In the muscle car world there are cars, uncommon cars, rare cars, and collectibles. What we mean is, some cars are so rare, so desirable, and so astronomically priced, that the only purpose they have is to become part of some high-end collection. Collectible cars rarely exceed production numbers of more than a few dozen, and in the case of the 1967 Shelby GT-00 Convertible, there was just one made.
And that one car was on display at this past weekend’s Ford Nationals in Carlisle. It has been called the rarest muscle car in the world, The Mustang News reports, and this very rare public appearence had many Mustang fans rejoicing.
In August of 1966, Shelby America ordered three 428-powered Ford Mustangs; a fastback, a couple, and a convertible. These were the first big-block Shelby GT-500’s built, but Shelby would never sell a droptop version of the GT-500. Instead, the only ‘67 GT-500 convertible ever built went to Carroll Shelby himself. This car was loaned to many family and friends of Shelby for the four months it was regularly driven. It was eventually updated with ’68 styling as a test mule before disappearing to history.
Despite not ever selling a convertible GT-500, the Candyapple Red GT-500 was heavily publicized and photographed and, after being lost to history for decades, was finally restored by Samantha and Brian Styles. This is a car of significant historical importance, as well as being highly valued and collectible, and its restoration and reveal is sure to be the talk of the Ford Nationals for years to come.