The 1967 Shelby GT350 is celebrated as one of the most legendary American muscle cars. It represents the perfect blend of Ford engineering and Carroll Shelby’s performance vision. Built by Shelby American in partnership with Ford, the GT350 marked a turning point in the muscle car era. It effortlessly combined track-ready handling with aggressive street presence.
In 1967, production was limited, which cements its rarity and fuels its desirability among collectors today. Known for its powerful 289 V8, distinctive styling updates, and improved drivability over earlier models, the ’67 GT350 remains a symbol of performance heritage.
Read this guide to know the ‘67 GT350’s specifications, performance features, design changes, and the historical significance that makes it a timeless favorite!
History of the 1967 Shelby GT350
According to the Collector Car Market Review, 1967 Shelby American produced 3,225 Shelby Mustangs, including 1,175 GT350s and 2,048 GT500s, a remarkable six-fold increase from the previous year. This surge reflected how the 1967 GT350 perfectly balanced its racing heritage with greater street appeal, symbolizing the muscle car era’s golden age.
This sports car marked a turning point in the Shelby Mustang story, building on the success of the 1965 and 1966 models while attracting a wider audience without sacrificing performance pedigree.
The Shelby and Ford Partnership
The 1967 Shelby GT350 was the product of a groundbreaking partnership between legendary racer and designer Carroll Shelby and the Ford Motor Company during the golden age of American performance cars. Ford supplied specially prepared Mustang fastback bodies, which Shelby American transformed into high-performance machines.
These had extensive upgrades, such as tuned suspensions, heavy-duty brakes, improved intake systems, and performance exhaust setups. Furthermore, these enhancements elevated the car beyond a standard Mustang, creating a model at home on public roads and competitive racetracks.
This collaboration wasn’t just about adding horsepower but redefining what a factory-produced performance car could be. Combining Ford’s mass-production capabilities with Shelby’s racing expertise, the GT350 symbolized speed, precision, and American automotive ingenuity, cementing its place as one of history’s most iconic muscle cars.
Evolution of the GT350 From 1965 to 1967
The GT350’s journey from 1965 to 1967 reflects a shift from a raw, track-focused machine to a more refined yet formidable street performer. The debut model was unapologetically race-bred. Only 562 units were produced, each powered by a high-revving 306 hp 289 CID V8.
Being lightweight and aggressive, it featured side-exit exhaust pipes, competition-spec suspensions, a stripped interior with no rear seat, minimal comfort, and maximum performance. These cars were essentially street-legal race machines, appealing to serious driving enthusiasts.
Recognizing the need to expand its market, Shelby introduced comfort and convenience options without losing performance credibility. Buyers could now opt for a rear seat, automatic transmission, and additional color choices. Most famously, 1966 brought the Hertz “Rent-A-Racer” GT350-H, allowing thrill-seekers to rent a genuine Shelby for a weekend. This marketing move boosted brand recognition and created an enduring legend.
By its third year, the GT350 evolved into a more livable performance car. It gained a wider grille, functional hood scoop, and rear-window louvers for improved cooling and styling. Suspension tuning was refined for better ride quality without sacrificing agility.
This three-year transformation mirrors the broader muscle car movement of the 1960s; cars became more powerful, more stylish, and increasingly tailored to the lifestyle of the American driver, not just the racetrack.
Key Features of the 1967 Shelby GT350
More than just a milestone in the Shelby–Ford story, the 1967 Shelby GT350 represented the perfect blend of race-proven performance and striking design. It was the first GT350 to adopt the new, slightly larger Mustang body, giving it a more aggressive stance and room for refinements that broadened its appeal to hardcore drivers and everyday owners.
Engine Options and Performance
Here is a quick overview of the 1967 Shelby GT350 engine options and performance:
- The 1967 Shelby GT350 came equipped with a high-performance 289 CID V8 factory-rated at 306 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. These numbers made it one of its era’s most powerful small-block engines.
- Shelby engineers improved the engine’s breathing by adding an aluminum high-rise intake, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and a free-flow exhaust system. These upgrades provided quick throttle response and strong mid-range power.
- A small number of Paxton-supercharged versions were produced. These boosted power even further, making them especially valuable to collectors today.
- Period road tests recorded quarter-mile times in the low 15-second range. This performance placed the GT350 among the top-tier muscle cars of the 1960s (Collector Car Market Review).
Design and Styling Features
The 1967 GT350’s styling was not just cosmetic; it reflected aerodynamic thinking and Shelby’s racing heritage. The broader front grille with its functional hood scoop fed cooler air to the engine, while side air scoops improved brake cooling. Signature GT350 badging, bold Le Mans racing stripes, and rear-window louvers reinforced its track-inspired persona.
Compared to a standard Mustang fastback, the GT350 looked lower, wider, and more purposeful, communicating speed even when standing still.
These design elements, paired with the larger body of the ’67 Mustang, gave the GT350 an unmistakable road presence that remains instantly recognizable to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Interior Features and Comfort
Inside, the GT350 blended functionality with driving enjoyment. Bucket seats provided lateral support for spirited driving, while the wood-rim steering wheel and Stewart-Warner performance gauges emphasized its racing roots.
Many models were equipped with air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, making it more practical for daily use without losing its high-performance character.
