SAAC Forum

I was just pouring thru my latest Hemmings Muscle Machines and noticed that Lil' Red has a ring of brightwork lining it's radiator opening.

Anyone know if it's aluminum? Chromed Pot metal? How deep does it go in?

Was this ever done on any other '67?

Quote from: 2112 on March 31, 2020, 03:01:09 AM
I was just pouring thru my latest Hemmings Muscle Machines and noticed that Lil' Red has a ring of brightwork lining it's radiator opening.

Anyone know if it's aluminum? Chromed Pot metal? How deep does it go in?

Was this ever done on any other '67?

My understanding was just this car.

Look very unique, kool !

I like it,would have worked well as a production design feature IMHO.

Well... with the other chrome bling, why not fender opening molding as well...?

Quote from: TJinSA on March 31, 2020, 12:35:03 PM
Well... with the other chrome bling, why not fender opening molding as well...?

They saved all the bling for the 68's

  Notice too that the "cups" the front turn signals sit in are chromed too.

      The nose chrome is from a photo taken in August of 1967 when Lil'Red was at Ford's engineering/styling area.  They might have prototyped it or just used some show-car only stuff.

Quote from: roddster on March 31, 2020, 05:20:30 PM
  Notice too that the "cups" the front turn signals sit in are chromed too.

      The nose chrome is from a photo taken in August of 1967 when Lil'Red was at Ford's engineering/styling area.  They might have prototyped it or just used some show-car only stuff.

Is that August '67 photo available for viewing ?

Quote from: 2112 on March 31, 2020, 03:01:09 AM
I was just pouring thru my latest Hemmings Muscle Machines and noticed that Lil' Red has a ring of brightwork lining it's radiator opening.

Anyone know if it's aluminum? Chromed Pot metal? How deep does it go in?

Was this ever done on any other '67?

Chromed steel typical outboard grill with black out mesh . The super snake had similar.

Bob, I think he's referring to the trim around the outer most edge of the opening. 


Is the top piece part of the hood or was another surface added, anyone know?

Seems to be a precursor to what the '68's got.

Quote from: JD on March 31, 2020, 06:32:53 PM
Bob, I think he's referring to the trim around the outer most edge of the opening. 


Is the top piece part of the hood or was another surface added, anyone know?

Whoops my mistake . I think Jason said he made that out of aluminum.

I find it to be an interesting deviation from the norm. If anyone has a period picture, that would be great to see.

Quote from: 2112 on March 31, 2020, 09:12:16 PM
I find it to be an interesting deviation from the norm. If anyone has a period picture, that would be great to see.

Hello,

Here you go.  The photo was taken at Riverside Raceway in July of '67.

Eric

Thank you Eric. It shows up better in that picture.

The new one fits much better.  ;D

Here's a shot form Scottsdale BJ where it was on display with the Green Hornet 

Anyone notice the side stipe lettering on the first picture.  Compare it to the picture Eric posted.  I wonder what drove that change?

Quote from: S7MS427 on April 04, 2020, 12:12:03 AM
Anyone notice the side stipe lettering on the first picture.  Compare it to the picture Eric posted.  I wonder what drove that change?

Day 2 personalization  ;D

if you are looking to do this to your car, go to local auto paint store nd get a roll of 1/2 or 1/4 inch hlf round chrome trim. peel and stick double back, very flexible, can use for wheel open trim also.hred

I am not even sure I like it (tho I do like the chrome indicator cups).

What I do like are the sharp edges and spine the hoods of early cars had.

Quote from: 2112 on April 04, 2020, 12:08:23 PM
I am not even sure I like it (tho I do like the chrome indicator cups).

What I do like are the sharp edges and spine the hoods of early cars had.

Hello,

Back in January when 0100, 0131, and 0139 were all together, 0131 did not have it's "nose ring" yet.  IMHO, the car looked better without it.  It was an easy way to make the nose of the car look "different".  I think it looks "cheap".

Thanks,
Eric

Quote from: S7MS427 on April 04, 2020, 12:12:03 AM
Anyone notice the side stripe lettering on the first picture.  Compare it to the picture Eric posted.  I wonder what drove that change?

Hello,

I have the same question about the side stripes.  I am told this will be answered in the documentary.

