Coming in FirstIt's interesting that Carroll and Company really helped to propel the Mustang to a number of firsts. And it's interesting how many things Ford didn't really get around to until the mid-'80s. These firsts by Shelby American paved the way in many respects for later improvements to the Mustang. Below are the most obvious firsts.
* First to use headers on a Mustang. Ford wouldn't get there until 1985.* First supercharged Mustang. Ford didn't supercharge until 2003. Saleen didn't supercharge until 1995.* First Mustang to use the 15-inch wheel as a standard part of the car. Ford didn't get there until 1985.* First Mustang to use traction bars. Ford started to use a traction-control device in 1968 but truly didn't have a damping device until 1985.* First to use lightweight components (fiberglass) on the cars. Ford only recently went to lighter-weight materials for the Mustang's hood.* First to break the 390ci barrier in 1967 with the 428 Police Interceptor. Ford followed suit in 1968 with the 428
Cobra Jet.* First (and only) Mustang to have factory dual quads. In 1967 the GT500 got two 600-cfm Holleys.