Vehicle Description
By 1969 the Shelby GT had made the full transformation from
hard-edge, scrappy SCCA rocket to a refined performer whose
still-considerable muscle - in both small and big-block
configuration - was accompanied by a high level of trim and a
fulsome list of options that included a decidedly vibrant color
palette. As remarkable as it seems to look back from the present
with a muscle-car-lover's nostalgia, this is one of 18 1969 Shelby
GT500 coupes that were factory-finished in Grabber Yellow. Even
more noteworthy is its provenance, which includes ownership by the
man who created the legend, Carroll Shelby. Fully documented, it
features a date-code correct 428/335hp Cobra Jet engine mated to a
close-ratio 4-speed transmission and 3.50 Traction-Lok rear axle,
making it one of only three with this car's combination of
features. The Cobra Jet engine had just been rebuilt before the
car's purchase by its present owner. In the 10 years since then,
the owner has completely restored the car in a nut-and-bolt
fashion. Many original Ford OEM factory parts were found and used
in the restoration of this car, which was brought as close to
showroom condition as possible, including its Decor Group interior,
competition suspension and Goodyear Polyglas GTs on Shelby wheels.
In addition to paperwork dating back to 1969, the car is
accompanied by a copy of the state of California release of
liability buyer form signed off by Carroll Shelby, who purchased
the car in 1999.
