Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Ford Shelby I Cobra GT 350 5.0 V8 (254 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Ford Shelby:
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 and by the Ford Motor Company from 1968 to 1970.
In 2005, Ford revived the Shelby nameplate for a high-performance model of the fifth-generation Ford Mustang.
The GT350 made its debut in the "sportsroof" fastback model of the first generation Ford Mustang in 1965. Produced through 1966, these were the smallest and lightest of the GT 350 models. Work started at Shelby American when its Ford-powered AC Ace-based, two-seat, 289 AC Cobra sports car production was wrapping up, and the 427 cu in variant was beginning. Both the AC and the Shelby Mustang use the Cobra emblem, a similar paint scheme, and the optional "Cobra" valve covers installed on many GT350s that were part of a marketing tie-in by Shelby, as well as one of his iconic symbols. All 1965–66 cars had the Windsor 289 cu in HiPo K-Code 271 hp V8 engine, modified with a large 4-barrel Holley 725 CFM carburetor to produce 306 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 329 lb⋅ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Marketing literature referred to this engine as the "Cobra hi-riser" due to its high-rise intake manifold. Beginning as a stock Mustang with a 4-speed manual transmission and 9-inch live rear axle, the cars were shipped to Shelby American, where they received the high-rise manifolds, Tri-Y headers, and were given larger Ford Galaxie rear drum brakes with metallic-linings and Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Ford Shelby (I). With 420 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1440 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from 1969, the Ford Shelby I was designed before modern safety standards and crash testing protocols like Euro NCAP existed. It lacks contemporary safety features such as airbags, advanced driver-assistance systems, and reinforced crash structures, offering only basic passive safety for its era.
Cobra GT 350 5.0 V8 (254 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a comfortable and capable driving experience with the 5.0L V8, though the automatic transmission reduces the raw engagement of the manual.
Fuel Economy
Expect typical V8 fuel consumption for the era, with the automatic potentially slightly less efficient than a manual in some scenarios.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic American muscle car status
- • Powerful V8 engine options
- • Distinctive Shelby styling
- • Strong collector's appeal and appreciation
- • Thrilling, engaging driving experience
- • Rich racing heritage
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Challenging to drive daily due to size and power
- • High maintenance and restoration costs
- • Limited comfort and refinement
- • Heavy steering and braking by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1967 - 1970).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Shelby |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | Cobra GT 350 5.0 V8 (254 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1968 |
| End of production: | 1970 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 254 Hp @ 4800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 51.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 420 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4942 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76.2 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.7 kg/Hp, 176.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 291.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1440 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4740 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1801 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1306 mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2743 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1476 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1476 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
Describe your experience with the Ford Shelby using only emojis!