Performance and Handling of the 1967 Shelby GT350
The 1967 Shelby GT350 was more than a fast Mustang; it was a purpose-built performance car tuned by Shelby American to excel on road and track. Period specifications from the reviews by IPMS USA report that the 1967 Shelby GT-350 could sprint from 0–60 mph in just 7.1 seconds, cover the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds at 91 mph, and reach a top speed of 129 mph. These figures show its impressive blend of speed and performance for the era.
While these numbers were competitive with contemporary Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac GTOs, the GT350’s real advantage was its responsiveness. Upgraded suspension components, better weight distribution, and race-inspired braking gave it sharper reflexes than most muscle cars of the era.
Suspension and Handling Improvements
Shelby equipped the GT350 with heavier-duty coil springs, stiffer Gabriel shock absorbers, and thicker front and rear anti-sway bars, creating noticeably flatter cornering and better high-speed stability. The steering retained a mechanical, unassisted feel, which offered exceptional road feedback but required more effort at low speeds.
Driving Experience
Driving a ’67 GT350 was an event in itself. The 306-horsepower HiPo 289 V8 had a free-revving character, delivering peak power at high RPMs while offering enough torque for relaxed cruising. Period reviewers noted that its braking distances were shorter than many competitors’ thanks to front disc brakes, though rear drums could fade under repeated hard stops.
1967 Shelby GT350 Interior Features
The GT350’s interior reflected its dual personality, functional for performance driving, yet comfortable enough for daily use. Shelby retained the Mustang’s familiar dash layout but added distinctive touches, such as a wood-rim steering wheel, Stewart-Warner auxiliary gauges mounted under the radio, and a dash-mounted tachometer positioned for quick reference at speed.
Customization and Upholstery Options
Buyers could opt for the Deluxe Mustang interior package, which featured brushed-aluminum or simulated woodgrain dash trim, upgraded seat upholstery, and special Shelby door panels with racing-style pull handles. Seat material choices included standard vinyl or optional two-tone patterns, and owners could select from multiple color combinations to match exterior paint schemes.
Performance-Oriented Interior Features
Every element inside the GT350 served a purpose. The auxiliary oil pressure and ammeter gauges allowed drivers to monitor engine health during spirited runs, while the high-ratio speedometer and 8,000-RPM tachometer emphasized its racing heritage. Optional safety upgrades, such as a roll bar with inertia-reel shoulder harnesses, showed Shelby’s commitment to track-ready capability even in street cars.
How to Identify a 1967 Shelby GT350?
Authenticating a 1967 Shelby GT350 isn’t just about spotting badges; it involves thoroughly examining the vehicle’s VIN, cross-referencing it with the official Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) registry, and verifying build details against original factory records. Collectors often look for subtle quirks unique to genuine models, such as specific weld patterns, period-correct hardware, and factory-installed components, that are difficult for replicas to replicate.
VIN and Documentation
Shelby-Aires (SAI) stamped plates are pop-riveted over the Ford VIN on the driver’s side inner fender panel, and matching numbers should also appear on the passenger side and engine block.
The typical VIN pattern looks like 7R02KXXXXX: 7 for 1967, R for the San Jose plant, 02 for the fastback body, and K for the 289 HiPo engine, followed by the specific production number. You can cross-reference using tools like FM’s VIN Decoder or request a Marti Report, which reveals the car’s original specs and rarity.
Common Misidentifications
Replicas of the 1967 Shelby GT350 are common, making authenticity checks essential for buyers and collectors. Platform enthusiasts often stress that verifying the VIN plate in the engine bay against the official Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) registry is the most reliable method. If the numbers don’t match, it’s likely a clone.
Other signs of a reproduction include incorrect grille badges, mismatched exhaust setups, after market hood or side scoops, and modernized interiors that stray from period-correct materials. Careful comparison of trim details, hardware, documented build records, and verified factory specifications can help confirm a GT350’s authenticity and protect your investment.
FAQs: 1967 Shelby GT350
What are the most common problems with the 1967 Shelby GT350?
Rust is frequent in the rear quarters, door edges, and front fenders. Frame corrosion can be hidden and costly. Owners also report oil filter housing issues and power steering fluid leaks under stress.
How do I know if my Shelby GT350 is original?
Verify the VIN (e.g., 7R02K…) and Shelby serial plate, check engine casting codes, and match trim features. Always cross-reference with registry records and factory documentation to confirm originality.
What are the best performance upgrades for a 1967 Shelby GT350?
Tiered upgrades work best: They enhance braking power (disc conversions), upgrade bushings, add modern shocks, and optionally bolt in a mild cam or dual carb conversion while retaining period-correct appearance.
What is the difference between a Shelby GT350 and a Mustang GT of the same year?
The Shelby GT350 had a tuned 289 Hi-Po engine, Shelby suspension, unique hood, stripes, and badges. It was produced in limited numbers (1,175 in 1967) and explicitly built by Shelby American, unlike the standard Mustang GT, a factory-built performance trim with broader availability.
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The 1967 Shelby GT350 is one of the most celebrated icons of the American muscle car era, renowned for its distinctive styling, track-ready performance, and limited-production exclusivity. You now have a complete roadmap from identifying an authentic model through VIN decoding to understanding restoration costs and market value.
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