This is but one of a multitude...
This is but one of a multitude of '68 Shelby-style console variants hand-crafted by Mustang Pony Cars Inc. of London, Ontario, Canada-and not just for '67-'68 Mustangs either. As we'll see, you can have one personalized for your own '65 through '70 ride.
Early consoles-if your Mustang had one at all-could be rather flimsy, plasticky affairs, which, due to their utilitarian role, were subject to much wear and tear. It really wasn't until the '68 Shelbys came along that the Pony got what we might think of as a modern-style console, with an ergonomic elbow-height armrest atop a sizeable storage bin. This stylish and functional '68 GT350 and GT500 design also benefitted from more substantial construction-their vertical side panels were of 1/4-inch plywood instead of plastic-making them about the nicest consoles to ever nestle between a set of early Mustang buckets. And now you can have a personalized version of this console tailored for your '641/2-'68 project, whether it's a fastback, convertible, or coupe. Versions for '69 and '70 cars are on their way, too.
Credit for this great product line goes to Mustang Pony Cars Inc. (we'll shorten that to MPC, 'cause we're lazy) which saw a need for high-quality, but affordable, replacements or upgrades for original consoles that were deteriorating rapidly and were expensive to buy-if you could find one at all. MPC's owner, Peter Faull, is, first and foremost, a Mustang enthusiast who was moved to create a prototype custom console back in 2000, patterned after a '68 Shelby original. Since then he has hand-built hundreds of personalized variants for everything from the "factory" '67 GT500E Eleanor continuation cars to one for a customer with a rare '68 bench-seat Mustang. And we'll soon put him to work crafting one for Editor Houlahan's "Generation Gap" '68 project too.
Stripped down to its skivvies,...
Stripped down to its skivvies, an MPC console precisely duplicates the construction details of Shelby's original 1968 design, with 1/4-inch plywood walls boxed by 18-gauge metal braces.
The development of MPC's consoles began with Peter buying two original '68 Shelby examples, one from a fastback, the other from a convertible (which differs in its side-panel-to-floor contours because of a convertible's floorpan reinforcement.) He disassembled these down to their basic components, then sourced hardware and/or raw materials to faithfully replicate them. This was a time-consuming venture, but Peter was determined to do it right.
As an example of his persistence, he eventually was able to track down the original supplier of Shelby's armrest lid hinges and that same company now manufactures his hinges. But he also noted a few areas on the original consoles that could be improved upon from a materials or assembly standpoint, and incorporated those improvements on his own creations, as our photos and captions will detail. Priced between $695 and $795, MPC's consoles are officially Shelby-licensed and can be personalized in a num-ber of ways such as color, configuration of the "belly pan" and back panel, upholstery materials, and, if desired, embroidered or de-bossed logos or artwork on the armrest lid. As noted, versions are currently available for model years '65 through '68, and '69/'70 variants should be ready sometime this year.
Shown here upside down, you...
Shown here upside down, you can see that the bases of the plywood walls are individually cut to match the contours of the Mustang floorpan, which vary between fastback (or coupe) and convertible body styles due to the ragtops' factory floorpan reinforcement. MPC used original Shelby consoles to clone the pattern for these plywood elements.
Whether you're looking for a stock-style replacement for your own '68 Shelby or are wanting to customize the cockpit of any other Mustang or Shelby project, be it fastback, convertible, or coupe, Mustang Pony Cars Inc. can custom-configure a console to meet your needs and tastes. MPC's "standard" console variants can also be ordered through Branda Performance, Classic Recreations, or Revved Automotive Concepts.
Just like Shelby's originals,...
Just like Shelby's originals, MPC uses carriage bolts to secure the plywood walls to 18-gauge cross-braces and endplates. The result is a very rigid foundation that won't creak or squeak, like many a factory plastic console.
MPC's console storage bin...
MPC's console storage bin is an ABS vacuum molding, and can be had in either it's natural finish or lined with a felt flocking like the originals. The console's metal "belly pan" is shipped flat to MPC, pre-drilled and with or without laser-cut gauge and tranny-shifter openings. For utter consistency, the flat pans are then jig-formed at MPC to the proper shape. Depending on customer preference, these pans can be either vinyl-coated steel (like Shelby's originals), or brushed aluminum.
No cheap plastic latches here....
No cheap plastic latches here. MPC uses original-style metal pins and latch clips....
....to hold down the front...
....to hold down the front of the armrest pad/storage cover.
One area where MPC boss, Peter...
One area where MPC boss, Peter Faull, thought the original needed improvement was on the top outboard edges of the console, which were hard and somewhat brittle. So he contracted a company to make up foam rubber extrusions with channels so they wrap around the plywood edges.
These extrusions are then...
These extrusions are then skinned in vinyl (or leather) upholstery, making for soft, pliable edges on the console-much easier on the legs. The sides of the consoles are normally finished with carpet as shown here, but you can have them skinned in vinyl or leather, if preferred.