GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
03-09-2006, 02:03 AM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 337
GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
Hey all,
This may sound like a stupid question, sorry,but what does the 500 mean in GT500?
Same goes for 350 in the Shelby GT350 of the 1960s.
Although I'm not an expert, I think I know a lot of about the history of the Mustang, but I can never find any info on what the GT500 or GT350 designation meant. Does it really mean anything (i.e. engine size, HP)?
Can anybody enlighten me on this?
Thanks!
This may sound like a stupid question, sorry,but what does the 500 mean in GT500?
Same goes for 350 in the Shelby GT350 of the 1960s.
Although I'm not an expert, I think I know a lot of about the history of the Mustang, but I can never find any info on what the GT500 or GT350 designation meant. Does it really mean anything (i.e. engine size, HP)?
Can anybody enlighten me on this?
Thanks!
03-09-2006, 03:19 AM
#3
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17
RE: GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
You may not believe this but the 350 came from the fact it was 350 feet from the office to the shop where the cars were assembled. Its been many years since I last needed to know this info and I can'nt remeber how the 500 got its name will have to look it up in an old Mustang Monthly magazine I have lying around somewhere.
03-09-2006, 03:37 PM
#6
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Join Date: Jun 2005
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RE: GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
The "distance to the shop of 350 feet" story is the one I remember from Car and Driver magazine. Supposedly Caroll Shelby was trying to come up with a name, and asked someone in the shop how far away the other building was. The guy said "about 350 feet", and they decided to name it the GT350 right then. It was probably a bit more obvious for the more powerful model to be the GT500.
Type "Caroll Shelby" into Google and you'll find lots of web sites with historical background.
Type "Caroll Shelby" into Google and you'll find lots of web sites with historical background.
03-09-2006, 03:45 PM
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2005
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RE: GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
I saw, I think on Car&Driver TV, that historically 500 stood for Luxury and Performance. Back then, most companies tagged a car 500 if it had those 2 characteristics. I'm not sure how the 350 came about.
03-09-2006, 05:15 PM
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: TN
Posts: 945
RE: GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
I always thought it had to do with the engine displacement/horsepower. Interesting what some of you have said... I didn't know that. Great triva!! I guess with all the mods we're doing, we can say our cars are GT750 or even GT1000 lol 
03-09-2006, 05:30 PM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: West Los Angeles
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RE: GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
Yes, it has nothing to do with horsepower!
I kinda believe the 350 feet story...
Now what about the GT 300?
Have you seen those side stripes yet?
I was thinking about getting one since they actually mean 300 HP, which we have (at least 300)!
I kinda believe the 350 feet story...
Now what about the GT 300?
Have you seen those side stripes yet?
I was thinking about getting one since they actually mean 300 HP, which we have (at least 300)!
03-09-2006, 06:38 PM
#10
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 337
RE: GT500/GT350 what does it mean?
Thats an interesting story about the 350, I had no idea. As for the 500, I'd like to know more about that.
I actually have the GT 300 stripes on my GT because I wanted it to actually mean 300HP.
This is a picture of mine.
I actually have the GT 300 stripes on my GT because I wanted it to actually mean 300HP.
This is a picture of mine.
