When you consider the value of Shelby Mustangs these days, it's hard to believe so many have succumbed to the whims and impulses of hot-footed, mechanized maniacs through the years. We've all heard the horror stories of fast Shelbys wrapped around utility poles, stuffed in trees, flipped, rolled, and chopped up to go racing. We're surprised there isn't some legendary song dedicated to Shelby Mustangs, much as there has been GTOs, 409s, surfers, and even Cobras. Though it may seem impossible today, Shelbys were once run-of-the-mill, used, high-performance Mustangs that peppered classified-ad sections from coast to coast. At the time, few people understood what these cars were, nor did many care.
Art Nigro is a Shelby enthusiast who got on board in 1974 when the cars were plentiful and cheap. He enjoys a fine appreciation for Shelby Mustangs, fondly remembering what makes them so popular today. They're popular because they have a legacy of race-winning performance and the distinction of rarity. A good many of them are gone. And not every GT350 or GT500 stripe-clad Mustang you see is real. There are a lot of clones, but only a few genuine originals. Shelby Mustangs spark curiosity wherever they go.
When Art found this Raven Black '67 GT350 in 1974, it was worse for wear because it suffered a rough and tumble past. The original 289 High Performance V-8 engine was gone, replaced by a succession of rumpity-rump-rump engines leading up to the Boss 302 mill currently parked between the shock towers. When Art stepped up to buy his Shelby 32 years ago, it was fitted with a 351 Cleveland. Prior to the Cleveland was a stroked Boss 302 engine a previous owner blew up. Somewhat overwhelmed with what he saw, Art decided to chance it, take the Shelby, and run. It cost him $1,500. He has never regretted the decision, and says, "I fell in love with '67 Shelbys at the age of 16 when I got a ride in New England Dragway's resident GT350. I just had to have one."
When Art brought the Shelby home, there was a lot of work to be done. Money being what it was then, not a lot was accomplished on the car until later on. In 1979, Art drove his primered GT350 to a Shelby show on Cape Cod. En route, he and a buddy in a modified '67 Mustang were pulled over by the police. Because Art's Shelby wasn't entirely legal (state inspection and licensing), it looked as if the car would be impounded. What saved Art wasn't wishful thinking or a visit from his guardian angel. It was a member of the local Shelby club who was well connected with the local police department. Art quietly drove his Shelby home-prayers answered.