Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet: The Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Mustang

Special ONES - Shelby has long been synonymous with high-performance Mustangs, creating some of the most legendary muscle cars in automotive history, including the King of the Road, which we briefly discussed earlier. Among these, the Shelby EXP500 "Green Hornet" stands out as one of the rarest and most intriguing prototypes ever built. Unlike many other one-off concept cars that never made it past the design stage or were eventually scrapped, this unique Mustang managed to survive, gaining recognition as an irreplaceable piece of automotive heritage. Despite its historical significance and groundbreaking features for its time, the Green Hornet failed to find a buyer at Barrett-Jackson in early 2013, even with an astonishing bid of $1.8 million.😏

The Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: AutoGuide)

The story of this car began when Ford initiated the development of a “California Special” Mustang to test the waters for a potential new model. This concept, built in notchback coupe form, was created to gauge public interest. However, Ford ultimately decided against moving forward with the project, and instead of discarding the prototype, the company sent it to Shelby American for further experimentation. At this point, the vehicle received an internal designation as EXP500 and became the personal project of Carroll Shelby and his chief engineer, Fred Goodell.

Left side view of the Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Unlike the production Mustangs of the era, the Green Hornet was outfitted with several advanced features that were ahead of their time. It boasted an independent rear suspension, which was highly uncommon for American muscle cars in the 1960s, as most relied on solid rear axles. Another notable innovation was its four-wheel disc brake system, providing superior stopping power compared to the standard drum brakes found on most cars of its generation. Additionally, the Green Hornet was equipped with a Conelec fuel injection system, a rarity at a time when carburetors were the dominant choice for fuel delivery. These enhancements made it one of the most technologically advanced Mustangs of its era.

Interior view of the Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Despite its innovations, the Green Hornet did not go into production, and after completing its testing phase, it was stripped of some of its unique components before being sent to Ford’s Employee and Auction Resale Lot. Typically, prototypes like this would have been destroyed, but in a stroke of luck, the Green Hornet managed to avoid that fate. Instead, it found its way into private ownership, where it remained hidden from the spotlight for years.

The Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet is powered by an experimental 428CJ fed via an experimental Conelec electronic fuel-injection unit. (Picture from: Hemmings)

The car eventually ended up with Robert Zdanowski, who later sold it to Don Darrow, a Ford dealer in Cheboygan, Michigan. At the time, Darrow was unaware of the true significance of the car and made modifications without realizing its historical value. It wasn’t until 1980 that his son came across a book by Paul Newitt, which detailed the unique history of the vehicle. This discovery led to the realization that their car was not just another Mustang, but a highly significant prototype.

Rear side view of the Shelby EXP500 Green Hornet. (Picture from: Hemmings)

After years of being under the radar, the Green Hornet was fully restored and reintroduced to the world in 2013, complete with a certificate of authenticity from Ford. However, despite its rarity and deep historical roots, it surprisingly failed to sell at auction. Perhaps the price tag was too high for potential buyers at the time, but given its status as a one-of-a-kind piece of automotive history, its value is unquestionable.

In 2019, the Green Hornet once again made an appearance, this time at the SEMA Show, where it was displayed alongside detailed documentation of its extensive restoration process. This provided enthusiasts and collectors with a deeper appreciation of its journey and the effort involved in preserving such an iconic vehicle. The fact that this Mustang still exists today, after narrowly avoiding destruction decades ago, makes it one of the most fascinating survivors in the world of classic muscle cars. *** [EKA [09072015,12022022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARRET-JACKSON | AUTOGUIDE | FOXNEWS | AUTOBLOG] | HEMMINGS ]

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