Shelby Black Hornet: The Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Muscle Car

Legendary Rarity - Over the years, Carroll Shelby and Ford have collaborated to produce some of the most legendary muscle cars in history. Their partnership led to the creation of vehicles that pushed the boundaries of performance, engineering, and design. Among these remarkable machines was the Green Hornet, a prototype that introduced innovative technology to the Mustang lineup. However, years later, a special tribute was built, one that retained the essence of the Green Hornet but with a striking new look—this was the 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet was a direct descendant of the Green Hornet Shelby GT500, mirroring much of its mechanical prowess. (Picture from: FordAuthority)

This unique Mustang was a direct descendant of the Green Hornet Shelby EXP500, mirroring much of its mechanical prowess. Under the hood, it housed a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine, generating an impressive 335 horsepower. The setup was enhanced by Edelbrock aluminum heads, a top-loader 4-speed transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The car also featured the signature Shelby 10-spoke wheels, maintaining the aggressive stance and classic styling that defined the era of high-performance Mustangs.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet featured the signature Shelby 10-spoke wheels, maintaining the aggressive stance and classic styling that defined the era of high-performance Mustangs. (Picture from: AllForMustang)

The Black Hornet paid homage to its predecessor, which originally served as a rolling testbed for experimental automotive technologies. The Green Hornet had been a platform for innovations such as electronic fuel injection, independent rear suspension, a power antenna, and four-wheel disc brakes. While the Black Hornet did not incorporate all these features, it retained much of the original character, positioned at a transitional phase—after receiving disc brakes but before adopting EFI or an independent rear suspension.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet built based on an original 1968 Mustang and painted it in Stetson Black, a tribute to the hat famously worn by Carroll Shelby himself. (Picture from: FordAuthority)

The man behind the Black Hornet’s construction was Barry Smith, owner of Legendary G.T. Under a licensing agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing, Smith meticulously built this car as an official continuation of the Shelby EXP500 program. He started with an original 1968 Mustang and painted it in Stetson Black, a tribute to the hat famously worn by Carroll Shelby himself. The result was a strikingly bold Mustang that commanded attention both for its looks and its performance.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet retained its authenticity with a standard interior, original seatbelts, a 1958 Cobra steering wheel, and a center console featuring a manual transmission shifter for a true muscle car experience. (Picture from: AllForMustang)

Beyond being a showpiece of automotive engineering, the Black Hornet also had a noble purpose. It was created to support the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children with medical needs. The car was also associated with Restoration Hardware, further enhancing its connection to preservation and legacy. For a time, this special Mustang resided in Carroll Shelby’s personal collection, making it an even more coveted piece of automotive history. Adding to its authenticity, the title itself bore Carroll Shelby’s signature, solidifying its status as an officially recognized Shelby vehicle.

The 1968 Shelby EXP500 CSS Black Hornet powered by a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine, generating an impressive 335 horsepower. (Picture from: AllForMustang)

Mechanically, the Black Hornet was equipped with a Holley high-volume fuel pump, a Cobra Jet manifold exhaust system, a Mallory Unilite ignition system, and a Shelby intake manifold. The engine was topped with a Cobra air cleaner, ensuring optimal performance. Other features included power steering and brakes, a Griffith aluminum radiator, tinted glass, and a standard interior setup without a roll bar. The center console housed the manual transmission shifter, staying true to the muscle car experience. Original seatbelts and a 1958 Cobra steering wheel further enhanced the car’s authenticity. Its exterior was completed with Shelby 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Goodyear GTII tires, sequential taillights, and Lucas fog lights, giving it a signature Shelby look.

The car was officially recorded in the Shelby Worldwide Registry, cementing its place in history. While the Green Hornet remains in the possession of Craig Jackson and Steve Davis of Barrett-Jackson, making it unlikely to ever be sold, the Black Hornet has made its way to the market. At one point, it was available for purchase, carrying a hefty price tag of $850,000, reflecting its rarity, significance, and undeniable appeal. *** [EKA [15072015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORDAUTHORITY | MOTORAUTHORITY | AUTOEVOLUTION | ALLFORMUSTANG ]

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