Thanks,
Eric

Pretty sure its documented by factory photos. No artistic license .

Quote from: Coralsnake on April 04, 2020, 01:10:07 PM
Pretty sure its documented by factory photos. No artistic license .

Hello Pete,

I agree.  I am really curious as to the sequence of what was done to the car, and when it was done.  Specifically, when did Ford officially cancel any coupe and convertible production?  I am sure that this had to have happened before 0131 became Fred Goodell's play toy.

Thanks,
Eric

Quote from: 67411F--0100-ENG. on April 04, 2020, 01:39:03 PM

Quote from: Coralsnake on April 04, 2020, 01:10:07 PM
Pretty sure its documented by factory photos. No artistic license .

Hello Pete,

I agree.  I am really curious as to the sequence of what was done to the car, and when it was done.  Specifically, when did Ford officially cancel any coupe and convertible production?  I am sure that this had to have happened before 0131 became Fred Goodell's play toy.

Thanks,
Eric

I have my theory that the coupe was meant to be a idea test mule from the get go and not a 67 Shelby model for production based on the logistics and no other advertising of a new model to suggest otherwise. As far as the convertible It is a extremely significant car IMHO in its own right and I would be the first person to say the 67 Convertible would be cool in 67 trim. After all it is a 67 Shelby and it is a convertible . With that said  my point of view based on the evidence available and the lack of evidence to suggest otherwise is that the convertible was probably thought about being a production model when it was being discussed and first ordered in the second or third quarter of 66 .What with the completely different from 66 body style changes for 67 and the realization of engineering logistics and advertising it most likely became evident quickly that there was not enough time to do it for 67 production. The last 4 66 GT350 were convertibles and were a cool engineering exercise that were never intended for regular production. The convertible Shelby for 67 was for all practical purposes still born. By the time it arrived I believe that it too became a test mule prototype for a future model like the coupe(California special,High country etc.). There is only circumstantial and anecdotal evidence to suggest otherwise. Unlike the other two cars fastback and coupe which were HIGHLY photographed there is NO vintage photos of the convertible in 67 trim .  The fastback was photographed quickly and advertised as it was meant to be a regular production 67 Shelby. The coupe and convertible when in 68 trim were much later photographed relative to the fastback . No photos of the 67 convertible in 67 Shelby trim would be highly unusual given the proposed new for 67 model and SA's typical Modus operandi of taking pictures of practically every odd ball Shelby proposed variation that came out 65 through 67 that went into production or not. There are however multitudes of photographs of the convertible in various stages of 68 evolutionary trim and of course the most famous one as the red 68 convertible brochure car.  In the absence of concrete evidence in 67 trim the simplest answer based on the concrete evidence that is available is often the correct one (Occam's razor) which in this case is a stillborn 67 convertible effort and a carried through engineering prototype 68 convertible. Maybe a smoking gun photo will be discovered disprove that the 67 Shelby convertible was more then the 68 Shelby convertible prototype and brochure car. It would be very cool if it were. Yes it would be great if we knew exactly for sure when Ford cancelled the 67 Shelby coupe and convertible program to put to rest speculation once and for all. The Coupe looked fantastic at the BJ auction where I viewed it from a distance. The convertible restored in 67 Shelby trim also looks fantastic regardless.

Quote from: Bob Gaines on April 04, 2020, 03:01:38 PM

Quote from: 67411F--0100-ENG. on April 04, 2020, 01:39:03 PM

Quote from: Coralsnake on April 04, 2020, 01:10:07 PM
Pretty sure its documented by factory photos. No artistic license .

Hello Pete,

I agree.  I am really curious as to the sequence of what was done to the car, and when it was done.  Specifically, when did Ford officially cancel any coupe and convertible production?  I am sure that this had to have happened before 0131 became Fred Goodell's play toy.

