In mid- to late-2016 with the payoff of the auto loan on my wife’s vehicle in sight and my daily-driver—a 1996 Ford Ranger with nearly 250K miles—getting a bit long in the tooth, I set my sights on acquiring a new vehicle to take over my commuting duties. As a longtime Mustang fan and owner of a ’66 convertible which is limited to fair-weather forays during agreeable weather, I’d set my sights on a new-ish Mustang.
Always harboring a special affinity for the first-generation Pony’s (particularly the 1965-’68 era), I was thrilled with the introduction of the S197 platform in 2005 with its “modern retro” styling which harkened back to the afore mentioned period. While I’m certain that it will grow on me with time, I still haven’t taken to the looks of the “new” sixth generation S550 style; as such I sent my sights on the 2014 model year—the last of the S197s.
Intended primarily as a daily commuter (22 miles each way X5 days/week, plus miscellaneous errands), I felt that I was going to be more than satisfied with a V6 and, for convenience/ease of driving, the 6-speed slushbox was also on my “preferred want list” as was the “Premium” equipment group. My final criteria was only for a clean, low mileage exemplar. While Ruby Red would have been my first color choice, I was not going to let color be a deal breaker; having only eliminated from consideration those hues that didn’t appeal to me (Gotta Have It Green, Race Red, Grabber Blue and Black).
After spending several weeks in March-April 2017 unsuccessfully searching the local dealers’ inventories, I finally turned to the inter-web and came across a viable candidate, albeit located nearly 1,000 miles away in Texas. Doing my due diligence, I felt comfortable in making an offer to the seller (Texas Direct Auto/Vroom) on a certified pre-owned 2014 V6 Premium coupe with 35K miles. After a week of Q&A, I made an offer which was accepted by the seller and, which included shipping fees and a factory spare tire kit (in lieu of the included and oft-chided “mobility kit”). With my own financing in place, it still took 3 weeks to get a few interstate title issues resolved, but on June 5, 2017 my ‘new-ish’ pony was delivered… Clean as a whistle and mechanically sound, as advertised
From visual inspection of the pre-purchase photos, I was aware of the 19” factory wheels as well as the strut tower brace (factory option or a post-purchase Ford accessory?); it also was apparent that the previous owner had a Llumar window tint installed. Two weeks into my ownership, a dead battery and lack of a provided spare key prompted a trip to my local Ford dealer where they pulled the VIN and informed me that my new ride had originally been factory optioned with: 1) Hood and side stripes (boo!); 2) Reverse Sensing System & Security Package (OK); and 3) the V6 Performance Package (yea!)
With my thoughts quickly turning to, “How am I going to mod this?”, my first impression was that of how the hood/side stipes—a $395 waste of money, in my opinion—had to go! But as removal of these was not deemed as an “urgent” need, I digress.
So what set ol’ Shel’s steed apart from the original “Hi-Po” ponies of Dearborn? Mechanically, the G.T.350 was “souped up” with a variety of off-the-shelf bits & pieces that could be obtained either from Ford’s high performance “Cobra” catalog (high-rise intake manifold, valve covers, oil pan, etc.), pilfered from other Ford models (i.e. wider rear brakes from Fairlane wagon), or readily available aftermarket goodies (i.e. TractionMaster traction bars, Magnum 500 wheels, etc.). Visual/cosmetic differences were the hood and quarter-panel side scoops and rear window louvers (incorporated into Ford’s fastback), rocker panel striping with model designation, distinctive over-the-top Le Mans striping (though actually optional, with most being dealer, rather than factory installed), and unique Shelby badging/identity.
