The Tale Of ‘Little Red’: Here's How One Of The Most Important Mustang Prototypes Was Rescued

The Tale Of ‘Little Red’: Here’s How One Of The Most Important Mustang Prototypes Was Rescued

• In a stunning turn of events, the long-lost 1967 Shelby experimental coupe known as “Little Red” has resurfaced against all odds, challenging past assumptions and reigniting the legacy of Shelby American in the automotive world.
• Little Red was a symbol of innovation and style, blending Southern California hot-rodding finesse with meticulous engineering from Ford. Its unique features and powerful performance made it a standout among Mustangs of its time.
• After being discovered in a Texas field, Little Red underwent an extensive restoration project and now stands restored to its former glory, showcasing its enduring legacy and impact on automotive design and innovation.

In an extraordinary twist, August 17, 2018, marked a day of jubilation for Ford Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts worldwide. The fabled “Little Red,” a 1967 Shelby experimental coupe long believed to be lost, resurfaced against all odds.

This exhilarating news was shared by Barrett-Jackson’s Craig Jackson amidst the excitement of a special Team Shelby banquet at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan just as the anticipation for Detroit’s iconic Woodward Dream Cruise was reaching its peak. The public’s first glimpse of this automotive legend came during the Mustang Owners Club of Southeastern Michigan’s “Mustang Memories” show at Ford World Headquarters, igniting a wave of awe and nostalgia.

For over half a century, the common belief was that Little Red had met its demise in a crusher, a fate often befalling experimental prototypes from Ford. Yet, in an extraordinary turn of events, it rested in a Texas field, having weathered two decades in the heart of Tornado Alley, this incredible find challenged past assumptions and rekindled the rich legacy of Shelby American in the automotive world. Now, let’s dive into the story behind ‘Little Red,’ one of the rarest Ford Mustangs in existence, and explore its incredible journey from obscurity to resurrection.

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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Barrett-Jackson, Motortrend, and Car and Driver.

The Birth Of An Icon: Crafting Little Red

The journey of “Little Red,” began on August 18, 1966, at Ford’s San Jose plant during the early days of the ’67 Mustang production. A unique request from Shelby American in Los Angeles set the stage for an incredible venture. The order comprised three Mustangs, each with its allure: a fastback, a coupe, and a convertible, all destined to be drenched in the vibrant Candyapple Red. These cars were envisioned as production prototypes, potential harbingers of new directions for Shelby’s product lines.

Engineering Marvel Meets Style

The coupe, later revered as Little Red, was bestowed with a formidable 428 Police Interceptor engine, complemented by a medium-riser 2×4 intake. Its luxury was not just skin deep – the build sheet included

• A sophisticated black deluxe interior
• Air conditioning
• Tinted glass
• Remote mirror

Under the meticulous supervision of Shelby’s Chief Engineer, Fred Goodell, Little Red was more than a car; it was a symbol of where Southern California hot-rodding finesse met the meticulous engineering of Ford.

This experimental notchback was designed to explore the possibility of introducing a coupe into Shelby’s 1967 and ’68 lineups, merging groundbreaking engineering with innovative style. With its symbolic big-block heart and bright red color, Little Red quickly became Goodell’s favored creation, embodying the spirit of Shelby and Ford’s ambitions.

A Test Bed For Innovation

As Little Red embarked on its prototype journey, it soon became a test bed for Shelby’s “tire-shredding” technology. The original 390 V-8 and C-6 automatic were replaced with a more potent 427 FE big-block powerplant, setting the stage for ambitious modifications. The addition of a Paxton supercharger in early 1967 was a bold move, an experiment to introduce it in the GT-500 potentially.

The raw power of Little Red was so immense that it necessitated a switch to a more robust cast-iron Lincoln tail housing after breaking the original C-6 tail housing. As a rolling laboratory, Little Red underwent various engine and transmission combinations, each tested by Fred Goodell himself during his commutes, continually pushing the limits of automotive performance and design.

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Revving Up Little Red: The Road From Design To Dominance

Little Red’s unique character resulted from a collaborative effort between Ford’s talented designers and craftsmen, including Chuck McHose, Pete Stacy, and the visionary Carroll Shelby. Their mission was to bring a fresh, bold look to the 1967 Shelby Mustang, and for Little Red, they crafted something exceptional.

The car featured a custom hand-formed decklid, initially designed by Carl Nasson for the convertible, which was adapted beautifully for the coupe. Adding to its distinctiveness, a prototype hood was created, boasting a larger scoop and custom louvers, features that would later grace the production of 67 Shelby models.

Key Styling Features

• A new hand-formed decklid fitting both the convertible and coupe.
• A prototype hood with a larger scoop and custom louvers.
• Candyapple Red paint transformed into a bright Ferrari Red (Ford’s Calypso Coral).
• Black vinyl top with GT-500 emblems and side trim.
• Early type ’67 grille with center-mounted high beam lights.

