Shelby Mustang GT350 Has Had One Owner Since 1967 and Is Still Driven Today
Almost 60 years
This Shelby owner is one loyal fellow. From buying this Shelby Mustang GT350 from the dealer, all the way until today, he tells us a story of man and machine, an unfathomable love and loyalty throughout the years, and proof of just how long a car can last you if taken care of and given that extra bit of love.
Heart and Horsepower interviewed Mike "Big Foot" Russell, the one and only owner of this 1967 Shelby GT350. His ownership proves that ownership can span decades, generations, and countless miles. What's most impressive about his experience is that his car isn't kept in a vacuum-sealed garage. It's not a project, nor is it a restored piece of American automotive history; it is an all-original, unrestored, and driven vehicle that's stood the test of time (save for one or two things).
The Beginning: June 15, 1967
This GT350 came into Russell's ownership nearly 60 years ago, and was bought right after he graduated from Air Force pilot training. There was a program that allowed him to make his purchase back then.
The history of the Shelby GT350 is rooted in Ford's push to go racing back in the 60s. Without a doubt, the effort did make an impact on Russell, who quoted Lee Iacoca in the interview: "Race on Sunday, sell on Monday." Iacoca's pitch to Henry Ford II led to the integral partnership with Shelby American, which birthed the Le Mans-winning Ford GT40, the GT program for the Mustang, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Undoubtedly a Shelby
Shelby American went racing, and that also affected Russell. "Everybody in the world can buy a Corvette; not many people can handle a Shelby." While modern Shelby GTs can make upwards of 700 horsepower, the 1960s weren't as fast.
Russell's GT350 was making "modern" levels of horsepower back then. On its own, the GT350 would make around 306 horsepower with Shelby American's touch. However, this particular Shelby GT350 has the factory supercharger installed, and it is one of only 40 known 350s to come with it. The addition of a supercharger brought his Shelby up to 390 horsepower, but he claims a dyno tune netted him 410 horsepower. This cements the fact that even back then, Shelbys were crazy.
Carroll Shelby would be proud to know that his signature is affixed to this GT350's dashboard. This isn't a museum piece, nor is it a garage decoration; it's a real driver's car. With 92,500 miles and counting, Russell's GT350 boasts one of the highest mileages we've seen from a car of this vintage and pedigree.
Signed by Carroll Shelby Himself
Now, all of that performance would mean nothing if it wasn't wrung out from time to time, right? That's exactly why Russell continues to drive the car today, not just on the road, but also during track days. Yes, sir, this pony doesn't stay in the stable. It's a perfect example of what a Shelby should be. In fact, 25,000 of the miles were put into this car within the first year. Two years into ownership, the GT350 served as Russell's wedding car with his one and only wife of 58 years. His ownership spanned the entire length of his marriage and his kids' lives.
In 2003, Carroll Shelby, who was already in poor health, battling heart problems throughout the remainder of his life, was at the same event that Russell was with his GT350. After "twisting a few arms," Russell eventually got Shelby to sign his car.
The Future
Russell has no plans to sell this GT350, and he still plans to drive it. He would like it to stay in the family; however, he's been toying with the idea of selling the car to a museum after his death. For the future, Russell feels honored to be considered worthy of being approached by a museum and to park his car right next to Shelby's original 289 Cobra.
I highly recommend watching the whole video to get the full story from his interview. It's a great watch, and one that is sure to tug at your heartstrings ever so slightly.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 5:15 PM.