Topic: Shelby Automatic Wood shifter handle

[69GT350H]

What year did the wood w/snake insert wood shifter handle first get used in the Shelby? I know it can be installed on most any auto shifter and in photos, see them on the 1968 to1970 Shelby's.

[ruppstang]

I have one on my unrestored 68 GT350.

[67gtasanjose]

Hadn't thought yet but I have one around too if anyone has interest

[Bob Gaines]

What year did the wood w/snake insert wood shifter handle first get used in the Shelby? I know it can be installed on most any auto shifter and in photos, see them on the 1968 to1970 Shelby's.

Aproximatly after April of 1968 (1968 Shelby production)  to the end of 69 Shelby production (including 70's) . Prior to that the typical Mustang handle was used .

[ruppstang]

Aproximatly after April of 1968 (1968 Shelby production)  to the end of 69 Shelby production (including 70's) . Prior to that the typical Mustang handle was used .

That is interesting Bob my #602 December car has one that has been there so long that the chrome is worn off the cobra. I guess a PO could have added it.
Marty

[Bob Gaines]

That is interesting Bob my #602 December car has one that has been there so long that the chrome is worn off the cobra. I guess a PO could have added it.
Marty

Marty,they would be out of the ordinary on a Dec 67 car IMO. They were not even around then. They were a very common upgrade however. I have seen them in use on 66 and 67 Shelby automatic too. Many times owners would think that the typical Mustang handle was wrong and replace them or just that they matched the wood grain on the dash and console better (in the case of a earlier 68). Also the black plastic regular Mustang handle was very prone to cracking (67/68) and new replacements were obsoleted long ago. The wooden handle which was available from one source or another was the logical replacement. The wooden handle was available through Ford long after production ceased and then once obsolete from Ford picked up by the aftermarket for continued sale up until recently. I know Branda has been selling them since the 70's . They started being used by Shelby Automotive when the KR was introduced .

[Bob Gaines]

FYI you can tell the typical later repro handle by the way the wood is routed out to accept the snake emblem . Close and tight was original and early repros .  Wide and crooked was the typical later repro as in the picture posted.