Author Topic: Designers of the fiberglass  (Read 8721 times)

2112

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Designers of the fiberglass
« on: August 07, 2020, 10:58:03 AM »
I believe the fiberglass of the '69-'70's to be one of the most inspired, beautiful designs to ever come out of Detroit (Dearborn) and enjoy discussing them with my buddy of 41 years.

With that said, we came to a question I wasn't sure about. I always thought the overall design was an in-house Ford design that was never really credited to one team or individual.

Am I mistaken?

2112

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2020, 11:03:49 AM »
BTW,  this is in the latest Hemmings Muscle Machines, a fantastic publication.

Edit, ugh, I don't have my iPhone here to edit the picture, if JD Doesn't save me, I will upright it later today

JD

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2020, 11:08:47 AM »
Here it is, (I get that mag too)
'67 Shelby Headlight Bucket Grommets https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=254.0
'67 Shelby Lower Grille Edge Protective Strip https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=1237.0

Coralsnake

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2020, 11:51:32 AM »
I agree a beautiful design. Certainly the best looking Shelbys

2112

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2020, 12:02:06 PM »
Thanks JD  8)

Bob Gaines

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2020, 12:06:03 PM »
I agree a beautiful design. Certainly the best looking Shelbys
It was the first Shelby design I was exposed to in early 1969 in 8th grade when a family member bought one. I have been enamored with it ever since.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

shelbymann1970

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2020, 12:12:42 PM »
Like I have said before I gravitated to 69 Mustangs in HS. While owning many brand x cars I always have had at least one 69 Mustang since 1977. I loved the Shelby design as much or more as the Mach1/Boss. Funny in that I like the Mach1 more than the FB and the Shelby Vert more than the Mustang vert. That is why I kept my vert for 35 years now. I have owned Boss 429s, Boss 302 GT500FBs etc but my vert has never left nor do I plan on selling it. I added a 69 drag pack 4 speed  Mach1 after searching for one for years. Didn't want an auto unless 430 geared. Didn't want a Q-code and as luck would have it through friends and other SAAC members(Bill S-to Kerry W to Dan Reiter) I was able to purchase my current 69 R-code Mach1. OK, long enough, I also wonder if it was an in house design since the 71 fronts are pretty similar to the 69-70 Shelby and we know how far designs are done ahead of time so I'm betting Ford designers. Gary
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1969 Mach1 428SCJ 4 speed R-code (owned since 2013)

hertzz350

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2020, 12:18:41 PM »
I personally think the 68 shelbys look the best.
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Previous owner of 6s1855 ,6s1297,6s731

427hunter

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2020, 12:55:16 PM »
I have owned one of each year and I would say in the American car world the 69 Shelby is a 10 out of 10 for me in the looks department. I prefer driving the 66 gt350 though. The 66-68 mustangs are nice looking cars as well but the 69 is more exotic in comparison. As I recall the hood and fenders and exhaust outlet were Shelby in house design the rest is a continuation of the prior year.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2020, 01:00:20 PM by 427hunter »
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Coralsnake

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2020, 01:03:49 PM »
Actually designed two years prior. So, the 69s were designed as early as 1967!
« Last Edit: August 07, 2020, 01:09:48 PM by Coralsnake »

Bob Gaines

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2020, 01:05:00 PM »
I have owned one of each year and I would say in the American car world the 69 Shelby is a 10 out of 10 for me in the looks department. I prefer driving the 66 gt350 though. The 66-68 mustangs are nice looking cars as well but the 69 is more exotic in comparison. As I recall the hood and fenders and exhaust outlet were Shelby in house design the rest is a continuation of the prior year.
I have some of every year as well and love what ever one I happened to be working on or driving at the time the best. ;)
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Coralsnake

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2020, 01:05:32 PM »


Fiberglas model January 1968, so you know there were drawings prior.

There was also a fiberglas convertible, but no photos have turned up yet.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2020, 01:07:57 PM by Coralsnake »

FL SAAC

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2020, 01:10:51 PM »
Simply the best aesthetically designed cars of the 1960s
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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2020, 01:16:40 PM »
I was 12 when this ad came out. Owning a Shelby was on my radar ever after. I thought, and still think, this is one of the coolest looking cars of all time.
Jeff

Bigblock

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Re: Designers of the fiberglass
« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2020, 01:23:18 PM »
69/70s - balanced and sleek look, going fast while standing still. AND doesn't look like a Mustang with addons. But I still like and enjoy the KR. ;D