Some Shelby Mustang tributes simply look the part. While others both look and act the part. This 1968 Shelby GT350 Mustang fastback clone both has the Shelby looks and is backed up by a prodigious Ford stroker small block V8 that packs quite a high-performance punch. There are also several enhancements to the pony car's suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes that are worth describing to let you know that you're not just looking at a nice-looking Shelby tribute.
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Above: By replacing the radiator, fan, and fan shroud, the owner upgraded the cooling system. Also, the electrical system now sports a 100-amp, one-wire alternator. Classic Industries supplied a new windshield and stainless windshield molding.
When the Mustang's new owner, Gene Lu, of San Clemente, CA purchased the completed car from a dealership in Ohio, he realized the tribute looked the business, but the 200-horsepower engine wasn't up to delivering the goods as all the genuine Shelby Mustangs could back in the day.
So, Gene did what any gearhead would do. He rolled up his sleeves, and he set forth on a plan that would double the power and performance of his shiny new (on the outside) Shelby clone.
Gene sourced a 347-cubic inch V8 Ford stroker engine from BluePrint Engines. Once the engine was in place, he realized that the Ford C4 three-speed automatic transmission wasn't up to double the horsepower and torque that the new engine produced. He rebuilt the C4 transmission and replaced the rear end with an Eaton Detroit Truetrac 3.25:1 limited slip differential.
Above: The owner had a Lime Gold 1967 Mustang in college, when he was dating the woman who became his wife. When he found the 1968 Shelby GT350 fastback tribute in Lime Gold metallic for sale at a dealership in Ohio on the internet, Gene couldn't resist making the Mustang a great gift for the two of them to enjoy.
Above: The tribute is equipped with Lincoln front disc brakes and drum brakes in the rear. Stainless steel brake lines provide a reliable stream of hydraulic fluid to all four brakes, when the stop pedal is applied. Gene installed a Calvert Racing CalTracs patented traction bar system to optimize the vehicle's handling in the twisties and under hard acceleration.
Above: The interior was all restored prior to the owner's purchase.
Above: The 15x7-inch Shelby 10-spoke wheels have 215/65/15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A rubber in the front and 235/70/15 BFG's in the back.
A Worthy Shelby Tribute Inside and Out
Now that the Shelby tribute is all good inside and out, Gene and his wife can travel with confidence as fast as the Mustang GT350 Shelby fastback tribute looks. Of course, the couple abide by all the traffic laws!
Classic Industries and the Famous Ford and Shelby Mustangs
Should you be building a Mustang or a Shelby tribute, you may need some items for your favorite vehicle in your pony car paddock. In that instance, you can initiate your search for Ford Mustang parts online. You can also supplement your online parts search by also obtaining the Classic Industries' Mustang Parts & Accessories Catalog. By clicking the button just below, you'll be asked to fill in some shipping information. You can download a PDF version and/or have a printed catalog mailed to you. Happy hunting, shopping, building, driving, and enjoying your Ford Mustang and/or Shelby Mustang!
Classic Industries' Ford Mustang History Articles
We have a growing library of Ford Mustang and Shelby Mustang history articles available for your entertainment, education, and inspiration. Have fun in the CI library:
- Ford Mustang History: Creating the First Pony Car
- 4th Gen SN95 Mustang History: Development & "Fox 4" Concept Cars
- Fox Body Mustang: Development, Concepts, and 1979-1993 Year Changes
- 1964-1973 Ford Mustang VIN Decoder & Pre-Purchase Buyer's Guide
- 1964.5 (Early 1965) Mustang VIN & Data Plate Decoder
- The Wild Horse Galloped Away - 1969 Shelby GT350 Mustang Fastback
- Visiting the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center - Mr. Shelby is Smiling!
- Building & Driving a Factory Five Racing Mk4 1965 427SC Cobra Replica
- Decoding Your 1965 Ford Mustang's Data Plate & VIN
- 1967 Mustang Data Plate and VIN Decoder
- 1968 Mustang VIN Decoder - Data Plate and Build Sheet Insights
- Video: Pepsi Frank Prefers Pony Cars - 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang Tribute
Above: Photo of the 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR convertible courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
