Ford Mustang GT500, year 1967: Memphis Raines’s Eleanor

“I know we’ve got a history, Eleanor, and that history has not been great, but I promise… you take care of me, I’ll take care of you.” What makes the ’67 Mustang GT500 so special—and whether that Ford service manual is your golden ticket or just the opening credits

Let’s be real—few cars have the presence of a ’67 GT500. That long hood, the racing stripes, those aggressive scoops… even standing still, this car looks like it’s about to outrun a helicopter. “Eleanor,” as she’s lovingly known in Gone in 60 Seconds, is basically muscle car royalty.

Will the Ford Service Manual Help?

A factory Ford service manuals—https://factorymanuals.net/collections/factory-ford-service-repair-manuals— are like your “garage Bible.” It’s packed with diagrams, torque specs, step-by-step repairs, and troubleshooting tips straight from the folks who built the car. You’ll find everything from wiring diagrams to engine assembly instructions—it’s a must for any serious project.

But here’s a catch. The GT500 isn’t just any Mustang—it’s a Shelby, and that means some parts (like the engine, suspension, and even some bodywork) are unique. The Ford manual will get you 90% there, but for those Shelby-specific touches, you might want a dedicated Shelby supplement or one of the restoration guides from Shelby enthusiasts.

Pro tip: Start with the Ford book for all your basics—brakes, wiring, body panels. And, for anything that screams “Shelby,” check online forums, Shelby clubs, or those classic restoration books. There’s a whole tribe of Shelby fans out there who live for this stuff.

What Makes the ’67 Shelby GT500 a Legend?

Under the hood, you’ve got a 428-cubic-inch Police Interceptor V8, putting down serious horses (think 355+ hp, which was wild for its time). It’s not just brawn, though—the dual 4-barrel carbs, heavy-duty suspension, and 4-speed close-ratio manual make it a driver’s dream. It’s not just fast in a straight line; it feels alive!

Carroll Shelby’s touch turned an already iconic Mustang into a legend. The limited numbers, the racing pedigree, the movie stardom… It’s a piece of rolling Americana that’s as much about attitude as engineering.

Drive a GT500, and you’re not just driving a car—you’re piloting a story. Everyone from gearheads to grandmas knows there’s something different about this machine.

Why Was 1967 a Special Year for the Shelby GT500?

Sometimes, it’s the tiniest detail—a barely-noticed badge, a line in a dusty manual, a tweak only the real drivers feel—that turns a great story into a legend.

Every Shelby is special, but 1967 is a turning point—a year that stands out for reasons most drivers miss.

1. The First “Big Block” Shelby

Before ’67 Shelby Mustangs had small block 289 V8s. Fast, but not monstrous. In 1967 Carroll Shelby dropped in the 428 cubic inch Police Interceptor, a true big block, says Yahoo. Suddenly, the GT500 was a different animal—more torque, more thunder, and a whole new attitude. This was the ultimate escalation: Ford muscle meets Shelby magic.

2. Last Year of Real Shelby Factory Involvement

• ’65–’67—Shelbys were built (or at least finished) at Shelby American’s own facility in Los Angeles. Real hands-on, hot-rodder craftsmanship.

• After ’67—Production moved to Michigan, and Ford took more control. The cars were still cool, but that “hand-built” Shelby DNA started to fade. So, a ’67 is the last of the true “California Cobras.”

3. Unique Styling—One-Year-Only Details

• Body—The ’67 got a totally new look—longer nose, aggressive scoops, functional fiberglass hood, even sequential taillights borrowed from the ’67 Cougar.

• Interior—First appearance of the roll bar, special gauges, and Shelby-exclusive trim.

• Collector’s secret—Some early ’67 Shelbys used leftover parts from ’66 (quirky badges, unique hardware)—making them weirdly rare.

4. The “Unicorn” Factor

Only about 2,048 GT500s made for ’67. Compare that to the regular Mustangs—she’s a rare bird. Real ’67 GT500s have unique Shelby VINs and Ford VINs—double-tracked for authenticity. Makes provenance a big deal in the collector world.

