Before I go any further, I need to get my left arm into this flame-retardant suit...ok...now, what makes a real Shelby so special? Is it just the prestige of owning a rare car that has more resale value? I mean, why is it we'd rather have a rusty shell of a Shelby than a 100pt fastback with a 300hp 347ci/5-speed?
66emberglow
Personally, I'd rather have the "100pt fastback with a 300hp 347ci/5-speed" than a rusted out Shelby. (Maybe that's why I own a restomod). Although the rare cars are doing well in maintaining and increasing their value, there are better ways to invest. Besides which, if it gets too rare, you probably won't drive it and then all you have is a piece of automotive art. Just my opinion.
Lou
Lou
When I was in high school (mid 70s) I became an early Mustang nut (just like most people in this forum). I always wanted the next Mustang up the food chain. V8s over 6s, GTs over non-GTs, fastbacks over coupes, convertibles over fastbacks, 4V over 2V. Shelbys were the ultimate Mustang. They looked different, the performance was different, they were relatively rare, and they had a racing heritage. People wrote magazine articles about them. (Believe me, you never saw Car & Driver write an article about a 1966 Mustang coupe in 1975). Now I have one and I have discovered that the vast majority of classic Mustang nuts are just like I am - they consider it to be the Holy Grail of Mustangs. It's JUST SO COOL to have one. (Note: these opinions reflect the views of a certified Mustang nut. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bob or anyone else on this forum. These opinions should not viewed as a putdown of any other type of Mustang or any other car in general.)
G
I would also rather have a clean car thats world value is not as high as that of a Shelby. It really is all about the uniqueness and rarity of an original shelby. But if you had a clean example I would be afraid to drive it anywhere. I am of the mind that cars should be driven, hard and often. Hell I would be stoked with one of those sweet FB clones.
In my beginning in this hobby, my goal was to someday own a Shelby. It was the "holy grail" of the Mustang world. Then I got really into the hobby deep and realized that I too would much rather have a restomod than some trailer queen Shelby. Sure they're still cool to look at and I admire the people that can restore them, watch them sit in the garage under a cover and still love them. I admire the people, like Bob, who drive theirs any chance they get. I'm a driver. There's no way I could put that much work into a car and just watch it sit there.
I think it's the "prestige" and history that goes with the name that draws people to them. It was for me anyway.
I think it's the "prestige" and history that goes with the name that draws people to them. It was for me anyway.
I think – for me personally – it's the prestige. When I see one at a show, it's not unlike meeting a celebrity. "Hey – here's those cool sequential tail light just like in the magazines!!" It's also the exagerated features... The longer nose (on the 67/68); the spoilered trunk; and those mean-looking snakes everywhere!
But do I want to own one? Not if it's my only Mustang. If I were wealthy enough to have a nice fastback and convert that I could drive around AND keep a pristine Shelby in the garage – then sure – I'd love one! But on a day to day basis, I get a bigger kick from the thumbs-up at red lights in my plain ol' fastback!
But do I want to own one? Not if it's my only Mustang. If I were wealthy enough to have a nice fastback and convert that I could drive around AND keep a pristine Shelby in the garage – then sure – I'd love one! But on a day to day basis, I get a bigger kick from the thumbs-up at red lights in my plain ol' fastback!
G
you're buying heritage... 2 world champions... the low production numbers and rarity of the cars also adds to their monetary/intrinsic value.
Ego- I own a "Shelby" and you don't. Low self asteem- My "Shelby" makes me a real man. Tiny weiner syndrome- you figure it out.
It's mostly a Feeding Frenzy. I've always been for the styling and lines of "THE" Mustang. In my opinion if it didn't win a race or was significant historically other than it's name or it's the last of it's kind the only thing driving the price is "temporary insanity". The insanity might not end, but who knows. In the mean time, I'll take a mustang.
That being said, I'll stand directly in front of 66emberglow! Bring on the heat.
It's mostly a Feeding Frenzy. I've always been for the styling and lines of "THE" Mustang. In my opinion if it didn't win a race or was significant historically other than it's name or it's the last of it's kind the only thing driving the price is "temporary insanity". The insanity might not end, but who knows. In the mean time, I'll take a mustang.
That being said, I'll stand directly in front of 66emberglow! Bring on the heat.
It's all about the history. It was a great concept and they only made so many. If you had one back in the day you had one of the coolest cars on the road at the time. Desirable then, desirable now.
Sure, with new technology we can build them up now to be faster, better handling and that's what make clones so cool. You can custom make really great working and looking cars to enjoy all the time.
But the Shelby legacy is a piece of history. And preserving and owning a piece of history is a really cool thing. There are lots of rare cars in the world. Some are rare but not especially desireable to collectors, so they don't command a high place in automotive history and therefore don't command a high price either. Shelby's have rarity, history and desirability. And therefore, they are a piece of automotive history that deserves to be preserved as they were originally concieved and used with as much period parts as possible, either as a original specialty street car or a champaigned track warrior.