The Distinctive Aesthetics And Road Performance

Once Little Red’s new fiberglass elements were in place, it received a striking coat of what Fred Goodell playfully referred to as “a bright Ferrari Red” – in reality, Ford’s “Calypso Coral,” a hue closely resembling the vivid 1967 Ferrari Red. This vibrant color and a formal black vinyl top featuring GT-500 emblems and side trim gave Little Red an unforgettable presence. The enhancements also extended to its functionality, with Fred himself installing a new rear power antenna, defying the doubts of his fellow engineers. The grille was updated to an early ’67 style with center-mounted high-beam lights, further refining its look.

Underneath, Little Red boasted a complete ’67 Shelby GT-500 suspension system paired with 15×7-inch Kelsey-Hayes Magstar wheels and Goodyear white-lettered tires. The power generated by its prototype big-block engines was managed by a nodular 9.0-inch third member equipped with 4:30 gears, secured by Shelby-issue GT-500 heavy-duty rear leaf springs. The interior was impressive, featuring black Connolly leather seats, black sheep-skin-based mouton carpet, and aircraft-type GT-350R lap belts. A ’67 Shelby three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel added the perfect finishing touch.

On the road, Little Red’s performance was nothing short of legendary. It validated the theory that sometimes, “too much was just enough.” The car’s ability to smoothly transition from a purring idle to a roaring redline, chirping the tires at 80 mph before accelerating vigorously past 100 mph, was awe-inspiring. Fred Goodell’s anecdote about outpacing the “fastest Firebird in Venice” encapsulated Little Red’s power and agility.

This story of street racing excellence became a part of its mystique, further solidified when Car and Driver writer Charles Fox, on a thrilling drive during the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix at Riverside Raceway, pushed Little Red to the limits, reaching speeds of 140 mph. This extraordinary performance, marked by a front-end lift at high speeds, left even law enforcement in disbelief, never having witnessed such speed on Highway 60.

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Unveiling And Evolution Of Little Red: A Shelby Legacy

The 1967 Los Angeles Auto Show marked a pivotal moment for Little Red, showcasing it to the public and press for the first time. As the curtains lifted, the audience glimpsed what a Shelby coupe could truly be. The response was overwhelmingly positive, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and casual observers alike. This excitement was further fueled when a photo of Little Red graced the November ’67 issue of Car and Driver, accompanied by an invitation for readers to express their interest directly to Shelby.

A Design Evolution

By mid-1967, with the ’68 Shelby designs finalized, Little Red underwent a significant transformation to align with its soon-to-be-released siblings. Renowned Southern California automotive painter and customizer Sonny Fee was tasked with this update. The modifications were extensive and meticulous:

• The taillight panel painted argent
• Hand-cut SHELBY lettering added to the decklid
• GT-500 side striping, replacing the EXP-500
• Inboard-style grille lights changed to outboard style
• Bright aluminum metal-edge trim mimicking the ’68 Shelby grilles
• 15×7-inch “Ten Spokes” wheels with Goodyear Speedway tires, replacing the ’67 “Magstar” wheels
• Interior update with a deluxe black 1967 Mustang wheel featuring a Shelby emblem

As Little Red’s journey continued, it transitioned into a vital test mule for Shelby Automotive, contributing to developing the 1968 Shelby Mustangs and beyond. It played a crucial role in testing the 1969 Shelby sequential taillight system and influencing the design and performance of future models. Little Red’s contribution to automotive innovation and design remained unparalleled despite being relegated to a supporting role in these later stages. The mystery surrounding its survival after presumed destruction in the late 1970s only adds to its legend.

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The Resurrection Of Little Red

Five years ago, the once-forgotten “Little Red,” a 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 EXP prototype, lay abandoned in a Texas field, its once-vibrant Candy Apple-red façade reduced to a shadow of its former glory. Craig Jackson, the CEO of Barrett-Jackson auctions, discovered this rare gem in a state far from its current gleaming condition. When he bought it in 2018, Little Red was more of a decrepit relic than the automotive masterpiece it is today.

Jackson didn’t just purchase Little Red; he committed to a labor of love, vowing to restore it to its former splendor. Before the restoration, Little Red was a mere shell of its original self, with a collapsed suspension, a missing front end, and bodywork faded and rusted by the sun. Today, it stands restored to showroom condition, its candy apple red paint and black vinyl roof restored to their original luster.

On January 16, 2020, this fantastic restoration project was unveiled, showcasing Little Red alongside the “Green Hornet,” another legendary GT500 prototype. Together, they represent a tangible link to a bygone era of automotive innovation and style.

Little Red’s Enduring Legacy And Impact

Little Red’s influence extended far beyond its physical form. It captured the imagination of key figures like Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II, inspiring the development of notable models such as the “Mustang 350,” the GT/SC (Sport Coupe), and the original Mustang GT/California Special. These cars bridged the gap between Shelby American’s imaginative designs and Shelby Automotive’s production prowess.

​​​​As a prototype, it introduced several firsts in automotive design, including integrating a Paxton Supercharger in a Mustang and advanced cooling techniques with hood louvers. Little Red was a harbinger of new technologies and designs shaping future models.