Classic Recreations '67 GT500CR Convertible has 780 HP, style to match

AutoBlog: Classic Recreations '67 GT500CR Convertible has 780 HP, style to match

There is only one original 1967 Shelby GT500 Convertible. Built as a prototype for Carroll Shelby himself, the machine rocked a potent dual-quad 428 under the hood, and, like all early Ford prototypes, was slated for destruction after a certain period of time. However, the car was stolen and missing long enough to upset the natural order of things. As such, the machine escaped the jaws of the crusher and lived on to find a home in a museum in Volo, Illinois. Not surprisingly, the convertible is worth a heavy stack of cash.

If you'd like to slide into a GT500 Convertible of your very own, you need not fret. Classic Recreations has worked up a version of the mythical Mustang. Available with either a fuel-injected 427 good for 545 horsepower or a supercharged variant with 780 ponies kicking to the rear wheels, the modern interpretation blends the sexy lines of the original with modern powertrain technology. Check out the full press release below for a little more information or head to the Classic Recreations site..

Power steering, modern suspension components and a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox are all standard hardware, as are the killer 17-inch wheels seen above. Each model comes with a power soft top, as well.

PRESS RELEASE:

CLASSIC RECREATIONS GOES TOPLESS WITH DEBUT OF THE 1967 SHELBY G.T.500CR CONVERTIBLE

Classic Recreations follows its iconic 1967 Shelby Fastback continuation car with a G.T.500CR Convertible officially licensed by Shelby.

Yukon, Okla. (July, 2012) –Never officially built with only one prototype car known to exist, the 1967 Shelby G.T.500 convertible is one of the rarest and most sought after collector cars of the 1960s. The debut of the Classic Recreations G.T.500CR convertible gives enthusiasts a new option, one that is bittersweet as the G.T.500CR convertible was the final Classic Recreations cars to receive Carroll Shelby's seal of approval before his passing.

The G.T.500CR is the only officially licensed 1967 Shelby Mustang in production, and all G.T.500CR models feature a hand-built 427 cubic inch (7.0L) engine, modern performance suspension, model specific bodywork, custom paint and hand-stitched upholstery. Every car comes with an official Shelby serial number, badges and is included in the official Shelby Worldwide Registry.

The G.T.500CR convertible will be offered in two different performance models. The G.T.500CR 545 model features a 545hp fuel injected 427, built in-house at Classic Recreations using top-shelf performance parts and Mass Flo digital fuel injection. Modernized suspension, power rack and pinion steering and a Tremec five speed manual transmission add to the modern driving experience. Other features include Carroll Shelby signature rally series 1000 seats, larger 17x9.5 rear wheels and front and rear coilover suspension for modern sports car handling. The exterior is available in five different color schemes and features authentic Shelby Performance parts and a real Shelby Le Mans racing gas cap.

The G.T.500CR 900S model has all the features of the 545 model plus boosted power to 780hp with an F1-R Intercooled ProCharger supercharged engine. Other upgrades include a 200mph speedometer and racing-style bucket seats. The 900S also boasts suspension and chassis upgrades as well as 17x11" rear wheels and wider ultra high performance Goodyear tires. All G.T.500CR convertibles will include a hand-stitched power top.