EnginePower: Craig Jackson Makes Automotive History With Reveal Of Restored 1967 Shelby

Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson has announced the first look at his newly restored 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 EXP prototype known as “Little Red”. Once believed destroyed and lost forever, Little Red was discovered on March 3, 2018, in rural North Texas by a team led by Jackson and classic car restoration specialist, Jason Billups. This Shelby prototype has been one of the most sought-after and elusive vehicles in postwar history.

The historic unveil took place this morning during the 49th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale. Among other guests, Jackson was joined by Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson; Jim Owens, Ford Mustang Brand Manager; and Aaron Shelby, grandson of Carroll Shelby. Other representatives from Ford Motor Company, Shelby American and Shell Pennzoil were also in attendance.

This morning’s unveil also featured Jackson’s 1968 Shelby GT500 prototype known as the “Green Hornet”. Today was the first time in history both experimental Shelby GT500 Mustangs have been seen together.

Little Red and Green Hornet were also joined by a one-of-one Candy Apple Green and a Rapid Red 2020 Shelby GT500, both owned by Jackson. The 2020 Mustangs are the modern day “descendants” of the two experimental 1960s Shelbys. An independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and electronic fuel injection connect Green Hornet to the 2020 models, while the new supercharger is reminiscent of what’s under the hood of Little Red. The 2020 Green Hornet car was the first model (VIN 001) to roll off the line at Flat Rock Assembly Plant last fall.

Following the presentation, the four Shelby Mustangs were started in unison by Craig Jackson in Little Red, Steve Davis in Green Hornet, Jim Owens in the Rapid Red 2020 GT500 and Aaron Shelby in the Candy Apple Green 2020 GT500. The four vehicles represented over 2,600 horsepower.

For more information about Little Red and Green Hornet visit Shelby Prototype Coupes