Carroll Shelby’s Venice workshop birthed some of the most iconic high-performance Mustangs, including the legendary GT350 and GT500. However, a lesser-known chapter in Shelby’s Mustang legacy unfolds south of the border.
Recognizing the Mustang’s untapped potential, Lee Iacocca enlisted Shelby’s expertise to transform the pony car from a mere “secretary’s car” into a bona fide performance machine. The resulting GT350 redefined the Mustang, setting the stage for the subsequent GT500.
While these two models are household names among enthusiasts, a unique and official Shelby Mustang variant, crafted in Mexico, remains largely obscured from the spotlight.
Across the border, A distinct folklore arose in the muscle car industry. In 1965, Mexican businessman Eduardo Velázquez, recognizing the potential of Shelby’s performance parts, struck a deal to distribute them south of the border.
This partnership blossomed into Shelby de Mexico, the largest Shelby parts supplier globally and a licensed modifier of Mustangs.
While earlier Shelby de Mexico GT350s mirrored their American counterparts, 1969 threw a wrench in the plans. Ford’s restyled Mustang, unavailable in Mexico, forced Shelby de Mexico to get creative. The result: a bespoke 1969 GT350, a true Mexican original.
