For Sale at Auction: 1969 Shelby GT500 in Scottsdale, Arizona

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.