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Press day at the Long Lead Technical Conference took place on July 7, 1967 during the Ford and Shelby Dealer Performance Show held at Riverside International Raceway. This would be the first time that select dealers and members of the automotive press would be introduced to the upcoming model year cars (a full five months before production).

In addition to all the Ford models on hand, two Shelby 'photographic cars,' were on hand: the convertible (0139), now painted Wimbledon White, and a fastback painted Acapulco Blue. The press kit included a total of four black & white photos of the '68 styled Shelby convertible and fastback. See below.

This press kit was very helpful to timeline the development of the '68 styling cars. Woodgrain interior with console and padded armrest, sequential tail light turn signal flashers and single carburetion had been decided, however, Dzus locks are mentioned as having cables, a 427 engine option, and alloy wheels were still apparently being considered as options.

There is at least one discrepancy between this 'general' portion of the press release as compared to the Fact Sheet portion: The general information references a single Holly 728 CFM carburetor for both the 428 and 427 engine options whereas the Fact Sheet only references a 715 CFM carburetor. That tells us that even though these two documents were handed out together, they may have been drafted at different times and/or by different individuals.

» View the full press kit, including general info, fact sheet and photographs

Additional LLTC event photos taken by members of the press:

• Photos taken by Martyn Schorr
   

• Photos taken by Motor Trend Magazine