Mike Shelby, the son of racing and automotive design legend Carroll Shelby, commissioned Barry Wilson of Wilson Auto Repair to restore the 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 that once belonged to his father. Wilson recently completed the revitalization work, and the car will become part of Mike Shelby's private collection.
(PRUnderground) April 10th, 2025
The eldest son of Carroll Shelby, Mike Shelby, inherited his father’s love of all things automotive. In the 1960s, Carroll Shelby transformed the Fairlane into a drag racing car. Later, the 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 had been in storage since 2002, but Mike recently decided to send it to Dallas for Barry Wilson to perform the revitalization work so he could drive it again.
Barry added a 710 horsepower Carroll Shelby 427 motor aluminum block, a Shelby innovation that is 45 percent lighter yet still stronger than the cast iron used in factory versions. It’s a naturally aspirated engine with lots of torque. He also modified the body to accommodate the large tires in the back, upgraded the suspension, installed a new transmission, and addressed the wiring issues.
Mike receives numerous requests from car clubs to bring cars and other items that belonged to his dad. This 1962 Ford Fairlane is sure to be a hit with Shelby fans and classic car enthusiasts alike.
As a finishing touch, Mike wanted the original top-loader four-speed transmission on display in the Fairlane’s trunk. So, instead of a cooler full of beer, Mike Shelby has a vintage transmission in the trunk of his Ford Fairlane.
Mike Shelby said, “This 1962 Ford Fairlane is special to me because my dad picked it out and drove it in the early days before he started designing the Cobras. It holds great memories of times with my father.”
Visit wilsonauto.com to see more pictures of Shelby’s Ford Fairlane 500 and many other classic cars and trucks.
Classic car collectors and enthusiasts can schedule a 1:1 Zoom call to get their classic car repair and restoration questions answered by our Master Mechanic, Barry Wilson.
About Wilson Auto Repair
Wilson Auto was established in 1980 and still operates out of its original location at 3133 Saturn Road in Garland, Texas, but serves customers from all over the Dallas area, including Allen, Fort Worth, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Mesquite, Rowlett, Rockwall, and other communities. When you need the finest classic car restoration in Garland, TX and the surrounding areas, give our team a call.
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Original Press Release.
