disc brakes but prior to the Colonic EFI or independent rear suspension. Since 2003, the car has been owned by Mr. Shelby. The EXP500 CSS is a car so true to a specific moment in time, it's as if a time capsule was opened to celebrate American ingenuity at its best. It is truly the one, the only, the legendary EXP500 CSS "Black Hornet." The only approved reproduction of the 1968 EXP500 Green Hornet Mustang, modified under Carroll Shelby's direction as the "Black Hornet" Official vehicle in the Shelby Worldwide Registry Cobra Jet 428 V8 Engine Marc Underdrive Pulley System Cobra Jet Manifold Exhaust System Holley High Volume Fuel Pump Mallory Unilight Ignition System Holley 700 Carburetor (new) Edelbrook Aluminum Heads Shelby Intake manifold Shelby Water Pump Shelby Valve Covers Cobra Air Cleaner Griffith Aluminum Radiator Legendary Autometer Customized Gauges Top Loader 4-speed transmission Power Steering/Power Brakes new tinted glass Standard interior without Roll Bar Deluxe Black Interior with Console Original seatbelts Original '68 Cobra Steering Wheel 9" Currie Rear End - 3.25 ratio Original Style AM Radio Shelby 10-Spoke Wheels Goodyear GTII Tires Sequential Tail Lights Lucas fog lights Source: RestorationHardware.com Read More

Massive Mustang Junkyard Found in Rhode Island

Massive Mustang Junkyard Found in Rhode Island December 9th, 2008 By Matt Rigney, Author, December 9th, 2008 Matt Rigney 15 Comments

Over on MustangForums.com a member somehow stumbled upon a 200 plus acre Mustang Junkyard in the middle of nowhere in Rhode Island. The junkyard which was started in the 60's is populated with heavy tree cover and brush and is said to house some 20,000 antique and classic cars all throughout the woods. According to the forum member the cars were driven into the field and left to rust by the owner of the junkyard who is now in his 70's, going blind and has a drinking problem. Recently the state was made aware of this junkyard and ordered the owner to clean it up or all the cars will be crushed. There are said to be hundreds of 64-71... Over on MustangForums.com a member somehow stumbled upon a 200 plus acre Mustang Junkyard in the middle of nowhere in Rhode Island. The junkyard which was started in the 60's is populated with heavy tree cover and brush and is said to house some 20,000 antique and classic cars all throughout the woods. According to the forum member the cars were driven into the field and left to rust by the owner of the junkyard who is now in his 70's, going blind and has a drinking problem. Recently the state was made aware of this junkyard and ordered the owner to clean it up or all the cars will be crushed. There are said to be hundreds of 64-71 Mustangs including convertibles, Mach 1's, Boss', K-codes, fastbacks and maybe even Shelby's. From the photos you can clearly see most of the Mustangs have heavy rust and body damage so restoring these will definately be challenging. If you have time I would look through a few of the junkyard photos below and after jump along with the arial satellite views showing all the cars scattered throughout the 200 acre woods. All the junkyard photos can be seen here. Maps.live.com - Aerial View, click on "birds eye" for better view, go back to the south east and keep looking over the whole field until you get to a small river or stream. Its amazing how many cars you can see in the woods. Address: 60 Weaver Hill road, West Greenwich, RI 02817 Read More

Sonny and Cher 1966 Mustangs up for Auction

Sonny and Cher 1966 Mustangs up for Auction December 2nd, 2008 By Matt Rigney, Author, December 2nd, 2008 Matt Rigney 0 Comments

A pair of his and hers 1966 Ford Mustang Convertibles customized by the legendary George Barris at the request of Ford Motor Company for the singing duo Sonny and Cher will be auctioned by RM Auctions at their Fort Lauderdale, Florida auction February 6-8. These two Mustang convertibles were customized to reflect the flamboyant onstage personas of the iconic 60's entertainers, Sunny and Cher. The Mustangs were used mostly for publicity purposes along with appearing in Sonny and Cher's only feature-length movie, Good Times.

Sonny’s car was finished in Murano Gold Pearl, adorned by dark brown side panel and with an orange and gold fade-away... A pair of his and hers 1966 Ford Mustang Convertibles customized by the legendary George Barris at the request of Ford Motor Company for the singing duo Sonny and Cher will be auctioned by RM Auctions at their Fort Lauderdale, Florida auction February 6-8. These two Mustang convertibles were customized to reflect the flamboyant onstage personas of the iconic 60's entertainers, Sunny and Cher. The Mustangs were used mostly for publicity purposes along with appearing in Sonny and Cher's only feature-length movie, Good Times. Sonny’s car was finished in Murano Gold Pearl, adorned by dark brown side panel and with an orange and gold fade-away treatment over the wheel wells and grille openings. In contrast, Cher’s Mustang featured a hot pink pearl finish, blended with candy red, deep red side panels and a matching fade-away treatment. Inside, Sonny’s Mustang was upholstered with Bobcat fur and antique buffed leather trimmed with rustic suede, while Cher’s car featured white Ermine fur and black antique Scottish leather upholstery, trimmed in hot pink suede. Both cars were fitted with opulent three-inch long Mouton fur carpeting, Sonny’s in gold and Cher’s in hot pink. The 1966 Mustangs toured the car show circuit before they were returned to Sonny and Cher and later reverted to George Barris. They have since changed hands and have undergone a recent cosmetic restoration to return to their original 1966 condition. Their offering at the Fort Lauderdale event marks the first time they have come to market in 25 years. Read More

1969 Mustang by Grant Industries with GT500KR motor SEMA bound

1969 Mustang by Grant Industries with GT500KR motor SEMA bound October 29th, 2008 By Matt Rigney, Author, October 29th, 2008 Matt Rigney 3 Comments

Grant Industries will have on display at this year's SEMA show a 1969 Mustang with a Kenne Bell supercharged GT500KR motor. Unfortunately all we have now is the sketch above but you can begin to imagine what this beautiful custom Mustang will look like. Other goodies include AFCO headers, radiator & heat exchanger, flowmaster mufflers, a FAST engine management computer, Optima battery, Tremec six-speed, Ford Racing hurst shifter and 9-in differential.

