The owner of this immaculate 1967 Shelby GT500 was referred to Alan Lindgren at Speed of Sound LLC in Memphis for some custom interior and audio work. The client is fortunate enough to own two GT500s. The other car is a museum-quality original vehicle with only 15,000 miles on it. He wanted a car to drive and have some fun with, so he found this second Shelby and had it upgraded with the drivetrain out of a 2009 GT500. To complete the resto-mod project, he wanted a stereo system and an interior that fit the personality of the vehicle.
When it comes to vehicle styling, some clients know exactly what they want, while others have a general feel for the style of upgrade they prefer. The only specific request was for the interior of this Shelby to include lighting. Alan met with the client several times to discuss the project, then sealed the deal after creating a sample trim panel on a rainy Saturday afternoon. The client gave Alan free rein to finish the Shelby after seeing the detail he put into the mockup.
Shelby GT500 System Design
The project is wrapped around a simple and elegant audio system. A JL Audio MBT-RX serves as the source unit for the system. The client can pair a smartphone or tablet to play whatever music or streaming audio source he wants. Alan built a cool master volume control in the new center console to mimic the gas cap on the vehicle and give the system a tactile interface. The volume control is machined out of 6061 aluminum and includes a three-dimensional Shelby Cobra GT 500 emblem in the middle. LED illumination around the volume control and the cup holders, as well as on the sides of the console, cater to the client’s request.
A set of Morel Virtus Nano Integra 602 Carbon coaxial 6.5-inch speakers are mounted in the kick panels of the Shelby to handle mid- and high-frequency audio playback. A four-channel JL Audio XD400/4v2 amp powers the front speakers through their passive crossovers while the rear half of the amp is bridged to drive the system subwoofer. A single JL Audio 10TW3 subwoofer handles low-frequency reproduction from an enclosure mounted at the back of the trunk. The sound system is wired with Stinger wiring and JL Audio interconnect cables.
Attention to Detail at Every Turn
Alan created a custom trim panel for the rear seat of the vehicle that includes a laser-cut Shelby badge that mimics the emblems on the vehicle fenders. Of course, the snake is illuminated.
The trunk is finished with a wall just back of the trunk opening. Alan created a multi-layer trim-panel that is finished with black vinyl and painted silver accents. He cut the Snake Charmer logo into acrylic using his CNC laser and, of course, added lighting to make it stand out. The back seat and trunk lighting systems are controlled by a set of switches in a hidden panel beside the gear selector in the center console.
While not a low-key system, the interior of the vehicle is a perfect example of a timeless design. All of the equipment and brand logos are hidden from view, and the system is easy and intuitive to operate.
Alan told us that he started this project near the end of the winter in 2020, just as the global COVID-19 pandemic struck. Alan split his time at the shop building this Shelby and producing 600 face shields and 4,000 ear savers for hospitals and medical centers around Memphis, Tennessee.
As is common for people with the means to execute a project like this hot rod Shelby GT500, the client maintains a reserved demeanor. The owner lives in another state but has flown to Memphis to see the results. Alan knew he had hit a home run when a grin or a smile would break the client’s otherwise calm character as each part was presented. It must have been a success as Alan has been asked to build door panels to finish the interior.
If you’d like to learn more about Speed of Sound LLC and the Mustang products or custom fabrication services they offer, please visit their website. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see more of Alan’s amazing craftsmanship.
