In honor of the Carroll Shelby Centennial, Hi-Tech Automotive has introduced an exciting new 1967 Shelby GT500 model, licensed by Carroll Shelby Licensing. This modernized reproduction pays homage to the iconic 1967 GT500, featuring an all-new factory-assembled steel body, upgraded suspension, contemporary drivetrain, and more. Offered as a rolling chassis through Utah-based Hi-Tech Legends, it arrives fully assembled, painted, and ready for the customer’s preferred engine and transmission.
The concept of “restomodding” classic cars, blending restoration with modern enhancements, has gained significant traction, especially among younger enthusiasts. The trend retains the original vehicle aesthetics while significantly improving the driving experience by integrating modern engines, enhanced brakes, suspensions, and interiors.
Nick Price, a Director at Hi-Tech Automotive, elucidated, “Our goal is to eliminate the disparities often seen in restomod builds. Our modernized 1967 Shelby GT500 isn’t a refurbished original; it’s a contemporary reproduction constructed entirely anew in a controlled factory environment—a term we’ve coined as a ‘REPROmod.'”
Hi-Tech Automotive’s licensed 1967 GT500 boasts a newly assembled steel body, complete with a fully independent front and rear suspension featuring CNC machined billet aluminum uprights, modern 6-piston calipers, and a GT500 interior upholstered in premium German Nappa leather. The vehicle also includes electric power steering, a customized sound system, electronic handbrake, air conditioning, and more. Engine options, including a naturally aspirated or supercharged 5-liter Ford Coyote V8, or the latest Ford 5.2-liter Predator V8, can be fitted into the chassis, designed to accommodate either a 6-speed manual or the latest Ford 10-speed automatic transmission.
Each GT500 reproduction body undergoes meticulous assembly using brand new steel panels within purpose-built jigs and fixtures. Highly skilled artisans use traditional “coach building” techniques, resulting in an impeccably straight body. Distinguishing features like the composite hood, trunk, rear quarter extensions, and side air intake scoops are all crafted in-house from glass-reinforced epoxy resin. The bodies undergo meticulous priming, sealing, and are coated with a high-quality rock guard underneath. The painting process involves a specialized 64-step method using Glasurit paint products, offering customers the liberty to choose their preferred colors for the iconic Shelby stripes.
Hi-Tech Automotive has also engineered its own fully independent front and rear suspension. Justin Price, Hi-Tech’s Director of Engineering, emphasized, “In creating this high-end product, we recognized the need for an exceptional driving experience. Hence, we designed our own fully independent front and rear subframe suspension, utilizing Computer Aided Design and advanced suspension optimization software.”
The GT500’s interior showcases German Nappa leather-covered panels, an Alcantara-lined roof, plush OEM quality cut-pile carpeting on the floors and trunk, and Recaro Specialist M seats providing enhanced support and quality compared to the classic-style seats. Both driver and passenger seats offer power adjustments in the fore and aft positions, with extended seat tracks for increased legroom.
For over 30 years, Hi-Tech Automotive has specialized in offering factory-manufactured replicas of iconic ’60s American sports cars. Founded by Jim Price, the company, now run by Jim’s sons Justin and Nick Price in South Africa, manufactures models like the CSX 4000/6000 series 427 S/C and 289 Shelby Cobras, the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, GM Licensed Grand Sport Corvette, and the Superformance GT40 MKI and MKII. Having produced over 6,000 high-quality replica vehicles for the American market, the latest Hi-Tech Legends 1967 Shelby GT500 reflects years of development and is considered their most impressive offering yet.
“After more than eight years of development, our engineering team meticulously crafted this vehicle,” assured Jim Price, still actively engaged in the business at 76. “With over 30 years in this industry, this is unequivocally the most advanced product from our factory—a truly exceptional vehicle.”
Hi-Tech Automotive established HiTech Legends, LLC., partnering with Tom Kirkham, co-founder of Kirkham Motorsports, known for their aluminum-bodied Cobras. HiTech Legends will oversee sales and distribution of the Shelby GT500 in the United States.
Integral to the project, Hi-Tech Legends collaborated closely with M. Neil Cummings, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., for a licensing agreement enabling the launch of the 1967 Shelby GT500.
“Hi-Tech Automotive has produced Shelby licensed products for 18 years,” noted Mr. Cummings. “Based on their track record, we’re confident this program will be successful, expanding the lineup of Shelby vehicles available to collectors and enthusiasts. As we conclude the Carroll Shelby Centennial, this modernized reproduction of one of Carroll’s iconic cars marks a new chapter.”
Each Hi-Tech Legends 1967 Shelby GT500 rolling chassis comes without an engine and transmission. The buyer assumes responsibility for selecting, purchasing, and installing the drivetrain. Hi-Tech Legends can provide a list of independent installers upon request.
Indicative pricing is available on the company’s website, allowing customers to configure their GT500. The rolling chassis pricing starts under $230,000.00, with an estimate that, after installing the engine and transmission, customers can expect a total cost under $270,000.00.
The 2024 production of the Shelby GT500 will be limited to twenty vehicles, maintaining the current pricing. Subsequent pricing may be revised, with slots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders are being accepted through the company’s website, contact email, or phone number provided for more information.
WOW!