The GT500KR theme will carry over into the interior with the dashboard, seats and console resembling the GT500KR ones. A Sony audio/video entertainment system, Modern Muscle 19 and 20-inch... Grant Industries will have on display at this year's SEMA show a 1969 Mustang with a Kenne Bell supercharged GT500KR motor. Unfortunately all we have now is the sketch above but you can begin to imagine what this beautiful custom Mustang will look like. Other goodies include AFCO headers, radiator & heat exchanger, flowmaster mufflers, a FAST engine management computer, Optima battery, Tremec six-speed, Ford Racing hurst shifter and 9-in differential. The GT500KR theme will carry over into the interior with the dashboard, seats and console resembling the GT500KR ones. A Sony audio/video entertainment system, Modern Muscle 19 and 20-inch forged multipiece custom wheels with BFGoodrich tires and Standox Color custom paint round out the vehicle. More details and photos on the way... Read More

Bullitt Inspired Shelby GT500 Owned By Bruce Willis to be Auctioned by Bonhams

Bullitt Inspired Shelby GT500 Owned By Bruce Willis to be Auctioned by Bonhams October 23rd, 2008 By Matt Rigney, Author, October 23rd, 2008 Matt Rigney 2 Comments

*** Auction Update *** - Mustang sold for $161K at Bonhams

To say Bruce Willis was a fan of Steve McQueen's movie Bullitt is probably an understatement as he built a one-of-a-kind tribute vehicle to the great Bullitt Mustang from a damaged 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible. The project started in 2001 under the supervision of Bob Lyman at Lyman’s Automotive in Hollywood. The donor car was an original Acapulco Blue 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible that was repaired, upgraded and repainted to Dark Highland Green. Nothing was overlooked and only the best materials were used in this build where money was no object. The interior alone with it's... *** Auction Update *** - Mustang sold for $161K at Bonhams To say Bruce Willis was a fan of Steve McQueen's movie Bullitt is probably an understatement as he built a one-of-a-kind tribute vehicle to the great Bullitt Mustang from a damaged 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible. The project started in 2001 under the supervision of Bob Lyman at Lyman’s Automotive in Hollywood. The donor car was an original Acapulco Blue 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible that was repaired, upgraded and repainted to Dark Highland Green. Nothing was overlooked and only the best materials were used in this build where money was no object. The interior alone with it's Saddle Brown leather and unique "baseball stitch" cost $28,000. Under the hood the motor was found to be an imposter of the 390 variety so a correct date coded 428 was found and modified to the hilt. The end result was the Willis 500K Convertible as it's called with a mind boggling 570hp. This car is just one of a handfull of cars owned by Bruce being auctioned by Bonhams at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on October 25th. The car is expected to bring in the neighborhood of $150K. Check out all the photos after the jump... Source: Bonhams - Willis 500K Convertible Read More

Ebay: 1968 Mustang Fastback used in The Fast & the Furious: Tokoyo Drift

Ebay: 1968 Mustang Fastback used in The Fast & the Furious: Tokoyo Drift September 2nd, 2008 By Matt Rigney, Author, September 2nd, 2008 Matt Rigney 1 Comment

The 1968 Mustang Fastback in the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokoyo Drift certainly stole the show in the end but hardcore Mustang fans were a little upset to find out lurking under the hood was no detroit muscle, instead it was a 340 horsepower Nissan Skyline Turbo GTR motor.

This one-of-a-kind Mustang was built from the ground up specifically for the Fast and the Furious: Tokoyo Drift and only used in non-action scenes. Other exact replicas were used for the racing and stunt scenes although this is the only 1968 Mustang to receive the Nissan Skyline Turbo GTR motor. This Mustang also features a laundry list of aftermarket parts... The 1968 Mustang Fastback in the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokoyo Drift certainly stole the show in the end but hardcore Mustang fans were a little upset to find out lurking under the hood was no detroit muscle, instead it was a 340 horsepower Nissan Skyline Turbo GTR motor. This one-of-a-kind Mustang was built from the ground up specifically for the Fast and the Furious: Tokoyo Drift and only used in non-action scenes. Other exact replicas were used for the racing and stunt scenes although this is the only 1968 Mustang to receive the Nissan Skyline Turbo GTR motor. This Mustang also features a laundry list of aftermarket parts including Wilwood disc brakes, Volk GT wheels, KYB shocks, Wenco drive shaft, Hurst shifter, Magnaflow exhaust, Autometer gauges, Sperco intercooler, Global west control arms, 9" Currie rear end and a complete Year One interior. As of writing this the auction was up to $28,600 with the reserve not yet met. Check out the Ebay auction here. More photos after the jump... Read More