Here at Prestige Ford in Garland, we love a good vintage Mustang story. And boy is this the “holy grail” of vintage Mustang stories – “Little Red” comes home.
LITTLE RED – 1967 SHELBY GT500 EXP PROTOTYPE
Photo Courtesy of Martin L. Schorr
Known amongst class car enthusiasts as simply – Little Red – the 1967 Shelby GT500 EXP Prototype was finally found. Lost for decades, Little Red was traced back to a rural field right in our own backyard, Weatherford, Texas by Barrett-Jackson chairman and CEO, Craig Jackson.
The GT500 prototype is considered one of the most significant finds in American car collector history.
“Finding Little Red is the discovery of a lifetime,” said Jackson. “This Shelby prototype has been one of the most sought-after and elusive vehicles in postwar history. Countless enthusiasts and experts have searched for Little Red since it went missing in the 1960s. Many believed it was destroyed when the car was no longer needed. I’m excited to announce that was not the case. We’ve found Little Red and we intend to meticulously restore this legendary car back to its original glory.”
Jackson’s team, consisting of classic car restoration specialist Jason Billups and renowned Mustang expert Kevin Marti, who authenticated the original Bullitt Mustang shell that sat in a Mexican junkyard for years just last year, authenticated the Shelby find back in March. They used cross references, serial numbers, date codes and other confidential documents proving the vehicle was the fabled missing Shelby prototype.
Photo Courtesy of Craig Jackson
Restoration Efforts
Now, Little Red will get the VIP restoration treatment, eventually getting restored to its originally status. Furthermore, the project, lead by Jackson, will be fully documented at the vintage prototype’s new digital home here. It will include photos and videos, storyboarding its path back to its full Shelby glory.
As a result, Jackson is urging people to help take part in this restoration project by submitting personal accounts, stories and photos of the vehicle to show its history.
“This will be the first time that a collector car vehicle will be substantiated, in part, using a crowdsourcing initiative on www.ShelbyPrototypeCoupes.com.”
While Little Red isn’t available, you can discover and create your own legacy with a Ford Mustang of your very own at Prestige Ford in Garland, TX (serving greater Dallas, Rockwall, Rowlett, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano) at 3601 S. Shiloh at Garland Road off 635. Shop online anytime at www.PrestigeFord.com!