Ever since the Cobra’s inception, Ford has always had a good relationship with Carol Shelby. By 1961, he was shipping in chassis from AC Cars from England, powering them with Ford 289 engines and dominating the Corvette on the track.

In 1965, Shelby turned to Ford’s popular Mustang. He stripped down version of the production car and added many performance modifications. Competing in the SCCA Production Group B class, the race-spec Shelby Mustang 350-R took many victories.

The 69-70 Shelby Mustang

The 1969-70 Shelby Mustang represents the evolution from both Shelby and Ford. By 1969, the production Ford Mustang was redesigned as a larger and more luxurious model. Many special models made available by Ford themselves which directly competed with previous Shelby upgrades. However, these cars did not stop Shelby from moving forward with his ’69 Mustang, but marked the end of Ford and Shelby’s cozy relationship.

Leading up the seventies, Shelby focused more on their road going conversions such as the 500GT. Production R-code Mustangs in from 1968 forward featured the new 428 Cobra Jet engine having 280hp. Along with the package came front disc brakes, a functional ram-air scoop which served as a good basis for the 1970 Shelby Mustang 500.

More than ever before, the 1969-70 Mustang featured comfort and convenience. Options such as an AM-FM stereo radio, tilt steering and Ford air conditioning were now available which were always deleted on the earlier 350 Mustangs. Interior appointments were very similar to the deluxe interiors delivered by Ford. Shelby installed a functional roll bar and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.

The car was powered by Ford’s Super Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine, geared through a C6 automatic transmission and a traction-Loc limited slip rear axle. The drag pack included this differential, an engine oil cooler and 427-type connecting rods.

Due to their heavier weight, seventies styling and lack of race program, the ’69 and ’70 Shelby Mustangs have been overshadowed by their earlier counterparts.