1968 Ford Shelby Lonestar Concept - AllCarIndex

The Ford Shelby Lonestar Concept is a striking relic from 1968 that has re-emerged after five decades to captivate automotive enthusiasts. Conceived in secret as a replacement for the 427 Shelby Cobra, this one-off prototype was built on the foundation of the Ford GT40 and powered by a robust 289 cubic-inch V8 engine. Although it never reached production, its design and engineering spoke volumes about the innovation of its era.

Revived and unveiled at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2018, the Lonestar’s sleek, aerodynamic lines might easily be mistaken at first for a Ferrari P3 or P4, or even for Ford’s own ambitious GT40 successor, the GT70. Its provocative design is further accentuated by a Targa-roof configuration, adding an element of daring to its overall appearance.

Notably, the sole prototype was once offered for sale in Autoweek under the audacious headline “For sale – Sex on Wheels!” at a price of $15,000—a reflection of its bold character and the playful confidence that accompanied its creation. Today, the Ford Shelby Lonestar Concept stands as a testament to a visionary moment in automotive history, a design that was far ahead of its time and continues to inspire admiration and curiosity among car aficionados.