Fact or fiction?

Question

The wifey gave me a new Mustang book for Christmas. "Mustang - 40 Years" by Randy Leffingwell and David Newhardt.

In Chapter 6 (1967 - 1968.5), the authors do not directly say some early '68 Mustangs had the W-code engine, but they do not deny it either. Their words are somewhat unclear and could be interpreted a couple of ways, so the urban legend lives on.

HOWEVER, in Chapter 7 (Shelby Mustang's 1967 - 1968), they say this about the 1967 GT500, "Shelby was able to offer the 427-ci side oiler engine as an option later, but they produced fewer than 50 examples." For the 1968 GT500, they say, "In addition to the 302-powered GT350s, Ford continued to offer the rare 427-ci side oiler engine as an option for the GT500. They subdued it's noise quotient by using hydraulic lifters and fitted the intake with the Holley 600-cfm carburetor. They rated the package at 400 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. However, dealers did their best to talk buyers out of it, and Shelby once again delivered fewer than 50."

Is the W-code GT500 fact or fiction? Has anyone seen one?

walt peifer · Accepted Answer

Bill · Answer

There were a few GT-500 produced with the 427 in 1968. As I remember it, they were rated at 390 H.P. This engine very different from the 1967 427. I think the 68 engine was a center oilier, as the side oilier engine was never drilled for hydraulic lifters. The 68 engine did not have the same cylinder heads. Is far as I know, Ford never built a 68 Mustang with the 427. There were a number of them produced with the 428 Cobra Jets. The 427 was intended as a race engine and extremely expensive to produce. I had a 1967 "W" code 427 Fairlane, one of 7 built. I bought it in 1969 at the height of the Super Car era. That car was clearly faster than almost all of the super cars of the time. The only cars really in it's class was the

426 Hemi Mopars, the 454 Vettes.

66 6F HCS · Answer

There were no W code Shelby Mustang's, per Shelby's own shop records.

John · Answer

Where did you learn this?Kevin Marti and I swapped e-mails a few years back about there being no W-code Mustangs.  We never discussed Shelbys.  Does his data include the Shelbys?

John · Answer

Sounds interesting Walt.  I'm taking the familt to Tampa for Spring Break this March/April.  Care to talk Mustangs over a beer or four?

66 6F HCS · Answer

I learned it from Bill S. I knew about the Marti angle too, but Bill S. claims to have seen at least ONE W code mustang whether Marti says it exists or not. I reserve judgment.

John · Answer

Looks like the real deal to me!

66 6F HCS · Answer

"351CJ"  wroteI'm not talking about the Ford version, I'm talking about the GT500E from Sanderson Sales. They are making a Super Snake with an all aluminum 427 and a supercharger.

John · Answer

Who bought it?The receipt says Braniff Airways Federal Credit Union.  Someone that belonged to that CU.  I bet he or she was a member of the public.

Wound Up · Answer

True. I didn't want to pick nits, but now that you have, YES it was offered to the public, and a member of the public bought it, and another currently owns it. Follow the link in my sig for full details - in the "Related Information and Mirth Dept"

But because a 427 Cobra or a loaded Cadillac cost as much at the time, who wanted some one-off "Shelby Mustang" for $7,500? FOOLS!!!

If I had to label this car a "Shelby Mustang", and not a Shelby GT, I would have to say IT is the best Mustang ever made. EVER!!! DAMMIT!!! =)

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