In addition to the original 1965-’66 G.T.350, Shelby also undertook a number of projects whereas it sought to put its’ mark on the fifth-generation S197 V6 Mustang. First, in 2005 Shelby introduced the CS6, which was sold as a do-it-yourself two-stage package—a cosmetic only “Appearance Package, or a ‘Performance Package’, which included all of the Turn1’s cosmetics plus a suspension upgrade, a Borla dual exhaust, Baer brakes, a rear gear upgrade, and an exclusive Paxton intercooled supercharger. The following year, Shelby unveiled its’ second stab at a performance version of the 4.0 liter-based Mustang, the Terlingua V6. Like the CS6, Shelby initially offered two Terlingua packages. The standard “base pack” included a Borla exhaust, Ford Racing’s Handling Pack, a strut tower brace, a short-throw shifter, Ford V6 rear spoiler, Shelby deep-draw hood with hood pins, a CS6-style front fascia & grille, a modified California Special rear fascia, side scoops, quarter-window covers, and Terlingua stripe/sticker kit & grille/trunk lid “Rabbit” emblems. The Terlingua “Performance Pack” took the upgrades even further, including a Shelby/Baer brake kit, 20” American Racing Razor wheels, a 3.45:1 differential gear, and an intercooled Paxton NOVI-1200 supercharger, which boosted the V6’s output to around 375 horsepower. Instead of being sold to the customer in “kit” form, the Terlingua conversions could be completed by either Shelby American in Las Vegas or at one of its factory mod centers.
For 2010, Ford refreshed the S-197 Mustang; in 2011 the “base” model received the 305 HP 3.7l “Cyclone” V6 engine. In response, Shelby introduced the GTS in 2011. Offered in post-title form, customers sent their Mustang to Shelby’s facility where the vehicle received a factory conversion, which included a package of standard features along with additional available options. The package included cosmetic elements such as front & rear fascias, a “deep draw” hood, a billet grille and signature “Le Mans” & side stripes; performance enhancements included upgrades to the brakes and suspension. Beyond the basics, options included a supercharger, 2nd-tier brake upgrade, wheel & tire options, and additional suspension mods. The GTS was made available through the 2014 model year; during its four-year production run, thirty one conversions were performed
Taking into account both the spirit of the original 1965-’66 G.T.350 and the image of the 2011-’14 GTS, my “vision” is: 1) to incorporate the distinctive visual elements which capture the essence of these Shelby automobiles and set them off from the stock Mustang, and; 2) add readily-available “bolt-on” components which enhance the performance and handling of the factory stock Mustang, as was originally done by Shelby American. Not attempting to exactly “clone” a specific model, instead my build will essentially be a tribute to the mentioned Carroll Shelby designed vehicles; thus the non-model specific “CS/T”—Carroll Shelby “tribute” moniker.
Let the modding begin...
Always harboring a special affinity for the first-generation Pony’s (particularly the 1965-’68 era), I was thrilled with the introduction of the S197 platform in 2005 with its “modern retro” styling which harkened back to the afore mentioned period. While I’m certain that it will grow on me with time, I still haven’t taken to the looks of the “new” sixth generation S550 style; as such I sent my sights on the 2014 model year—the last of the S197s.
Intended primarily as a daily commuter (22 miles each way X5 days/week, plus miscellaneous errands), I felt that I was going to be more than satisfied with a V6 and, for convenience/ease of driving, the 6-speed slushbox was also on my “preferred want list” as was the “Premium” equipment group. My final criteria was only for a clean, low mileage exemplar. While Ruby Red would have been my first color choice, I was not going to let color be a deal breaker; having only eliminated from consideration those hues that didn’t appeal to me (Gotta Have It Green, Race Red, Grabber Blue and Black).
After spending several weeks in March-April 2017 unsuccessfully searching the local dealers’ inventories, I finally turned to the inter-web and came across a viable candidate, albeit located nearly 1,000 miles away in Texas. Doing my due diligence, I felt comfortable in making an offer to the seller (Texas Direct Auto/Vroom) on a certified pre-owned 2014 V6 Premium coupe with 35K miles. After a week of Q&A, I made an offer which was accepted by the seller and, which included shipping fees and a factory spare tire kit (in lieu of the included and oft-chided “mobility kit”). With my own financing in place, it still took 3 weeks to get a few interstate title issues resolved, but on June 5, 2017 my ‘new-ish’ pony was delivered… Clean as a whistle and mechanically sound, as advertised
From visual inspection of the pre-purchase photos, I was aware of the 19” factory wheels as well as the strut tower brace (factory option or a post-purchase Ford accessory?); it also was apparent that the previous owner had a Llumar window tint installed. Two weeks into my ownership, a dead battery and lack of a provided spare key prompted a trip to my local Ford dealer where they pulled the VIN and informed me that my new ride had originally been factory optioned with: 1) Hood and side stripes (boo!); 2) Reverse Sensing System & Security Package (OK); and 3) the V6 Performance Package (yea!)
