The 1967 Shelby GT500 is more than a high-performance version of the Mustang, it is the embodiment of Carroll Shelby’s vision of a true American grand touring car. With its big-block powerplant, aggressive styling, and motorsports heritage, the GT500 occupies an elite tier in the classic muscle car hierarchy. But when it comes time to restore or restomod this icon, one of the most critical decisions lies beneath the fenders: the tires and wheels.
The right tire and wheel package is not merely cosmetic, it’s central to the driving experience. It defines how the car handles, how it rides, and how authentic it feels both in motion and at a standstill. Whether you are pursuing concours-level originality or reimagining your GT500 with modern performance, choosing the best tires and wheels is a decision that blends heritage with innovation.
A Driving Experience Defined by Contact: The Role of Tires and Wheels
The 1967 Shelby GT500 was engineered for more than straight-line speed. It was a performance tourer, designed to harness power from a 428 cubic inch big-block engine and channel it through the pavement with confidence and control. While suspension tuning and chassis dynamics played their part, the tires and wheels were the final, critical interface.
Back in 1967, that interface was relatively rudimentary: bias-ply tires wrapped around 15-inch aluminum wheels. Though iconic in appearance, the technology of the time prioritized visual flair and durability over grip, ride refinement, or driver feedback.
Today, the bar has been raised. Restorers and builders now have access to advanced tire compounds, forged aluminum wheel construction, and fitment options that enhance everything from handling precision to high-speed stability. And at Revology Cars, every decision, whether mechanical or aesthetic, is made with the dual priorities of authenticity and performance.
Factory Specifications: What the 1967 Shelby GT500 Wore from New
The original 1967 GT500 rolled out of Shelby American’s facility equipped with distinctive 15×7-inch ten-spoke aluminum wheels, styled after magnesium racing wheels used in SCCA competition. These wheels weren’t just a nod to motorsport, they were functional, lightweight, and visually commanding.
The tire of choice at the time? Goodyear Speedway 350 bias-ply tires in size E70-15. Designed for straight-line performance, these tires were sufficient for the era but lacked the grip, steering feel, and ride quality expected today.
In combination, the wheels and tires gave the GT500 its characteristic stance, confident, athletic, and slightly forward-leaning, echoing its performance-first DNA. For purists pursuing a numbers-matching restoration, this factory combination is still the gold standard. Vendors such as Coker Tire and Legendary Wheels offer faithful reproductions of both wheel and tire designs, allowing restorers to retain historical accuracy down to the sidewall lettering.
Restomod Rethink: Meeting Modern Demands Without Compromise
While the stock setup satisfies concours judges and originality purists, many owners seek to elevate their GT500’s performance to contemporary levels. This is where the Revology philosophy resonates, preserving the design integrity of the original while implementing 21st-century advancements in ride, safety, and handling.
Modern roads, and modern drivers, demand more than a vintage bias-ply tire can deliver. Upgrading to performance-oriented radial tires and lightweight aluminum or forged wheels allows the GT500 to keep pace with modern sports cars while still honoring its classic silhouette.
These upgrades aren’t about erasing history; they’re about enhancing the driving experience while retaining the spirit that defines the Shelby name. With the right selections, the GT500 becomes not only a showpiece but also a car that begs to be driven.
Sculpted Aluminum and Motorsport DNA: Choosing the Right Wheels
Wheels are more than functional, they’re visual anchors that speak volumes about a car’s intent. The right design blends proportion, purpose, and personality.
Authentic replicas such as the Legendary LW69 Series offer a faithful reproduction of the factory ten-spoke aluminum design. Lightweight and correct in every detail, these wheels remain a popular choice for restorers aiming for originality.
For enthusiasts seeking performance gains without visual compromise, American Racing’s VN427 Cobra wheels offer the perfect balance. Available in 17- or 18-inch diameters, they retain a vintage silhouette while delivering modern strength and optimized fitment.
For those embracing the Revology approach, where each element is tailored for form and function, custom-forged wheels like the Forgeline CF3C or GA3C provide ultimate flexibility. Designed to precise specifications, these wheels offer increased strength, reduced unsprung weight, and improved responsiveness.
Correct sizing is crucial. Most restomod applications benefit from 17×8-inch wheels, offering optimal balance between aesthetics, tire selection, and brake clearance.
Classic Looks or Contemporary Grip? Selecting the Right Tires
No component influences road feel more than the tires. Choosing the correct tire type and size is fundamental to achieving your build’s performance and aesthetic goals.
For pure authenticity, reproduction bias-ply tires like the Goodyear Speedway 350 deliver period-correct visuals. However, their limitations in ride quality and traction are significant. These are best suited for static display or light driving.
Vintage-inspired radial tires, such as the BFGoodrich Radial T/A, bridge the gap between style and function. They preserve the raised white-letter look while offering vastly improved road manners. Sizes such as 235/60R15 or 245/60R15 pair well with factory-style wheels.
For drivers who expect modern levels of grip and control, ultra-high-performance radials are the answer. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Falken Azenis RT660, and Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires, available in 245/45R17 or wider, transform the GT500 into a thoroughly capable grand tourer.
With contemporary tires, ride quality, cornering stability, and braking confidence improve dramatically, especially when paired with upgraded suspension and brakes.
Engineering With Purpose: The Revology Way
At Revology Cars, every vehicle is engineered to a higher standard, balancing modern capability with timeless aesthetics. This is especially true in wheel and tire selection, where every specification is carefully curated to deliver a driving experience that honors the original Shelby vision while elevating it for today’s roads.
Revology’s GT500 models come standard with 17-inch wheels designed in homage to the original ten-spoke design, complemented by Michelin performance tires that provide exceptional traction, responsive handling, and confident road manners in all conditions.
Brake clearance, ride height, load rating, and unsprung weight are all factored into the engineering equation. The result is a tire and wheel package that not only looks correct but functions with precision, ensuring the car feels as capable as it appears.
A Legend Reimagined: Your GT500, Your Way
The 1967 Shelby GT500 remains one of the most iconic American Muscle cars ever built. Restoring one is both a privilege and a responsibility, every component is a decision point between historical reverence and personal expression.
Tires and wheels are more than cosmetic, they are critical tools that define the character, capability, and confidence of the machine. Whether you’re pursuing concours perfection with OE-style bias-ply rubber or crafting a high-performance Revology-style restomod with modern 17-inch alloys and ultra-high-performance tires, your choices will shape every mile behind the wheel.
In the end, the best tires and wheels for a 1967 Shelby GT500 restoration are those that reflect your vision, anchored in legacy, tuned for performance, and crafted with purpose.
Because legends aren’t just remembered, they’re driven.