1967-1968 Ford Mustang: Shelby Super Snake, GT 500, and Stallion (Part 2)

1967-1968

Another big year for the Ford Mustang, 1967 marked the first redesign of the model. The body lines were slightly changed, with a new grille layout and new non-functional body colored side scoops in front of the rear wheels. Also, the rear roofline of the fastback was extended all the way to the back of the car, giving it a full fastback look. While this redesign helps to set the 1967 apart from the previous models, it was fairly subtle and was actually not the big news that year.  The Big News was the introduction of the new high performance Ford Mustang GT 500 and, with it, the introduction of big block engines options: the 390 cubic inch and 428 cubic inch V8s.

There were several special edition Mustangs in 1967 such as the Mustang
GTA and the Mustang Stallion.  While the GTA was simply a Mustang GT
with an automatic transmission, the Mustang Stallion was a very unique
and very rare model – only 8 were built.  The Stallion came with either
a 289 Hi-Po, 390, or 428; the transmission options were either a
4-speed manual or C6 Select Shift Cruise-O-Matic, limited slip rear
differential, power steering, power disc brakes, Stallion logos, Cougar
taillights, and custom wheels.  The Shelby GT 350 still came equipped
with the 289 Hi-Po, while the Mustang GT 500 came packed with a 335
horsepower 428 cubic inch V8.

The Shelby models in 1967 received more aesthetic changes, a different
grille from the other ’67 Ford Mustangs to allow for better cooling, a
special rear spoiler, and cougar taillights were fitted to the back end
to give it a much different look than the standard Mustangs.  The
Shelby Mustangs sold to the general public were all fastbacks, with a
select few made as coupes strictly for Trans Am racing.  The Mustang GT
500 came with a roll bar and the option for racing style harnesses. 
The High Country Specials were offered again with a production run of
only 400. The rarest 1967 Ford Mustang was the Shelby Super Snake,
equipped with a 520 horsepower lightweight 427 cubic inch engine
containing aluminum heads, tuned headers, 780 CFM Holley 4 barrel carb,
aluminum intake, oil cooler, remote filter, 4 speed trans, and a 4.11
ratio Detroit locker rear differential.  This model was a record
breaker, but unfortunately it was never mass produced due to a price of
$7,500, almost three times the cost of a normal Mustang.  Sales numbers
for 1967 dipped a bit due to the influx of direct competitors, yet it
was still the best selling car in its class.

The 1967 Ford Mustang brought an end to the popularity of the 289
performance engines. Although the 289 was still offered, it was a lower
performance engine than the newly introduced 302 cubic inch engine,
which would become one of the most common Mustang engines for the next
30 years or so.  The Mustang GT was  offered with beefed up suspension,
brakes, tires, and exhaust system, while receiving some minor changes
to set it apart from the non-GT models.  The standard engine in the
Mustang GT was not a 302, with the option of a 302 Hi-Po, or the 390 or
428 cubic inch big block V8.  The 428 Cobra Jet Mustang debuted in
April of 1968, and this high performance model featured a ram air
induction with a large hood mounted scoop.  The top of the line Shelby
was the GT 500 KR, with KR standing for King of the Road.  This trim
line came equipped only with a 428 Cobra Jet engine, and like all 1968
Shelby models, it was available in either a convertible or a fastback. 
The High Country Special was offered once again, along with another
regional trim line, the California Special.  The California Special was
similar to the Shelby models, especially the exterior.

— by Patrick

We covered the car, now you tell us about the driver. Your thoughts on the classic Mustang?