As the Mustang line grew in size and comfort features, so too did the Shelby branded vehicles on which they are based. Never one to settle for standard, Carroll Shelby decided to take the already aggressive and bold styling of the 1969 Mustang even further. New front fenders, which included functioning brake ducts, were added which terminated in a big, full-width grill and bright chrome bumper set forward of this. Some other interesting design elements were included as well such as NACA ducts on the hood, rather than the traditional raised hood scoops. While the 1969 Shelby cars focused much more on appearance than previous years, Shelby American still managed to create a better looking as well as a better performing platform, that lived up to the reputation their previous cars had garnered. Unfortunately, however, Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969, meaning no cars were built for the 1970 model year. Rather, leftover 1969 models were given new VIN numbers and sold as 1970 models with minor cosmetic changes done to them. In total, only 1282 Shelby GT350s were produced for 1969, with 1086 being fastbacks and 196 being convertibles.
The example on offer here, chassis number 9F02M481907, is a 1969 Shelby GT350. This car was part of the popular Hertz Rent-A-Racer program of the 1960s. It is finished in the rare and highly desirable color combination of Gulfstream Aqua exterior with White Clarion Knit/Corinthian Vinyl Hi-Back Bucket Seats. It is one of only 19 total examples finished in this color scheme and one of just 5 fitted with the Traction-Lok Differential and delivered as a Hertz Rent-A-Racer. Currently, the odometer reads 77,364 miles from new, which is believed to be correct. According to the included and framed Elite Marti Report this car was ordered with the following options:
FMX Cruise-O-Matic Transmission
Traction-Lok Differential
Visibility Group
Goodyear Brand Name Tires
Sport Deck Rear Seat
Power Front Dic Brakes
Power Steering
Tilt-Away Steering Wheel
Air Conditioner – Selectaire
AM Radio
Tinted Glass-Complete
Deluxe Belts/Warning Light
Tachometer and Trip Odometer
The car was scheduled for production at the Dearborn plant on 4/11/1969 but was actually built 4/14/1969, 3 days behind schedule, and was released the next day. It was invoiced on 4/21/1969 at $5231.27 MSRP or $4308.50 dealer cost and was shipped to Gotham Ford in New York, New York on 5/8/1969. The car was then purchased by the Hertz Company who used it as part of their Rent-A-Racer program. Unfortunately, not much else is known on the history of the car other the chain of ownership which was acquired through the Shelby registry and shows the car in private hands starting in 1982 (although the Hertz Company surely sold the car off long before this). The car changed hands a number of times until the current owner who resides in Michigan purchased the car in October of 2005 with 77,246 miles on the odometer. It appears that the exterior of the car was restored at some point most likely in the late 1990s or early 2000s. The restoration was done well with good paint laid down over clean, well-fitting metal. It appears that a good portion of the interior was left original with the exception of the front seats which appear to have been redone. Overall, it is a good quality car which is finished in excellent colors and remains very correct in all of its attributes. This GT350 would be just at home being shown at local car shows and Shelby meets as it would in an American car collection.
Included with the sale of this car are the framed Elite Marti Report, spare wheel, and jack.
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