1968 Shelby EXP 500
Offered by Barrett-Jackson | Scottsdale, Arizona | January 19, 2013
Here’s one Shelby Mustang that even the most seasoned Shelby collectors don’t have. That’s because it’s the only one. Ford built two Mustangs as test beds/prototypes in 1968. This car was originally the factory Ford prototype for the California Special Mustang. When they were done with it, Shelby acquired it and ran it through the gauntlet.
Shelby tried all sorts of new parts and experimental systems out with this car. At one point it had independent rear suspension and an experimental electronic fuel injection system. Both parts left the car before it was finished, although, when it was restored, the independent suspension was recreated and put back on the car. Shelby also used it to test the new Cobra Jet engine. Because of the raw power, they had to use a transmission from an F350 truck. Power is somewhere around 400, although it was never officially published – although they took it to the Ford Proving Grounds and managed a 0-60 sprint of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 157 mph – both far better than the Shelby GT500KR that this car gave way to.
EXP 500 was given special green paint and dubbed “The Green Hornet.” When it’s life as a test car was over, a Ford executive slipped the car into the Ford Employee Auction and the car, which has a real VIN but was also marked as a Shelby prototype, was sold to the public. It went about it’s life as any old GT500, but was tracked down in 1988 and restored in 1993 back to it’s “Green Hornet” specs. Craig Jackson of Barrett-Jackson acquired the car later on and it is being sold from his collection (as is the Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible we featured). At Barrett-Jackson this is a million dollar car. For more information, click here. And for more form Barrett-Jackson, click here.