Shelby-Specific Touches: Why the Extra 10% Matters

Let’s make sure Eleanor gets nothing but the best. When Carroll Shelby worked his magic, he took the already-cool Mustang and turned it into something fierce. Here’s what sets the GT500 apart from your average ’67 Mustang:

• Engine—The legendary 428 Police Interceptor V8 is unique to the GT500. It’s got beefed-up internals, special manifolds, dual Holley four-barrel carbs, and more.

• Suspension—Shelby tuned the handling—think heavy-duty springs, shocks, bigger sway bars, and beefier brakes for real road prowess, which is still a p[art of the modern version, says Car and Driver.

• Bodywork—Fiberglass hood, scoops, unique front fascia, custom taillights, and functional air vents. Even the stripes and badging are pure Shelby.

• Interior touches—Shelby gauges, roll bar, special console, cobra emblems, and sometimes a numbered dash plaque.

• VIN & Documentation—Shelby GT500s have unique VINs and build sheets. These are your car’s DNA—never lose them!

Restoring a Shelby isn’t just about making her run—you’re protecting her soul. Authenticity matters for value, performance, and, let’s be honest, your own pride every time you crack the garage door.

Trusted Shelby Restoration Guides

Books & Manuals

• “Shelby Mustang Restoration Guide 1965-1970” by Tom Corcoran—This is a classic—packed with photos, factory specs, and tips for every nut and bolt.

• “Original Shelby Mustang 1965-1970” by Colin Comer—Great for authenticity—shows what’s factory-correct in detail (paint, decals, hardware, etc).

• Factory Assembly Manuals—Look for “1967 Shelby GT500 Assembly Manual” (these are reprints of the factory blueprints, gold for originality).

Official Registries & Clubs

• Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC)

The gold standard. They keep the Shelby Registry, have forums, newsletters, and a deep archive of restoration info. Sometimes the only place to find rare, authentic Shelby hardware or advice on sourcing the right stuff.

Community, events, parts swaps, and a killer forum with restoration threads.

Websites

• Mustang360 / MotorTrend’s Mustang section

Great articles, how-tos, and real-world project car features.

Massive community, lots of Shelby owners sharing their journeys.

Where to Find Shelby-Specific Parts (Engine, Suspension, etc.)

• Tony D. Branda Shelby & Mustang Parts

The Shelby parts legend. New and NOS (new old stock) parts, especially for GT350/500.

• Mustangs Unlimited (now part of Classic Industries)

Wide selection, including Shelby-specific items.

They’re known for hard-to-find original-style suspension and drivetrain parts.

Bodywork: When to Call the Pros

Bodywork on a Shelby is sacred ground. With those fiberglass scoops, unique panels, and the value at stake, a true specialist is worth every penny. Ask around in the Shelby forums; folks are generous with recommendations for trusted shops near you. Don’t be afraid to drive for the right craftsman—it’s like finding the right heart surgeon.

Garage Wisdom

• Don’t rush—Every bolt has a story, every squeak is a clue, and every victory is sweeter when you’ve got grease under your nails.

• Authenticity is more than “Just Close Enough”—When in doubt, check the books, ask the Shelby crowd, and make sure she gets what she deserves.

• Ask for help—Even Memphis Raines had a crew. Lean on manuals, forums, and friends (digital or otherwise).

• Document Everything—Take photos, save receipts, and keep a log. It’s part of your car’s living story—and future value.

• Enjoy the ride—Whether you’re tuning carbs or just daydreaming over the curves of that fastback, remember—you’re not just fixing a car, you’re keeping a legend alive. Every part hunt, late-night wrench session, and cup of coffee in the garage is a memory with your unicorn.

So, hand me that 9/16″ socket, fire up the next tune, and let’s make some Mustang magic. Whatever life throws your way, you’ve got a classic ride, a trusty manual, and find a friend who’s always game for a garage chat—grease stains and all. Cheers to high-octane days!

Last Updated: June 4, 2025