AMT 1968 Shelby GT500

[Maindrian Pace]

First built 20 years ago, this Shelby started as the '80s reissue, the one with the really ugly green car on the box. It was falling in disrepair, and needed some attention and an update. As at least the third issue, they cheapened it up over the original by eliminating the clear red taillights and retooling the wheels for the Goodyear Polyglass tires - which are a bit too big for the model. When they messed with the wheels, all spoke detail was lost and the result was a terrible toy-like wheel. When I built it, I concentrated on fixing the inherent problems that all AMT annual '67-'68 Mustangs have; unrealistic engine bay, hokey suspension detail, and non-rolling wheels. I hate that, everything I build must roll, it's just a thing with me. Monogram to the rescue with '66 Mustang engine bay and suspension, also the bullet mirrors. I cut the chrome taillights out and made some lenses from parts box lights, and the crummy wheels were swapped for Monogram '65 Shelby wheels on Michelin TRX tires. Although better than the kit parts, I wasn't happy with either.

Fast-forward ten years. I scored an original issue built-up at a model swap meet, really ugly job but had the tail pan with clear red taillights, and a nice set of original wheels with the somewhat rare redline/blueline Firestones. It took a while, But I finally got around to cleaning it up and putting the right parts on it. I used the blue line side of the tires because it looks kind of late '60s Shelby-ish, and I don't think I've ever seen another build with them.

-MJS

[Dr. Cranky]

Wow, great looking for a 20 year old model. Wonderful.

[george 53]

You did a great job on the update of that kit! It came out REAL nice!

[Mike Kucaba]

Is this the same basic kit as the one that had the record in it,but a later re-issue? Very nice save on an old built-up.

[trogdor]

Beautiful job on bringing it back

[charlie8575]

I like the bluelines. Those are a nice change from whitewalls, redlines and white-letter.

Very nice color, too. Acapulco Blue or close?

Charlie Larkin

[62rebel]

that is an awesome redo.... very nice work.

[MicroNitro]

That is beautiful it has a almost real look to it. . Last night in our small town weekly paper there was an announcement for an auction this weekend that has a blue 68 Shelby Mustang gt 500. The best part is it has less than 10,000 miles on is. The lady that owned it son died in the 70's and it was his car and she has had it all this time fifteen minutes from my house.

[Maindrian Pace]

Thanks everyone, for the really nice compliments. For some reason, the multi quote feature isn't working, so I had to do it a different way.

Is this the same basic kit as the one that had the record in it, but a later re-issue? Very nice save on an old built-up.

Yes it is, I have an original issue box, but not the record. There is a record on ebay now, but it's doing what ebay stuff often does; getting way out of my range.

I like the bluelines. Those are a nice change from whitewalls, redlines and white-letter.

Very nice color, too. Acapulco Blue or close?

Yes, it's Acapulco blue. The paint was a leftover from a Mustang restoration shop, single stage enamel over PlastiCote black primer.

That is beautiful it has a almost real look to it. . Last night in our small town weekly paper there was an announcement for an auction this weekend that has a blue 68 Shelby Mustang gt 500. The best part is it has less than 10,000 miles on is. The lady that owned it son died in the 70's and it was his car and she has had it all this time fifteen minutes from my house.

Wow, and so close too. That will go for approximately one cubic fortune.

-Mike

[mcandela]

Wow! I remember those blue line tires, they use to come in the old, old AMT kits. They were hard as hell to work with them, but they look great now!!! Flashback for me.