The 1967 Shelby GT500 and 1967 Shelby GT350 are two of the most iconic muscle cars ever created. Both vehicles are part of the Shelby Mustang lineage, revered for their raw power, performance, and lasting appeal. However, when it comes to pure horsepower and engine power, the 1967 Shelby GT500 is widely regarded as the more powerful option. This article will dive into the engine differences, performance, design, and other key factors that make the 1967 Shelby GT500 stand out in terms of raw power compared to the 1967 Shelby GT350. At Revology Cars, we specialize in restoring both models to their original performance specifications, ensuring that they retain their legendary status.
Engine Power: The Heart of the 1967 Shelby GT500 and GT350
The primary difference between the 1967 Shelby GT500 and the 1967 Shelby GT350 lies in their engine options. The 1967 Shelby GT350 is powered by a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 271 horsepower. While this was an impressive figure for the time, especially in a car designed for performance and handling, it didn’t offer the same level of raw power as its bigger sibling, the GT500. The 1967 Shelby GT500, on the other hand, was equipped with a massive 428 cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering a staggering 355 horsepower.
The larger engine in the GT500 provided significantly more torque, making it more capable of delivering superior straight-line acceleration and power. The difference in engine size and output is the main factor that contributes to the GT500’s reputation as a more powerful muscle car. At Revology Cars, we ensure the engines of both the GT500 and GT350 are meticulously restored to their original glory.
Engine Power: Comparing the GT500’s 428 V8 to the GT350’s 289 V8
Engine Size and Power: The 1967 Shelby GT500 comes with a 428 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 355 horsepower, while the 1967 Shelby GT350 is powered by a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine with 271 horsepower, making the GT500 significantly more powerful.
Performance Focus: The GT350 was designed for track agility and cornering, ideal for racing, whereas the GT500 was designed for straight-line speed, excelling in drag racing and offering superior acceleration.
Torque and Acceleration: The larger 428 V8 engine in the GT500 provides more torque, contributing to faster acceleration and higher top speeds compared to the GT350’s smaller engine.
Design and Styling: The GT500 features a more aggressive design with a larger grille and wider body, reflecting its increased power and muscle compared to the GT350.
Collector’s Value: Due to its greater engine size and performance capabilities, the 1967 Shelby GT500 is generally valued higher in the classic car market, making it a more desirable model for collectors.
Revology Cars Restoration: Revology Cars specializes in restoring both the 1967 Shelby GT500 and GT350 to their original specifications, enhancing their performance while preserving their legacy.
Performance and Speed: Straight-Line Power vs. Track Handling
While the 1967 Shelby GT350 was engineered for superior handling and cornering performance, the 1967 Shelby GT500 was designed for straight-line speed. The GT350’s 289 V8 engine, paired with a lightweight design, allowed for a more agile and nimble driving experience, making it ideal for track racing and competitive events like the SCCA Trans-Am series. On the other hand, the 1967 Shelby GT500, with its larger 428 V8 engine, was optimized for raw power and acceleration, excelling in drag racing and top-speed performance.
The GT500’s larger engine produced more torque, allowing it to power through the quarter-mile in less time and achieve faster top speeds. While both cars were designed for performance, the GT500’s focus on power over handling made it the more dominant vehicle in terms of pure muscle. At Revology Cars, we restore these classic muscle cars to ensure they perform as they did when they first rolled off the assembly line.
Design and Styling: Reflecting Power and Aggression
In addition to the difference in engine power, the design and styling of the 1967 Shelby GT500 reflect its more powerful nature. Both the 1967 Shelby GT500 and the 1967 Shelby GT350 share the same iconic Shelby Mustang body, but the GT500’s design was slightly more aggressive. The GT500 featured a larger, more prominent front grille, wider wheel arches, and a more muscular stance, all of which visually communicated the raw power under the hood.
The GT350, while still aggressive, had a slightly more compact and streamlined design focused on aerodynamics and handling. These visual differences highlight the GT500’s more powerful engine and its emphasis on performance. Revology Cars ensures that these styling details are faithfully restored, preserving the cars’ original looks while updating them with modern performance features.
Legacy and Collector’s Value: Why the GT500 Holds More Appeal
The 1967 Shelby GT500 has become an icon of muscle car history, and its larger engine and power have made it more appealing to collectors. The limited production numbers of the GT500, combined with its high-performance capabilities, have made it a highly sought-after model in the classic car market. While the 1967 Shelby GT350 is still a beloved collector’s item, the GT500’s larger engine and superior power make it more valuable on the resale market.
Additionally, the GT500’s success in motorsports, particularly in drag racing, further cemented its legacy as a powerhouse. At Revology Cars, we understand the importance of preserving the value of these classic cars through expert restoration and modern upgrades, ensuring they retain their high market value.
The 1967 Shelby GT500 vs. 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback
While the 1967 Shelby GT500 is known for its superior power, it’s worth comparing it to other iconic muscle cars of the era, such as the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback. The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback, equipped with the 390 V8 engine, offered strong performance, but it still lagged behind the GT500 in terms of sheer power. The 1967 Shelby GT500’s 428 cubic-inch engine far outpaced the 390 V8 found in the 1968 Mustang, which made the GT500 a more desirable option for those looking for power and acceleration.
Additionally, the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback Cobra Jet, another competitor from Ford, was a strong contender, but it couldn’t quite match the raw horsepower of the Shelby GT500. At Revology Cars, we specialize in restoring these high-performance vehicles to their original power specifications.
The Revival of the 1967 Shelby GT500: Restorations at Revology Cars
At Revology Cars, we are committed to preserving the power and performance of the 1967 Shelby GT500. Our team of experts specializes in restoring these classic muscle cars, ensuring that they retain their original performance characteristics, including the legendary 428 cubic-inch V8 engine. With modern upgrades and enhancements, we bring these vehicles into the 21st century while maintaining the timeless appeal and raw power they were known for. Whether it’s the GT500 or the GT350, Revology Cars ensures that every restoration project is done with the utmost attention to detail, delivering a driving experience that is as thrilling today as it was in 1967.
Conclusion
The 1967 Shelby GT500’s larger engine, higher horsepower, and focus on straight-line speed make it the more powerful option when compared to the 1967 Shelby GT350. While both cars offer exceptional performance in their own right, the GT500’s 428 cubic-inch V8 engine sets it apart as a muscle car designed for raw power and acceleration. For those seeking a true powerhouse, the GT500 remains the ultimate choice. At Revology Cars, we continue to celebrate and restore these iconic vehicles, ensuring that their legacy of power, performance, and design lives on for future generations.
FAQs
What is the engine size of the 1967 Shelby GT500?
The 1967 Shelby GT500 is powered by a 428 cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering 355 horsepower.
How does the performance of the 1967 Shelby GT500 compare to the GT350?
The GT500 outperforms the GT350 in terms of raw power, with its larger engine offering superior acceleration and top speed, while the GT350 focuses on handling.
Why is the 1967 Shelby GT500 considered more powerful?
The 1967 Shelby GT500 is considered more powerful due to its 428 V8 engine, which produces more horsepower and torque compared to the GT350’s 289 V8.
Can I restore my 1967 Shelby GT500 at Revology Cars?
Yes, Revology Cars specializes in restoring classic muscle cars, including the 1967 Shelby GT500, to their original performance specifications while incorporating modern enhancements.
How does the 1967 Shelby GT500 compare to the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback?
The 1967 Shelby GT500 has significantly more horsepower, thanks to its 428 cubic-inch V8 engine, making it a more powerful option compared to the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback.
