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1967 Shelby GT350/500 / Re: shelby # 1444 ?, one in chicago, race car
« on: January 12, 2022, 07:00:06 PM »More lies than a politicianThe level of detective work needed on these cars can be aggravating, but it can also be fun in a way. Great summation using inductive reasoning.
But this GT350 that was recently uncovered in Chicago might just be the rarest of them all. Simply because it is unique. This Shelby has been sitting in storage since 1969 and, because it doesn't have a VIN, no one has been able to identify it so far. Not confirmed as a GTanything.
The info that's been uncovered so far suggests that this modified muscle car is a 1967 Shelby GT350. There's no VIN to confirm it, but the big amount of original parts that are still on the car hint that it was built by Shelby in 1967. Should read parts that have now been added to the car. Original photos show many missing parts that have now mysteriously appeared
But here's the interesting bit. This GT350 was converted into a drag racer. And not just any run-of-the-mill, late 1960s dragster, but some sort of experimental vehicle with the engine pushed farther back than usual. Farther than the regulations allowed at the time, which might explain why it was retired into storage in 1969. "Experimental" did they have a setback rule? The set back looks pretty normal for the 60s. Retired at 2 years old - with all that rust?
Yup. this car was never completely finished and never raced. But it was close to hitting the quarter-mile with loads of high-end racing parts and an authentic Shelby roll bar. Was it an experimental drag car put together by Carroll himself? If never ran why is a number on it? A new hook for the fish to bite on - I'm certain in true Gas Monkey garage verbage this will be called a Shelby race car from here on as is Rawlings "Shelby" convertible he built.
Not very likely, but that's something Dennis Collins, who recently purchased the GT350, is looking to find out. But the guys who sold it to him suspect that this Shelby might be the GT350 no. 1444, a car that's been missing since 1967, shortly after it was produced. They KNOW it's not 1444 and have admitted to that fact in their postings on this forum. The sheetmetal dates and trans VIN don't agree - I also suspect the color of 1444 was not white. They also called the past owner a hoarder who had lots of parts from many cars. We know the trans was never installed in this shell in 67 why should we think the roll bar is anything more than a loose part that was lying around - I bought one for $20 and stuck in a 65 Fastback I built.