Vehicle Description
Here at RK Motors Charlotte we have a tradition of offering the
best collector cars on the planet. And, while it's our job to
facilitate transactions that make car enthusiasts' dreams come
true, we also enjoy sharing the stories of the legendary metal that
adorns our massive Charlotte showroom. That's why we simply
couldn't wait to tell you about this awesome Bright Yellow Mustang!
Fully documented, featuring a correct drivetrain and occupying a
spot on the official SAAC Registry, this Ford is a spectacular
example of one of the finest muscle cars ever produced. And if
you're a discerning enthusiast who demands the very best in high
caliber classics, it's the Shelby you've been patiently waiting
for!
HISTORY AND CONDITION
"I have examined and inspected the above listed vehicle on several
occasions in the process of the restoration. In a world of many
"clones" and "recreations" I feel strongly that this car is
XXXX-03900, the 3900th 1968 Shelby Mustang built for 1968. I feel
this vehicle has received a high-quality restoration and could be
considered for anyone's investment grade collection, display, or
museum..." - Jim Wicks, SAAC Regional Director and Event
Chairman
In the 1970s, as crazy as it sounds, an air conditioned Shelby
GT500KR convertible was little more than a used car. Even Carroll
Shelby had turned his back on the Mustangs bearing his name,
dismissing them as little more than interesting footnotes to the
Ford story. Sure, certain astute collectors realized Shelby
Mustangs were special, but the cars were a long way from gathering
the immense following they currently enjoy. Fortunately, a
sharp-eyed enthusiast snagged this KR and began an extensive,
ground-up restoration.
In 1978, you could still order Shelby parts directly from Ford, so
the build began with fresh, OEM fiberglass. At the same time, most
of the car's tired mechanical equipment was being replaced by a
growing roster of carefully sourced NOS components. However, that's
pretty much where the car's first restoration stalled. That is,
until the late 1990s, when it had become very obvious that the cost
of rebuilding this classic was insignificant compared to the value
of a finished product. That's when 03900 was finally given the push
it needed.
A few years later, the car ended up at Island Lake, Illinois'
Custom Classics. Custom Classics noted that all the NOS parts that
comprised this Shelby were present, correct and in great shape, but
they thought the car was worthy of more detailing simply because of
its status as an ultra-exclusive KR. Originally delivered to
Dallas, Texas, it carries special-order WT6066 yellow paint,
factory air, a C6 automatic transmission and a tilt steering
column. It is 1 of only 20 Shelby convertibles painted WT6066
yellow and, of those, 1 of only 7 equipped with air conditioning.
Custom Classics' ground-up restoration incorporated all the
aforementioned NOS components, plus hundreds more that were
painstakingly researched and properly date-coded. The paint is
2-stage urethane that exactly duplicates special order Bright
Yellow and looks especially good under correct stripes and
call-outs. Naturally, any flaws carried by the original fiberglass
have been thoroughly exorcised. Panel alignment is exceptional,
gaps are even all around and the car fits together better than any
Mustang ever built by the factory.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE COBRA JET
This Ford's incredible detailing extends under the hood, where 428
cubic inches of date-correct Cobra Jet looks right at home. Long
regarded as one of the most iconic Ford mills ever created, the
new-for-1968 428 FE V8 utilized a strengthened medium block, heavy
duty rods, a nodular crank and freer heads to produce roughly 410
horsepower. Bathed in rich Ford Blue, the hot mill wraps correct
"COBRA" valve covers in highly accurate, show-ready aesthetics. And
every component appears very close to original, from the car's
functional ram air induction to its NOS radiator and complete
thermactor system.
Take a look under this Mustang and you'll find factory-correct
floors that spice Red Oxide primer with 'blown in' overspray.
Behind the legendary Cobra Jet, a correct C6 3-speed spins a
familiar Ford 9-inch that's finished with 3.00 gears. At the front
of the car, a rebuilt double A-arm suspension centers a beefy sway
bar and the aforementioned power steering between correct power
disc brakes. At the back of the car, sturdy leaf springs hang
correct drum brakes at the edges of a standard stainless fuel tank.
An exact reproduction exhaust system has been installed, complete
with correct tips. Power meets the pavement through E70-15 Goodyear
Speedways, which are wrapped around appropriate Shelby 10-spokes.
And all original factory markings have been carefully reproduced,
from the driveshaft balance stripes to the suspension torque
dobs.
SHELBY FLAIR
The interior remains the one transplanted by the previous restorer.
And, since it's far more correct and accurate than any reproduction
kit available today, Custom Classics decided to leave it as-is. The
seats are deep and comfortable, exhibiting none of the rot common
in sunbaked convertibles. Opposite those thrones, a great looking
dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer
above a correct Philco radio. Beneath that wood-trimmed dash, a
wood-trimmed console anchors a slick Shelby shifter between a
correct, cobra-branded armrest and small Stewart Warner accessory
gauges. Reproduction carpet founds a Shelby spec roll bar between
ornate side panels. And the car's Rim Blow Steering Wheel is just
too nice not to be a restored piece.
PROVENANCE
According to this stellar pony's Elite Marti Auto Works Report, it
was assembled on June 20th, 1968 in Metuchen, New Jersey with the
following door data and optional equipment:
SERIAL NUMBER: 8T03R211027-03900
DOOR PLATE:
8 - 1968 model year
T - Assembled in Metuchen, New Jersey
03 - Shelby Convertible
R - 428-4V CJ Engine GT-500KR
111,027th Mustang scheduled for production at Ford's Metuchen
assembly plant
3,900th Shelby scheduled for production
76B - Shelby Convertible
- - Ford #WT6066 special paint
6AA - Black D�cor bucket seats
27F - Scheduled for build on June 27th, 1968
8O3015 - Home Office Reserve ordering district under Domestic
Special Order number 3015
6 - 3.00 standard axle ratio
U - C6 automatic transmission
OPTIONS:
Black, power convertible top that's complete with a glass
backlite
GT Equipment Group
Visibility Group
Power Steering
Power Front Disc Brakes
Tilt-Away Steering Column
Air conditioner
AM Radio
Interior D�cor Group
Tinted glass
Tachometer that's complete with a trip odometer
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An original Owner's Manual
Photos of the car's Custom Classics restoration
A Standard Marti Auto Works Report
Two Elite Marti Auto Works Reports (one framed for display)
The quoted letter from Jim Wicks, SAAC Regional Director and Event
Chairman
Few classics have the kind of attitude and presence of an old
school Shelby. And if previous trends are any indication, these
cars will continue to gain value as they become mor...for more
information please contact the seller.
