Shocker: Shelby GT500 Is Really An Old Toyota Crown

Yahoo! News - Apr 7th, 2025
Open on Yahoo! News

A team of Vietnamese fabricators from the YouTube channel NHET TV has turned an old Toyota into a Shelby GT500 lookalike. Utilizing the Toyota's chassis, powertrain, and drivetrain, they construct an exotic car body over it. Their process involves fabricating a metal structure, overlaying it with plastic and clay, and finishing with fiberglass. The result, while not perfect, is impressive given the resources available. This transformation is part of NHET TV's reputation for creating replicas of exotic cars, making them a notable presence in Vietnam where such cars are rare.

The story highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the NHET TV team, working without the luxury of a real Shelby GT500 for reference, relying instead on a toy model. This project underscores the challenges and creativity involved in automotive fabrication, appealing to car enthusiasts and DIY aficionados. Moreover, it illustrates the cultural fascination with luxury vehicles in Vietnam, where such transformations provide an accessible alternative to owning genuine exotic cars.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story provides an engaging look at NHET TV's creative fabrication project, capturing the ingenuity and skill involved in transforming an old Toyota into a Shelby GT500 replica. While the core facts are well-supported by visual evidence, the article could benefit from additional sources and verification of peripheral claims to enhance its accuracy. The narrative is clear and engaging, appealing to car enthusiasts and DIY hobbyists, but it lacks broader public interest relevance and potential impact. The focus on positive aspects without exploring challenges or criticisms slightly affects the balance, and the lack of transparency regarding information gathering methods limits the reader's ability to fully assess the article's reliability. Overall, the story is a well-crafted piece that entertains and informs within its niche, though it could be strengthened by a more comprehensive approach to sourcing and verification.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of NHET TV's fabrication project, claiming that a Shelby GT500 body was built over an old Toyota Crown chassis. This claim is verifiable through visual evidence from NHET TV's YouTube channel, which supports the story's accuracy. However, the claim that old Toyotas are plentiful in Vietnam and commonly used for such projects needs further verification, as this is not substantiated within the article. Additionally, the comparison of the Shelby GT500's exotic status in Vietnam to that of a Ferrari SF90 or Lamborghini Huracan could benefit from local market data to confirm its accuracy. Overall, while the core facts are supported, some peripheral claims require additional evidence to ensure full accuracy.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of NHET TV's fabrication project, emphasizing the creativity and skill involved. While it acknowledges that the replica may not perfectly mimic a real Shelby GT500, it does not explore any potential criticisms or challenges faced during the project. This lack of diverse perspectives slightly skews the balance towards a more favorable view of the project, without considering possible downsides or expert opinions on vehicle safety or legality.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative that guides the reader through NHET TV's fabrication process. The language is accessible, and the structure logically follows the progression from the project's inception to its completion. However, the inclusion of unrelated information, such as the mention of Post Malone’s Bugatti Chiron, slightly detracts from the article's focus and clarity.

5
Source quality

The primary source for the story appears to be NHET TV's YouTube channel, which provides direct visual evidence of the fabrication process. However, the article lacks input from additional credible sources, such as automotive experts or local Vietnamese car enthusiasts, to corroborate the claims made. This reliance on a single source limits the depth of analysis and the potential for a more nuanced understanding of the project's significance.

5
Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the methodology used to gather information or any potential conflicts of interest. While it references NHET TV's YouTube videos, it does not explain how the information was verified or whether any direct communication with the fabricators occurred. This lack of transparency can affect the reader's ability to assess the article's impartiality and the reliability of its claims.

Sources

  1. https://5spurs.com/shelby-gt500-gear-shifter-crown/
  2. https://www.spford.com/ford-feature-videos/shelby-gt500-dual-clutch-transmission/
  3. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/gran-turismo-7-engine-swap-compatibility.405033/
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-gwoJDBFGk
  5. https://www.rickhendricktoyotasandysprings.com/inventory/used-2020-ford-mustang-shelby-gt500-rwd-coupe-1fa6p8sj8l5501340/