EXP 500 "Green Hornet"

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

That car was supposed to have been crushed. also known as the "Green Hornet". Try contacting the 68 Shelby Registrar at www.saac.com

 

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

I believe Craig Jackson owns the Green Hornet.

 

Re: Need info about the EXP 500!

I know this will cause some heartburn, but you can certainly make a case the car IS NOT a Shelby. The car was a Dearborn built coupe (all 68 Shelbys came from New Jersey plant) and the build sheet does not say "SHELBY UNIT" on the bottom like every other Shelby. It surely was a prototype car. The car still exists and I have seen it. It has idependent rear suspension. I am quite sure there is more information in the Registry.

 

Re: Need info about the EXP 500!

it is a prototype Shelby. it exists.

I was gonna build a clone of this car but decided to buy a real 68.5 Cobra Jet instead. I like coupes.

 

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

The Green Hornet was found in Northern Michigan more than several years ago. She was rusty, but in tact. Martin Euler of Midland, Michigan performed the restoration. One of my 1968 GT350s was restored by Martin ... we talked about the Green Hornet on a few occasions. Martin shared that he was able to restore all of the unique prototype parts with the exception of the fuel injection unit. The fuel injection unit is still with the Green Hornet; mounted to a display board. I have multiple pictures of the Green Hornet when she was in Martin's shop. A little over a year ago I read an interview with Craig Jackson (of Barrett Jackson) in a magazine. Sorry, I cannot remember the magazine ... it had to be one of the collector car magazines The Green Hornet was out of focus in the background. The text indicated that Craig owned her. Send me an e-mail address in a PM and I will forward the pictures I have. Rick

 

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

The Green Hornet was featured in a "Shelby American" somewhere about 4 to 7 years ago. I've seen it at a SAAC convention. It had a prototype fuel injection unit on it too. Was really nice.

 

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

It is a cool car indeed! Iwonder what or who stopped it in it's tracks from Production??

 

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

Two nice photos of the Green Hornet can be found in the book Mustang Forty Years written by Leffingwell and Newhardt. Additional photos (8) - can also be found in the new Shelby Mustang hardcover book by Leffingwell and Newhardt. Both books are available through classic motorbooks. The Green Hornet was also featured in the Shelby American # 63 magazine and information about the car can be found in the Shelby American (# 53 - i believe) in the interview with former Shelby engineer Fred Goodell.

My opinion is that both Little Red and the Green Hornet were Shelby automotive prototypes built by the Shelby employees and listed with other Shelby automotive vehicle inventory cars at the time. Both vehicles therefore should be recognized for what they are/were - Shelby prototypes.

Martin Euler of Midland MI, the individual who restored the Green Hornet, used to have a web site with additional photos of the car. I did a search though and could not find the site anymore.

 

Re: Need info about the Shelby EXP 500!

Speaking of Lil'Red. According to conversations with the 67 registrar last year. It had numerous engines as it became a test mule for that thing. Including single and dual Paxton 428's. The factory A/c was eventually just left off the engine to simplify all the engine work. It had a Luxury interior, which I'd interpret as Cougar leather upholstery. No roll bar. And since it was an early build, likely the steel/Glass hood and deck.
When I find a 67 GTA coupe that is an S code, and San Jose built, at a decent price (about $5000) and needing a restoration, I'm going to build a clone of that car, especially since I also own an early 67 GT350 (#0036) and have something to truely copy off of.
More photos of Lil'Red are at the yahoo groups: GT 500 owners. Fomoco had the tailpanel painted silver, like on the 68 Shelbys. And Fomoco seemed to keep it in Dearborn. SAAC says it was crushed but really, one never knows.

 

recent article

 

you need to contact Paul Newitt as he has some info you might need. He is the author of the California Special registry and has some background info.

go here and register on the site. you can then send him a private message.

http://californiaspecial.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=1599

 

I saw that car in Ameila Island Fl. about 7-8 years ago with C.S. as host of the show. The side stripes had G.T.500 EXP, the vin. # on the plate on the fender also read the same. The car was with all the Shelby cars that C.S. brought with him. I've got some pictures & when I learn how to, I'l post them.___S.

 

Will do, sometime this week end hopefully.---S.