Thanks to everyone for continuing the discussion on LR after Shelby American closed in August 1967. These are some excellent details. After decades of the stories of a ‘CRUSHED” ‘Little Red’, we really do have to question everything written in the past. Asking for proof to substantiate those points is the best approach to dismissing fact from fiction.
I don’t recall seeing any documents specifically stating when LR #00131 was sent to Ionia (or AO Smith).
That hand written letter, likely from late July, listing Jobs to be completed in California, does notes it should remain in CA (after the Shelby American LAX location closure). There is no indication it would be shipped to Michigan at that time. Perhaps that was only the SAI plan. Ford may have had other requirements since they took over the Company a month prior.
http://www.1967shelbyconvertible.com/documentation/original-documents/ionia-move-jobs-yet-to-be-completed-in-california.aspThis next link below, again to the handwritten letter, is the only place I recall seeing #00131 referred to as “GT EXP”…not exactly official and not exactly the same as the side stripes lettering ‘EXP 500”.
http://www.1967shelbyconvertible.com/documentation/original-documents/ionia-move-vehicles-remaining-in-california.aspThat January 24, 1969 Shelby Automotive list of Engineering Vehicles posted above certainly does indicate LR was already in Michigan. When it was sent is a great question! As mentioned, we see the paperwork in the documentary that Craig Jackson talks about. It refers to #00131 as a ‘GTS-500/65’. This confirms it’s the hardtop by the 65 code. The engine is referred to as a S428-4V, No AC, Auto, & Steel Wheels. That supports the first owners’ recollection of #00131 in the documentary. Since the 428 was not certified by the EPA to sell with a Paxton, that had to be removed legally to dispose/sell it. The “EXTRAS” noted are only a ’69 sequence flasher.
I also wish both documentaries shared more detailed information on the cars with less promotion on Barrett-Jackson. They briefly mention the other two cars of the first production GT500s trio. Both documentaries were likely made for the entertainment of the masses of auto enthusiasts, not necessarily our Shelby community who strive for more detailed info. It might be disappointing to us, yes, but it was still entertaining and good for the Shelby community as a whole.