These are the days car enthusiasts dream of. Stepping onto the track at The Thermal Club, a premier motorsports destination, and finding yourself face-to-face with American automotive royalty: the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 CR. This isn’t just any vintage Mustang; it’s a masterpiece resurrected and reimagined by Classic Recreations. They’ve taken the timeless silhouette of the ’67 Mustang and infused it with modern Ford performance, creating the GT500 CR.
Under the hood lies a beast – a 427 cubic-inch Ford Racing V8 engine. This naturally aspirated powerhouse churns out a formidable 545 horsepower, matched by an equally impressive torque figure. Paired with a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, complete with a classic angled shifter and cue ball knob, this car promises a driving experience that bridges generations. While the price tag hovers around $190,000, the blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary performance begs the question: can this restomod live up to the Shelby legend on the track? Let’s get behind the wheel and find out.
Classic Recreations 1967 Shelby GT500 CR Mustang on the track at Thermal Club
Unleashing the Beast: Track Impressions of the GT500 CR
Before hitting the track, there’s a moment of familiarization – navigating the vintage-style racing seats and securing the harnesses. Once settled, the owner offered a simple piece of advice: “Shift around 5,500 RPM and try not to exceed 4th gear.” Simple enough.
With the lightweight hood secured by hood pins, it’s time to ignite the 427 V8. The engine roars to life with a deep, resonant rumble, hinting at the power within. Engaging the clutch and slotting the shifter into first gear, the GT500 CR moves effortlessly, even without throttle input. While raw power suggests instant tire smoke in first gear, a quick shift to second is where the true potential begins to unfold.
Driver shifting gears in the 1967 Shelby GT500 CR Mustang on track day
The clutch action is surprisingly light, but the throttle pedal demands a more assertive input. Initial taps reveal a heavy resistance, requiring a deliberate press to unleash the 7.0-liter Ford’s might. Even from idle, the engine responds instantly, pulling with authority. Adjusting to the throttle’s weight is key to mastering this machine as we head onto Thermal’s South Palm Circuit.
Wrestling the Wheel: Handling and Steering Dynamics
The GT500 CR’s driving experience is dominated by its powerful engine, but the handling and steering contribute significantly to its character. The large, vintage wood-grain steering wheel is a prominent feature, demanding physical input. As the car carves through corners, the wheel transmits feedback from the Nitto tires directly to the driver’s hands. This constant communication is engaging, though the sheer size of the wheel feels slightly cumbersome for precise track driving. A smaller, more modern wheel might be preferable for optimal track performance.
Close-up of the wood-grain steering wheel and dashboard of the 1967 Shelby GT500 CR
Beneath the classic skin, this ’67 Mustang benefits from rack and pinion steering, a significant upgrade over the original recirculating ball system. The car rolls on modern 17-inch wheels, styled to resemble vintage designs. With 8-inch wide front wheels and 9.5-inch rear wheels, and 275-section rear tires, the GT500 CR boasts substantial grip.
Despite the modern upgrades, the car’s weight and staggered wheel setup contribute to a tendency for understeer. However, a firm press of the accelerator pedal quickly remedies this, allowing the rear end to step out playfully. Classic Recreations’ modern coil-over suspension and sway bar package contribute to surprisingly nimble and controllable cornering, making it a rewarding, if demanding, track companion.
The Soul of the Machine: The Ford Racing 427 Engine
While the GT500 CR’s handling is a pleasant surprise, the Ford Racing 427 engine is the undisputed star of the show. Throttle response is instantaneous, and the weighty accelerator pedal provides a tactile connection to the engine’s immense power. Opening the throttle is described as being as satisfying as cracking open a cold drink at a summer barbecue – immediate and refreshing.
The engine’s soundtrack is equally captivating. A raw, metallic intake note blends seamlessly with the classic muscle car exhaust rumble. This auditory experience is described as a time machine, transporting both driver and onlookers back to the golden era of American muscle cars, reminiscent of 1967 Motown and the burgeoning Trans Am racing scene.
The GT500 CR’s engine delivers a visceral, spine-tingling sensation. It’s more than just power; it’s an orchestra of 427 cubic inches, a true all-American performance symphony.
Ford Racing 427 engine under the hood of the 1967 Shelby GT500 CR
Rear view of the 1967 Shelby GT500 CR Mustang on the track
Side profile of the classic 1967 Shelby GT500 CR Mustang
Front grille and headlights of the iconic 1967 Shelby GT500 CR Mustang
Final Verdict: Classic Looks, Modern Thrills
The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 CR by Classic Recreations is more than just a restored classic; it’s a reimagined icon. It successfully marries the timeless appeal of the original ’67 Mustang with the exhilarating performance of modern automotive engineering. While the vintage steering wheel might not be ideal for hardcore track enthusiasts, and the car exhibits a touch of understeer, these are minor critiques in the face of the overwhelming driving experience. The heart of this machine, the Ford Racing 427 engine, is what truly defines the GT500 CR. It’s a visceral, powerful, and aurally stunning centerpiece that delivers on the promise of classic American muscle, refined for the 21st century. For those seeking a blend of vintage style and modern performance, the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 CR is a compelling and thrilling choice.