Thanks,
Eric

I have my theory that the coupe was meant to be a idea test mule from the get go and not a 67 Shelby model for production based on the logistics and no other advertising of a new model to suggest otherwise. As far as the convertible It is a extremely significant car IMHO in its own right and I would be the first person to say the 67 Convertible would be cool in 67 trim. After all it is a 67 Shelby and it is a convertible . With that said  my point of view based on the evidence available and the lack of evidence to suggest otherwise is that the convertible was probably thought about being a production model when it was being discussed and first ordered in the second or third quarter of 66 .What with the completely different from 66 body style changes for 67 and the realization of engineering logistics and advertising it most likely became evident quickly that there was not enough time to do it for 67 production. The last 4 66 GT350 were convertibles and were a cool engineering exercise that were never intended for regular production. The convertible Shelby for 67 was for all practical purposes still born. By the time it arrived I believe that it too became a test mule prototype for a future model like the coupe(California special,High country etc.). There is only circumstantial and anecdotal evidence to suggest otherwise. Unlike the other two cars fastback and coupe which were HIGHLY photographed there is NO vintage photos of the convertible in 67 trim .  The fastback was photographed quickly and advertised as it was meant to be a regular production 67 Shelby. The coupe and convertible when in 68 trim were much later photographed relative to the fastback . No photos of the 67 convertible in 67 Shelby trim would be highly unusual given the proposed new for 67 model and SA's typical Modus operandi of taking pictures of practically every odd ball Shelby proposed variation that came out 65 through 67 that went into production or not. There are however multitudes of photographs of the convertible in various stages of 68 evolutionary trim and of course the most famous one as the red 68 convertible brochure car.  In the absence of concrete evidence in 67 trim the simplest answer based on the concrete evidence that is available is often the correct one (Occam's razor) which in this case is a stillborn 67 convertible effort and a carried through engineering prototype 68 convertible. Maybe a smoking gun photo will be discovered disprove that the 67 Shelby convertible was more then the 68 Shelby convertible prototype and brochure car. It would be very cool if it were. Yes it would be great if we knew exactly for sure when Ford cancelled the 67 Shelby coupe and convertible program to put to rest speculation once and for all. The Coupe looked fantastic at the BJ auction where I viewed it from a distance. The convertible restored in 67 Shelby trim also looks fantastic regardless.

Hello Bob,

You may be right.  I really want to see the documentation that has been found while researching 0131.  I guess we'll have to wait for the documentary...........

Thanks,
Eric

Speaking of Occam's razor, does anyone know where I can get a good haircut?

🦊

Quote from: Coralsnake on April 04, 2020, 04:01:47 PM
Speaking of Occam's razor, does anyone know where I can get a good haircut?

🦊

I understand that some of the non-binary barber schools can be pretty good?

Quote from: Coralsnake on April 04, 2020, 04:01:47 PM
Speaking of Occam's razor, does anyone know where I can get a good haircut?

🦊

I know . it will not be too long before we all start looking like Ed Meyer in his hippy days. :D

Quote from: Bob Gaines on April 04, 2020, 05:28:06 PM

Quote from: Coralsnake on April 04, 2020, 04:01:47 PM
Speaking of Occam's razor, does anyone know where I can get a good haircut?

🦊

I know . it will not be too long before we all start looking like Ed Meyer in his hippy days. :D

https://www.flowbee.com

    I wonder about how Lil'Red looked at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 1966.  What, nobody walking around with a camera??

I havent found pictures yet! You would think that one would be out there

I'm sure people have thought of this already, but check with the LA based newspapers still publishing that were around in '66 and see if there are any photos in their archives.

- Phillip

Quote from: roddster on April 05, 2020, 10:29:30 AM
    I wonder about how Lil'Red looked at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 1966.  What, nobody walking around with a camera??

The LA Auto Show started October 27 and ended Nov 6th 1967. This was a month before Little Red was completed.
The info on that LA Auto Show is from old research and not accurate.

The June '67 issue of the Cobra Crier noted
"Shelby American was represented in the Custom Car Show at the Sports Arena by a Supercharged GT350 and "Big Red" our blown experimental GT500."

Note the "BIG RED" comment!
Brian Styles adds some very interesting theories on the nicknames along with further info on Little Red, that I hope will appear in the upcoming documentary.

Since this was a June issue we suspect it was a May 1967 event, not January at the Auto Show.
More on the three 'Cobra Crier" issues can be found on our 'SRG' (1967 Shelby Research Group) site in the below link.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/shelbyresearch/dvAkK5TuaXs/ZWqtWmjYAwAJ