Vehicle Description
Yeah, I'll say it: I think the 1969-70 GT500 is the best-looking
Shelby ever built, and with fantastic color combination, this 1970
Shelby GT500 is an absolute knock-out. With a snarling 428 Cobra
Jet under that vented hood, it also has the cojones to back up its
outrageous looks plus a luxurious interior complete with factory
A/C.
The Acapulco Blue paint on this GT500 is one of the most popular
colors offered, and for good reason: it's ideal on the swoopy
Shelby bodywork. Combined with the custom Shelby nose and exotic
hood that emphasizes the NACA (not NASA) ductwork for the Ram Air
system, plus the white side stripes, this is one mean-looking
fastback. Treated to an extremely high-quality restoration a few
years ago, the Shelby body panels are in excellent condition with
no ripples or waves in the fiberglass and fit and finish that are
hallmarks of skilled craftsmen at work. Ford didn't go crazy with
the Shelby badging, either, leaving just a subtle coiled snake in
the deep-set grille, another set on the sail panels, and SHELBY
block letters out back, but even so there's no mistaking this beast
for anything else. There isn't an incorrect line anywhere on this
car, and if any car has ever suggested great speed even while
standing still, this is it. There are a few minor signs of use, but
this really is a very nice car.
The top-of-the-line GT500 got Ford's top interior, black Clarion
knit buckets. Of course, being a Shelby, that means several
upgrades including a roll bar behind the seats with shoulder
harnesses, a center console with its own auxiliary gauges canted
towards the driver, and plenty of man-made wood appliques to blur
the line between muscle and luxury. This car also carries, a tilt
steering column, factory A/C, as well as full instrumentation
including a tach. The original AM/FM stereo radio is in the dash,
and if you look closely, you'll note that the wooden T-handle for
the transmission has its own coiled cobra logo inset into its
surface. That's a cool Shelby-esque detail, don't you think? The
trunk is also neatly finished, and now carries a correct
reproduction mat and space-saver inflatable spare with jack
assembly.
Ford's 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet engine was one of the most potent
machines on the street, especially in 1969. Grossly under-rated at
335 horsepower, it can spin the tires at will and with enormous
torque, the jaunt from, say, 40 to 100 MPH is eyeball-flattening.
The Ram Air is fed from the center duct on the hood, and all the
factory hardware remains in place on this specimen. The engine runs
like it should and the detailing is extremely well done with proper
fasteners, decals, and finishes used wherever possible. There's
proper Ford Blue on the block and beautiful finned aluminum valve
covers, all surrounded by a satin black engine bay. The only
notable deviation from stock is the upgraded A/C compressor, but
that only means this car was built to drive, not sit on a show
field. The C6 3-speed automatic responds to your right foot's
prodding the carburetor, and a set of 3.50 gears with a limited
slip make the most of the engine's power. Rear disc brakes have
been added, which is probably a good idea considering this car's
performance potential, and it really is beautifully detailed
underneath. Special cast Shelby wheels were unique to the final two
years of production and carry reproduction Goodyear Polyglas GT
tires for an authentic look.
Shelbys remain Grade-A investments, and with documentation like the
original invoice and a Marti report, it should be easy to convince
yourself that now is the time to own a big block snake. Call
today!