Greg Csernai didn’t build his 1967 Shelby Mustang clone to sit under lights or behind ropes — he built it to drive.
And drive it he has.
Over the past three decades, Greg has logged more than 20,000 miles behind the wheel of his meticulously built Shelby tribute. Most recently, he added more than 4,000 miles (including the drive home) during the 2025 Pavement Pounder Events cruise to The SEMA Show.
From Wreck to Road Warrior
Greg’s history with the car dates back nearly 40 years. In 1987, he picked up the Mustang as a heavily damaged but rust-free Texas car that had been broadsided, leaving the front end pushed four inches out of alignment.
At the time, it still carried a 428 big-block and Toploader 4-speed — valuable enough that Greg recouped his entire purchase price by selling the drivetrain. What remained was a solid foundation ready for a second life.
That second life would become something very specific: a faithful 1967 Shelby clone that could be driven hard without the anxiety of risking a genuine GT500.
Built for Accuracy — and Use
While the body was being repaired and straightened, Greg began sourcing the details that would define the build. Original Shelby fiberglass components, correct emblems, factory-style gauges and even an authentic Shelby mahogany steering wheel all found their way into the car.
Where Greg intentionally deviated from factory Shelby spec was the powertrain.
Instead of recreating a big-block GT500, he built a period-correct Boss 302 using original components — block, crank, heads and intake — paired with a Comp Cams solid flat-tappet camshaft and Crane roller rockers. Long-tube headers complete the package.
Backing the Boss 302 is a TREMEC T-5 5-speed transmission, chosen specifically for its overdrive capability. Combined with 3.55 rear gears, the setup allows the car to comfortably cruise at highway speeds while still delivering engaging performance.
On the road, the payoff is clear: Greg says he knocks down approximately 20 mpg and the car has a relaxed cruising RPM — rare traits for a classic muscle car.
A Mustang That Gets Used
Greg completed the build in 1992 and immediately began putting miles on it. The car has seen everything from dragstrip duty to cross-country road trips.
One of its earliest long-distance runs was from Michigan to Atlanta for a Shelby event. That benchmark was eclipsed in 2025 with the round-trip drive to Las Vegas, a journey that underscored just how capable the car really is.
Despite its road manners, the Mustang still carries some old-school traits. Manual steering and non-power disc brakes — necessary due to the engine’s camshaft limiting vacuum — mean the car demands driver input.
That said, Greg is planning a practical upgrade: a Borgeson power steering box designed to clear the engine’s large-diameter headers, improving drivability without compromising the build.
Purpose-Built for the Open Road
There’s a common thread among the cars that people drive on Pavement Pounder Events: they aren’t just well-built — they’re well-used.
Greg’s Mustang embodies that philosophy. It blends authenticity with smart upgrade choices, creating a car that looks right, performs well and, most importantly, gets driven.
