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Barrett-Jackson announced today (Sept. 5, 2012) that the newly-restored Shelby prototype, dubbed the "Green Hornet,” is scheduled to cross the auction block as part of its Salon Collection in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 13-20, 2013.
Arguably one of the rarest and most desirable Mustangs in the world, the ’68 Green Hornet enjoys the distinction of being one of the few factory prototypes that survived. It represents a rolling history of what Ford and Shelby American were producing in the heyday of the American muscle car era and is considered one of the most innovative and unique vehicles of its time.
In 1967, Ford was impressed with a prototype Shelby Mustang called “Li’l Red,” which inspired the ’68 California Special . They liked it so much that they wanted their design team to study the feasibility of creating a nationally available version of the GT/CS, which would be marketed as a GT/Sport Coupe. As a result of this effort, two prototypes were built. One was VIN 8F01S104288, a Lime Gold ’68 Mustang notchback with a deluxe Ivy Gold interior, 390 engine, and C6 automatic transmission.
After completing the show circuit, the decision was made to not move forward with the GT/SC program. Instead of being scrapped, the lime Gold notchback was sent to Shelby American to once again become a prototype, this time for Shelby.
Many modifications were made to the car, including an experimental Conelec fuel-injection system, independent rear suspension, and a unique rear disc brake configuration. The result was an experimental Shelby called EXP 500, a prototype that would become known as the Green Hornet. The car eventually turned into a pet-project of Fred Goodell, chief engineer at Shelby American, and both he and Carroll Shelby spent a lot of time testing and developing components for this project.
For decades, it was thought that the Green Hornet had been destroyed. But both fate and Goodell’s fondness for the car intervened, saving the Green Hornet from the crusher and allowing it to slip into the mainstream where it enjoyed a somewhat mundane existence for many years until it was rediscovered and restored back to its former glory.
“The ‘One and only Green Hornet,’ as Carroll liked to say, is an incredibly significant piece of Ford, Shelby, and muscle car history with a documented provenance verifying its authenticity,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We couldn’t be prouder to have a vehicle that was so ahead of its time crossing our block.”
For more information, up-to-date news and to purchase tickets for Barrett-Jackson’s 2013 Scottsdale auction, visit www.barrett-jackson.com.
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