Sure, with new technology we can build them up now to be faster, better handling and that's what make clones so cool. You can custom make really great working and looking cars to enjoy all the time.
But the Shelby legacy is a piece of history. And preserving and owning a piece of history is a really cool thing. There are lots of rare cars in the world. Some are rare but not especially desireable to collectors, so they don't command a high place in automotive history and therefore don't command a high price either. Shelby's have rarity, history and desirability. And therefore, they are a piece of automotive history that deserves to be preserved as they were originally concieved and used with as much period parts as possible, either as a original specialty street car or a champaigned track warrior.
It's all about the individual too. I recently got rid of a 68 GT350, and enjoy my 70 convertible much more. I am not struck by the "styling" of these cars now any more than I was when they were new or "slight" used ( often so abused they spewed more oil smoke then a semi) The Cobra-Jet was not his creation, the modified a-arm placement was a Ford idea he implemented, but due to those first 2 years and the racing record acheived by these cars, the mystic quality followed for the following years when all they were where a styling excersize. Kinda like an early version of the 70's Pontiac trans-am. Let them trade for those outlandish prices I say, under the skin, after 67, they had no "better" performance potential than any other Mustang you could order, save for the Paxton, which you could add if you wanted. There is nothing much better than the purness of form that a nice little 65 GT fastback, or 69-70 Boss has.
http://www.mvmustangs.org/stampede/2001/01s101.jpg
http://www.mvmustangs.org/stampede/2001/01s101.jpg
G
Let's face it. Any Mustang that someone puts their heart into is great. A Shelby is classic collectible like any other old collectible. Sure, there are many cars that are better in many different ways now, but many things that are old and rare, are collectible. If there were only 2000 Mustang six cylinders build in 1966, they would be collectible and worth more money. Also, most baby boomers grew up around cars like Shelbys and these people can now afford them.
And yet, as I look at my own sigpic, I remember driving Robbie's 67 Shelby GT-500 at CF3. Even though I only went two blocks, my jaw muscles ached from smiling too wide. It was a thrill.
Don't get me wrong. I'd also like to have one. For me, it's prolly the short weiner syndrome that was described earlier.
Don't get me wrong. I'd also like to have one. For me, it's prolly the short weiner syndrome that was described earlier.
It's the same feeling that made me rescue a 1952 Willy's military jeep from a chicken farmer's back lot ..... it's the history! It's not because it's fun to drive, because the jeep is a PIA to drive, and SLOW!! But it is rare, and after a two year museum quality restoration, it turns way more heads than my Mustang!
Now having said that (and I may need a bit of Nomex myself), I don't particularly care for the looks of the Shelby, any year. I'd much rather have the 100 pt fastback.
Now having said that (and I may need a bit of Nomex myself), I don't particularly care for the looks of the Shelby, any year. I'd much rather have the 100 pt fastback.
Can't speak for anyone else, and am definitely not one of the experts here, but I'd rather have the Shelby. Why??
Mustangs are cool. The Shelby is pretty much the ultimate Mustang IMHO (at least back when they were new--I realize you can build a "better" car now, but back then these were the coolest of the cool).
If you want to talk about the fact that you can build a better car now, why wouldn't you prefer a new SVT Cobra over a restomod or original Shelby? Probably because you appreciate the heritage, tradition, etc. For that reason, I'll always want a Shelby, definitely over a restomod stroker (not to say I wouldn't take the latter, but you asked which we'd prefer). I probably will never get to have either, but that's what I WANT. Would I drive it? Like a bat out of h*ll!!!
My .02 worth.
Greg
Mustangs are cool. The Shelby is pretty much the ultimate Mustang IMHO (at least back when they were new--I realize you can build a "better" car now, but back then these were the coolest of the cool).
If you want to talk about the fact that you can build a better car now, why wouldn't you prefer a new SVT Cobra over a restomod or original Shelby? Probably because you appreciate the heritage, tradition, etc. For that reason, I'll always want a Shelby, definitely over a restomod stroker (not to say I wouldn't take the latter, but you asked which we'd prefer). I probably will never get to have either, but that's what I WANT. Would I drive it? Like a bat out of h*ll!!!
My .02 worth.
Greg
There's an intangible draw in them that other genres experience. AMXs vs. Javalins; Yenkos vs. Camaros; etc. As said, they represent to top of the food chain of a model promoted as an individual's statement, a performance high in a metal shell. Their distinctiveness goes deeper than appearance to a pedigree rooted in competition, the automotive equivalent of hand to hand combat. Almost universally, they were originally bought by an enthusiast, and used in the arena (at least the earlier models). It's uncommon that there's not a story or more each one carries with it. Isn't that all a legend is, a story of triumph, victory and just plain making you feel good about yourself. In one, you become part of that legend, a legend that's still being written.
