Shelby GT 500 1968
General description :
ACT'L MILE, SURVIVOR, ORIG 428 PI V8 & C6 AUTO, HEAVILY DOC'D & LOTS OF HISTORY!
A real-deal 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is already a hot commodity. So when you discover one that's a genuine barn find with a celebrity story, well then, this highly documented survivor is a truly unique opportunity for a true collector.
There's just no mistaking the Shelby look. The custom fiberglass hood; the functional side scoops; the Marchal fog lights; all the snake-bitten badging; and the molded rear deck lid - it all makes an impressive statement. Plus, everyone already loves a Wimbledon White Mustang, so to have the original application still on this Shelby makes this one an object other collectors will lust after. The blue rocker triple stripe is a Shelby hallmark and is a nod to America's racing legacy. This in-demand color combo wears its history, but that's part of this car's appeal. It's a true survivor and barn find. Harold Brewer, a collector and car dealer out of Ohio, purchased the car from the original owner in the late '60s when this Shelby was still fairly new. He enjoyed it for a few years. He sold it in '74 only to get it back shortly thereafter. Harold passed away suddenly in 1975. His widow Betty stored the car in an enclosed shop/garage on their property. It would remain nearly frozen in time for four decades with less than 3k miles added to the odometer during that time. In fact, most of Betty's family didn't know the car existed, and her nephew only discovered the GT500 when Betty had him go through the storage on her property. Once she passed, the nephew put the GT500 up for sale, and the person who came knocking was Richard Rawlings of Fast and Loud. So if this Shelby coupe looks familiar, it's because this barn find is also a TV star.
The interior is just as much a survivor as the exterior. In fact, we are hard pressed to see anything that has been replaced in this time capsule. These Shelbys were a fine place to spend some time because they received the Mustang's deluxe interior with some special additions. This means features like wood grained appliqués on the door, dash, and steering wheel. Even the center console still has the coiled snake emblem embossed on the armrest. This car even has the rare Tilt-Away steering option! A folding rear seat, overhead roll bar, and shoulder harnesses are all Shelby must-haves. Open the lightweight fiberglass deck lid, and you'll even find a correct mat, complete jack assembly, and original space-saver spare tire ready for show duty.
Under the hood is exactly what you want to see. This is Ford's big 428 cubic-inch V8 borrowed from the Police Interceptor package. This shows all signs of being original. In fact, the date code for the motor is January 11 – Carroll Shelby's birthday! This is in line with the car's January 31th build date. It still carries all the great Cobra pieces on the fined air cleaner and valve covers. In fact, its originality goes right down to the correct Holley four-barrel carburetor. The original three-speed automatic transmission, front disc brakes, power steering, and a beefed-up suspension give this GT500 the potential to be a terrific all-around performance classic. But on a survivor-grade car like this, any changes to make it a cruiser should be well documented. For example, this has some replacement parts, don't fret, originals come with the sale.
Something this special needs all the right paperwork. That's why it comes with the Ford line sheet, Shelby order sheets, Marti Report, and much more. This is the ultimate collectible Shelby Mustang. So you may want to call today, because you'll regret when it's gone tomorrow! Call now!
Features : Power Steering, Power Brakes, Front Disc Brakes, Tilt Wheel, Seatbelts, Vinyl Interior, Heat, Defrost, AM Radio
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4861-cha/1968-ford-mustang-shelby-gt500
1968 Shelby GT 500 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Streetside Classics for $139995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Shelby Model : GT 500 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1968 Sub type : Coupé Location : Charlotte
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About Shelby
Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in the automotive world, had a remarkable journey from being a successful race car driver to becoming a renowned sports car manufacturer in the United States. His story is filled with achievements, innovations, and iconic cars that left an indelible mark on the industry.Early Years and Racing Career:
Carroll Shelby was born in 1923 in Texas. He initially pursued a career as a pilot during World War II but found his true passion in racing after the war. Shelby became a successful race car driver in the 1950s, competing in various events including Formula One, endurance racing, and the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby Cobras - Iconic Sports Cars:
Carroll Shelby's pivotal moment as a manufacturer came with the creation of the Shelby Cobra, an iconic American sports car. The Cobra was born from the fusion of a British AC Ace chassis and a Ford V8 engine, creating a lightweight, high-performance car that dominated tracks and streets alike. Key models include:
Shelby Cobra 260 (1962): The initial version with a 260 cubic inch (4.2L) V8 engine.
Shelby Cobra 289 (1963-1965): Later iterations with a 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 engine, including the competition-spec Cobras known for their racing prowess.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967): The most powerful iteration with a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine, known for its raw power and performance.
Ford Partnership - Shelby Mustangs:
Shelby's partnership with Ford led to the creation of legendary Shelby Mustangs. The most notable model is:
Shelby GT350 (1965-1969): Based on the Ford Mustang, the GT350 was modified by Shelby American, featuring enhanced performance, handling, and distinct styling.
Other Notable Models and Achievements:
Beyond the Cobras and Mustangs, Shelby had several other significant contributions:
Shelby Daytona Coupe: Created to win against Ferrari in international GT racing, this car became the first American car to win the FIA GT World Championship in 1965.
Shelby Series 1: Introduced in the late 1990s, this was Shelby's modern take on a high-performance sports car.
Ford GT40 plays a pivotal role in Carroll Shelby's narrative, especially in his connection to Ford and his significant contribution to the car's success.
The Ford GT40 Development:
Ford's Challenge:
In the early 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to acquire Ferrari, but negotiations fell apart. This spurred Ford's determination to beat Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, which Ferrari had dominated for several years.
Collaboration with Shelby:
Ford turned to Carroll Shelby, recognizing his racing expertise and track record. Shelby was tasked with leading the GT40 project and turning it into a competitive race car capable of challenging Ferrari's supremacy.
Development and Triumph:
Under Shelby's guidance, the Ford GT40 underwent rigorous development to address initial design flaws and performance issues. Several iterations were produced:
Early Attempts: The initial versions of the GT40 faced reliability and handling issues, leading to disappointing results at Le Mans in 1964.
GT40 Mark II: Shelby's team made crucial improvements. The Mark II, equipped with a powerful V8 engine, improved aerodynamics, and refined engineering, became highly competitive.
Le Mans Victory:
In 1966, the Ford GT40 Mark II achieved a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Shelby-coached driver Ken Miles leading the race. This marked the first win for an American manufacturer at Le Mans, breaking Ferrari's dominance.
Continued Success:
The GT40 continued to dominate, winning Le Mans for the following three years (1966-1969), securing its place in racing history and solidifying Ford's reputation as a force in international motorsport.
Shelby's Contribution to the GT40 Success:
While Carroll Shelby wasn't directly involved in designing the GT40, his expertise in racing and his ability to assemble and lead a team of talented engineers, mechanics, and drivers were instrumental in refining the car's performance. His influence helped address technical issues, refine the car's handling, and strategize race tactics, contributing significantly to the GT40's success on the track.
Legacy and Impact:
The Ford GT40's victories at Le Mans under Shelby's guidance remain one of the most iconic achievements in motorsport history. The car's success solidified Shelby's reputation as an automotive visionary and further strengthened his partnership with Ford.
Carroll Shelby's involvement in the GT40 project showcased his ability to transform a struggling project into a championship-winning machine, adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career in the automotive world.