Shelby American
EXP 500 'Little Red' prototype coupe (1967)

Why it matters

Little Red, the 1967 Shelby GT500 EXP, was a Ford and Shelby experimental Mustang notchback used to try out styling and technical ideas. It is credited as the forerunner of the 1968 Mustang California Special and was thought for decades to have been destroyed.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

History

In late 1966 the notchback coupe went to Shelby American, where a 1967 Shelby nose, spoiler and side scoops were added along with the full 1967 GT500 independent rear suspension. It was later updated to 1968 appearance with SHELBY lettering across the deck lid, and the factory 390 was replaced by a 428 with a Paxton supercharger and a Toploader four-speed; later setups included twin Paxton superchargers with a C6 automatic. Motor1 adds that it was the only GT coupe ordered with dual-quad carburettors.

It was reported found in a rural Texas field on 3 March 2018, with identity verified from the VIN, serial numbers and date codes, and it was restored for Barrett-Jackson.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Urban legend "Little Red" Shelby GT500 EXP rises from the dead Level B Hagerty Media

   • factory 390 V-8 was replaced by a 428 with a Paxton supercharger
   • 428 with a Paxton supercharger ... twin-Paxton setup
   • Toploader four-speed ... C6 three-speed automatic
   • full 67 GT500 independent rear suspension

   Accessed 2026-11-12