P.S. After writting the afore paragraph, and reading the other posts, I have to say the little weiner syndrome statement is short sighted. There's plenty of folks own own one that's not anatomically challenged. As people are, the ones most likely to throw stones are the ones must quilty of the crime. The most prevalent theme, or touch, used in restomod Mustangs are pieces taken from the Shelbys-- stripes, scoops, gauge pods and aprons. Copying / mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery. They're just frickking cars. In any forum, there's going be be some that blindly follow the flock, be it for investment or prestige. It's as ugly and narrow minded to slap a universal characteristic to ownership as it is to race, color, nationality, etc. There's going be some who blindly cast stones.
I took it not a question of value, but of emotion. If emotions were easily defined, why are we continually coming up with more ways to express it in word, song or visual art? I can no more explain the emotion a Shelby evokes versus another Mustang, than explain emotions in general.
P.S. After writting the afore paragraph, and reading the other posts, I have to say the little weiner syndrome statement is short sighted. There's plenty of folks own own one that's not anatomically challenged. As people are, the ones most likely to throw stones are the ones must quilty of the crime. The most prevalent theme, or touch, used in restomod Mustangs are pieces taken from the Shelbys-- stripes, scoops, gauge pods and aprons. Copying / mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery. They're just frickking cars. In any forum, there's going be be some that blindly follow the flock, be it for investment or prestige. It's as ugly and narrow minded to slap a universal characteristic to ownership as it is to race, color, nationality, etc. There's going be some who blindly cast stones.
I took it not a question of value, but of emotion. If emotions were easily defined, why are we continually coming up with more ways to express it in word, song or visual art? I can no more explain the emotion a Shelby evokes versus another Mustang, than explain emotions in general.
I'd rather have the 100 point fastback personally (given the rusty Shelby as the other).
I wonder if the Shelby would be as popular if he'd have used an AMC Marlin as his base car? The Mustang was the nuts, then Shelby just built on it.
I wonder if the Shelby would be as popular if he'd have used an AMC Marlin as his base car? The Mustang was the nuts, then Shelby just built on it.
For me, I've always wanted a 66 G.T. 350 and am fortunate enough that I realized that part. Why? Well, I love the looks and it's no secret that they're fun to drive - which I do often (the Shelby is sitting in my office parking lot as I write this in fact).
The bonus is that the car is rare enough and the pedigree strong enough that the value is great on the car - I can drive it and drive it and I don't lose money in my particular situation. Other Mustangs have some of those same qualifications, in fact most do really, but there's just something about the Shelby that gets you going...
I don't buy all the BS, btw, of people saying 'I'd buy one but there's no way 'cause I'd be too scared to drive it'. What's at risk? *IF* you had a complete showroom original, been in storage since day one car, then I'd buy this - or maybe even a thoroughbred restoration - as then you WOULD be losing money if you drove it. But, any car that's been restored can be restored again and if it's a Shelby, the value is effected very little if any. Rarity makes up for it. Look at all the cars that don't have their original drivetrains yet still fetch big-dollars... Granted, a restored car, fresh, is going to fetch more money than a car that was restored and driven for a few years, but not by a factor of 2 to 1 or anything.
There's nothing magical about it, they're cars - I love having a toy that goes up in value regardless of my use.
They're all Mustangs in there somewhere - so whether you're driving a S Code fastback or a Shelby the same basic math applies - keep them in good shape and they'll hold their value or go up in value. I don't drive mine as a daily driver, but on a beautiful day like today you couldn't keep me from bringing it out and driving it around - I may even drive it over to Omaha tomorrow... just too much fun not to.
Just my $.02 worth...
-bob
The bonus is that the car is rare enough and the pedigree strong enough that the value is great on the car - I can drive it and drive it and I don't lose money in my particular situation. Other Mustangs have some of those same qualifications, in fact most do really, but there's just something about the Shelby that gets you going...
I don't buy all the BS, btw, of people saying 'I'd buy one but there's no way 'cause I'd be too scared to drive it'. What's at risk? *IF* you had a complete showroom original, been in storage since day one car, then I'd buy this - or maybe even a thoroughbred restoration - as then you WOULD be losing money if you drove it. But, any car that's been restored can be restored again and if it's a Shelby, the value is effected very little if any. Rarity makes up for it. Look at all the cars that don't have their original drivetrains yet still fetch big-dollars... Granted, a restored car, fresh, is going to fetch more money than a car that was restored and driven for a few years, but not by a factor of 2 to 1 or anything.
There's nothing magical about it, they're cars - I love having a toy that goes up in value regardless of my use.
They're all Mustangs in there somewhere - so whether you're driving a S Code fastback or a Shelby the same basic math applies - keep them in good shape and they'll hold their value or go up in value. I don't drive mine as a daily driver, but on a beautiful day like today you couldn't keep me from bringing it out and driving it around - I may even drive it over to Omaha tomorrow... just too much fun not to.
Just my $.02 worth...
-bob
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