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Ultimate Restoration
Author: Golgotha (more...)
The 1967 Shelby GT-350
When GT-350 project engineers learned of the major changes in the
1967 mustang, they began working on the 1967 Shelby. They started
with the things that dealers indicated buyers were interested in:
Distinctive styling, greater choice of colors and options and
increased performance within the limits of comfort and not at its
expense. For 1967, emphasis was placed on making the Shelby a road
car. Primary consideration was given to the styling. The 1967 Shelby
would have its own nose and tail treatment which would set it head
and shoulders above the standard mustang. Stock mustang front and
rear bumpers were used but the hood, nose section and tail were
executed in fiberglass. The hood was elongated, making the long
nose / short tail mustang styling even more exaggerated. The
headlights were smaller diameter than the mustang. High beam
headlights were added in the center of the cavernous blacked–out
grille and another cooling opening was added below the bumper. A
large, functional scoop was incorporated into the hood. At the rear,
a cut-off kamm-backed look was attained by using a fiberglass deck
lid and fiberglass end caps ending in a swoopy spoiler. Two large
rectangular taillights (cougar minus the trim bezel) were used with
new bezels along with a Shelby gas cap totally changing the
appearance from the rear. A pair of fiberglass scoops on each side –
The upper scoops replaced the mustang vents and functioning to draw
cockpit air out of the car and the lower scoops led to brake cooling
ducts. The Shelby trademark of rocker panel treatment and racing
stripes continuous along the entire length of the car as well as
special emblem badges and engine aesthetics finished the exterior
design. The continuous stripes varied in width as they snaked over
the car giving it the appearance of being lower. The interior of the
1967 Shelby was all business. The first American car to incorporate
a roll bar complete with an inertial reel racing harness. By the end
of 1967 production, 3225 cars had been built.
MY STORY
When the car was purchased the engine compartment was empty. The
interior parts were in several boxes located where the front seats
would normally reside. The hood was duct taped shut since there were
no hinges installed. The only parts that were in the right place
were the doors and even they were missing the locks and handles.
When I saw the car even though it lacked many parts, I saw the
potential that it had. It was a slow process but the investment was
worth it.
My life at one time was very similar to this old car wasting away. I
too was just an empty shell. Day to day life just accumulating
mileage. When repairs to my life were needed I did the best I could,
sometimes accidentally changing the wrong part. I knew of God but I
did not have a personal relationship with him. Just as I restored
the car, Jesus has given me a new life. If you have an empty heart
and are in need of a restoration ask Jesus to come into your life.
Ask him to be your Lord and Savior. Begin to read his shop manual
for all men – the Bible.
One big difference between my two restorations is that my cars
mechanical restoration was expensive, costing thousands, but my
spiritual restoration by far the most valuable thing I have could
not be bought or worked for. My salvation was a free gift.
Performance Oasis is truly a gift from the Lord. It has been my
desire for many years. I have been through the desert and have found
an oasis. It is my prayer that if you are searching as I was, you
will find Him too.
Dave Hofman - Performance Oasis
www.performanceoasis.com
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