Revology pays homage to the Ford Shelby GT500
One of the most sought-after cars is the 1967 Shelby GT500. Right out of the gate, this modified Ford Mustang was cool, featuring a race pedigree, all the right looks and the performance of a proper muscle machine.
The Shelby GT500's cult-classic status was further cemented after it was reintroduced to a new generation of car enthusiasts in the Hollywood blockbuster “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Nicolas Cage plays a car thief who lusts after a modified, smoke gray example, one his character called “Eleanor.”
Carroll Shelby and his crew churned out 2,048 Shelby GT500s for Ford, meaning coming across an original is a rare find. Revology Cars, based in Orlando, Florida, is making that discovery more accessible by reintroducing a revamped one for the modern age.
Revology's cars are hand-built using an all-new, officially licensed, reproduction steel body, which is epoxy primed and seam-sealed for maximum longevity. The original GT500 was powered by a 427-cubic-inch V-8 but this modern missile uses a Roush Performance-built, all aluminum, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It's rated at 600 horsepower and 475 foot-pounds of torque.
These ‘Stangs boast a power-to-weight ratio on par with a Ferrari 458 — so slowing these souped-up steeds are top-of-the-line power brakes. Up front, large six piston forged aluminum calipers clamp down on slotted and vented rotors, while out back, four piston forged aluminum calipers grab 13-inch rotors.
The suspension has also been updated, featuring a front double-wishbone setup and a three-link rear system, with torque arm and Pan hard rod.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a remote trunk release and power window and door locks. The original GT500's cabin was back-to-basics, but this new one features premium materials like flat-cut Walnut wood, stainless steel and aluminum inlays; Nappa leather and Alcantara suede. A rolling code encrypted ignition system is also included, to help ensure Mustang thefts stay in the movies, not on the streets.
The final reproductions are licensed by Shelby and documented in the Worldwide Shelby Registry. They come with a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and two-year powertrain and five-year body warranties.
If you want one equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, be prepared to pony up $219,000 while the automatic version stickers at $222,840.
• Share your car's story with Matt at auto@dailyherald.com.