Ford’s original Mustang Shelby series is one of the most sought-after automobiles. Sadly, more and more of these exclusive and powerful cars are found abandoned in less imaginable places. After hunting for a 1967 Shelby Mustang for at least a decade, Jerry Heasley has an opportunity to obtain one after he is notified of a 1967 Shelby GT500 that has been sitting in a barn in Nebraska since the early 1980s.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Jerry Heasley explains how his friend, Dan Bailey, became aware of the authentic, unused, and untouched Shelby GT500, just waiting for him to save it. In all its beauty, the ‘67 Shelby Mustang GT500 was an iconic classic car, and seeing it abandoned breaks our hearts.

The Story Of The 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 In A Barn

Launched in 1967, the Shelby GT500 is the most exclusive and powerful version of the Mustang rolled out from Ford’s factory. With only 2,048 units built in that year, finding one is like finding treasure. That’s what precisely happened to one gearhead. However, it could be said that it was the classic GT500 that discovered its new owner and not the other way around.

Jerry’s friend, Dan Bailey, was at a small car show with a clone of a 1967 Shelby GT350 convertible when two brothers at the event told him they had a 1967 Shelby GT500 sitting in a barn. Dan recalled Jerry saying he would like to have a ‘67 Shelby and called him so that they could go and check out the car.

A group of Shelby experts gathered to examine the car, including a renowned restorer from the Mustang Club of America. They referred to Shelby Registry so that they could know what exactly to look for. From the findings, the car was initially shipped to Omaha. Interestingly, investigations revealed that the abandoned car was the legendary muscle car Shelby Mustang GT500. It was a red car with a black interior and a 4-speed transmission.

A thorough search in the barn led to the experts finding parts of the car, including the 1967 dash pad, sun visor, gauges, seat belts, rear brake shoes, and shoulder harnesses. They also found the 1982 title showing the exact miles the odometer shows, a strong indication that the car had not been driven from January 20th, 1982.

Although this true Shelby Mustang GT500 is in rough shape that can break the heart of any enthusiast, Jerry describes it as his dream car and looks forward to getting it back on the road. Before he takes it home, he gets some of its history. The two brothers share some of their memories about it, commenting that although it is sad to see the car leave, they feel confident it is going to the right place. The 1967 Shelby GT500 is yet another great addition to the ever-growing list of Ford’s incredible barn finds.

The 1967 GT500 Was One Of The Fastest On The Handling Course

The formidable performance and aggressive appearance of the 1967 Shelby GT500 marked the Mustang’s transformation from a pony car to a muscle car. The car featured a distinctive design and a pair of closely fitted headlights that gave it a rally car look. Of course, although it is not a racing car, the GT500 was one of the fastest cars around Ford’s handling course at the time, coming slightly behind the GT40.

Any gearhead would appreciate the GT500’s impressive features, including the powertrain and drivetrain. Under the hood was a water-cooled pushrod V8 engine mated with a 3-speed transmission. Rated at 7016 cc, the Shelby GT500’s 428 V8 engine delivered 355 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, the GT500 can be regarded as the greatest original Shelby Mustang if speed and power are what make Shelby Mustang great.

The GT500 also stood out with its interior. Although Shelby significantly changed it, he retained the original seats, controls, and panels to preserve the Mustang’s feel. One of the notable changes Shelby made was replacing the seat belts with shoulder straps and adding a rollover bar. The GT500 is arguably the first-ever production car to have a standard roll bar.

A 1967 Shelby GT500 Worth $200,000 Today

The 1967 Shelby Mustang is one of the most handsome and timeless classic cars out there. As a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, it carried a premium price than other Mustangs and even rivals. Precisely, the base price of a Shelby GT500 in 1967 was $4,195. However, the actual price could vary depending on additional features and dealers.

Today, if you want to drive a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500, you can get this classic and potent car for anywhere between $200,000 to upwards of $250,000. In 2017 at the SEMA Show, a 1967 Shelby GT500 sold for $219,000. The price depends on the condition, mileage, and history of the car.

However, some 1967 Shelby GT500s have sold for significantly high prices. For instance, one of the Shelby featured in “Gone in 60 Seconds” sold for $1 million in 2013. The Super Snake, which was originally $8,000, sold for 2.2 million at Mecum Auction in 2019, becoming the most expensive 1967 Shelby GT500.

Notably, because only a handful of Shelby GT500 were produced in 1967, it can be hard to find one. GT500 enthusiasts who can find one of these highly coveted classic cars can get to enjoy newer Shelby GT500 models. You will be impressed by the power and boundary-pushing build of any Shelby GT500 you find.

Fewer Than 1500 1967 Shelby GT500s Are Left Today

The 1967 Shelby GT500 was a limited production car. With only 2,048 units built, including both fastback and convertible models, it is safe to say that they are rare classic cars. Many of these cars have been lost to accidents, rust, and some were scrapped after being abandoned. The ones that survived have been upgraded beyond recognition, which makes it difficult to know the exact number of 1967 GT500s in original condition left today.

However, it is estimated that a good number of the GT500s have survived over the years thanks to the efforts of collectors and enthusiasts. Of course, their iconic status and desirability make it worthwhile to maintain and restore them.

Estimates suggest that there might be fewer than 1500 1967 GT500s left in existence. Many people, including the 1967 Shelby GT500 owners, do not put their cars in the registry for one reason or another, even though it is really a benefit for them to do so. If you are looking to buy a classic Shelby, it is important to do your due diligence and have the car inspected by an expert, as it can be expensive to maintain and repair.

The 1967 Shelby GT500s continue to be highly prized for their powerful engines, distinctive style, and high-performance capability. A perfect example is the super high-performance GT500, a special Ford Mustang named the Super Snake, that sold at auction for $2.2 million.