With my thoughts quickly turning to, “How am I going to mod this?”, my first impression was that of how the hood/side stipes—a $395 waste of money, in my opinion—had to go! But as removal of these was not deemed as an “urgent” need, I digress.
THE VISION
So what set ol’ Shel’s steed apart from the original “Hi-Po” ponies of Dearborn? Mechanically, the G.T.350 was “souped up” with a variety of off-the-shelf bits & pieces that could be obtained either from Ford’s high performance “Cobra” catalog (high-rise intake manifold, valve covers, oil pan, etc.), pilfered from other Ford models (i.e. wider rear brakes from Fairlane wagon), or readily available aftermarket goodies (i.e. TractionMaster traction bars, Magnum 500 wheels, etc.). Visual/cosmetic differences were the hood and quarter-panel side scoops and rear window louvers (incorporated into Ford’s fastback), rocker panel striping with model designation, distinctive over-the-top Le Mans striping (though actually optional, with most being dealer, rather than factory installed), and unique Shelby badging/identity.
In addition to the original 1965-’66 G.T.350, Shelby also undertook a number of projects whereas it sought to put its’ mark on the fifth-generation S197 V6 Mustang. First, in 2005 Shelby introduced the CS6, which was sold as a do-it-yourself two-stage package—a cosmetic only “Appearance Package, or a ‘Performance Package’, which included all of the Turn1’s cosmetics plus a suspension upgrade, a Borla dual exhaust, Baer brakes, a rear gear upgrade, and an exclusive Paxton intercooled supercharger. The following year, Shelby unveiled its’ second stab at a performance version of the 4.0 liter-based Mustang, the Terlingua V6. Like the CS6, Shelby initially offered two Terlingua packages. The standard “base pack” included a Borla exhaust, Ford Racing’s Handling Pack, a strut tower brace, a short-throw shifter, Ford V6 rear spoiler, Shelby deep-draw hood with hood pins, a CS6-style front fascia & grille, a modified California Special rear fascia, side scoops, quarter-window covers, and Terlingua stripe/sticker kit & grille/trunk lid “Rabbit” emblems. The Terlingua “Performance Pack” took the upgrades even further, including a Shelby/Baer brake kit, 20” American Racing Razor wheels, a 3.45:1 differential gear, and an intercooled Paxton NOVI-1200 supercharger, which boosted the V6’s output to around 375 horsepower. Instead of being sold to the customer in “kit” form, the Terlingua conversions could be completed by either Shelby American in Las Vegas or at one of its factory mod centers.
For 2010, Ford refreshed the S-197 Mustang; in 2011 the “base” model received the 305 HP 3.7l “Cyclone” V6 engine. In response, Shelby introduced the GTS in 2011. Offered in post-title form, customers sent their Mustang to Shelby’s facility where the vehicle received a factory conversion, which included a package of standard features along with additional available options. The package included cosmetic elements such as front & rear fascias, a “deep draw” hood, a billet grille and signature “Le Mans” & side stripes; performance enhancements included upgrades to the brakes and suspension. Beyond the basics, options included a supercharger, 2nd-tier brake upgrade, wheel & tire options, and additional suspension mods. The GTS was made available through the 2014 model year; during its four-year production run, thirty one conversions were performed
Taking into account both the spirit of the original 1965-’66 G.T.350 and the image of the 2011-’14 GTS, my “vision” is: 1) to incorporate the distinctive visual elements which capture the essence of these Shelby automobiles and set them off from the stock Mustang, and; 2) add readily-available “bolt-on” components which enhance the performance and handling of the factory stock Mustang, as was originally done by Shelby American. Not attempting to exactly “clone” a specific model, instead my build will essentially be a tribute to the mentioned Carroll Shelby designed vehicles; thus the non-model specific “CS/T”—Carroll Shelby “tribute” moniker.
Let the modding begin...
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