- 1 of just 402 examples built for the model year
- Documented by a Deluxe Marti Report
- 17 years of current collector ownership
- Shelby powered 428-cubic-inch V-8 engine
- Signed by the legend himself, Mr. Carroll Shelby
LOT 315
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1968 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible
Following the original 1965-66 Shelby GT350s, many changes took place for 1967 and beyond. An entirely new body had been created for the 1967 Mustang, and the old snake charmer himself was ready to start stuffing some big-block horsepower under the hood of that car. At the end of the 1967 model year, Ford decided to contract with A. O. Smith in the Detroit area, to take partially completed designated Mustangs and finish them off with the Shelby engineered and designed touches. While the 428 powered GT500 had been unveiled in 1967, this year something new was available, a convertible was part of the Shelby catalog offerings. One offering from this era of high-performance, high-horsepower and high-styling, that never seems to lose its appeal has been the Mustang-based Shelby. The world took notice this year with strong sales figures and another generation of Shelbys would be born.
This stunning GT500 finished in its original Sunlit Gold paint scheme, is one of 402 convertibles created during the model year. It has been restored to its original factory specifications in both cosmetics and mechanical components. According to its trim tag, this example was built at the Metuchen, New Jersey assembly plant on February 29th, 1968, indicating it is a rare Leap Day car. This GT500 has been a part of the Passport Collection since 2008 and has always been maintained and stored in a climate-controlled facility.
The gold metallic paint tastefully complements the medium saddle and saddle kiwi vinyl interior, which all present very nicely thanks to its restoration. Documented on the Deluxe Marti Report, this example is one of just 15 with these paint and trim codes. Other items of note include correct Shelby wheels in all four corners, a tan convertible top, a matching boot cover, and the late Carroll Shelby's signature can be found pinned on the glovebox.
Power is supplied by a fierce Shelby 428-cubic-inch V-8 engine that is mated to a C-6 three-speed automatic transmission that relays the power to a nine-inch Ford rear differential with a 3.50:1 gearset. The GT500s are known for their potent power plants, but these snakes can also display tame road manners, giving their owners the best of both worlds when it comes to road enjoyment.
A timeless example in charming colors, this Shelby GT500 has been a part of the Passport Collection's stable for nearly two decades and is ready to give its next caretaker many more years and miles of unforgettable Ford-built memories.
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