For Sale at Auction: 1969 Shelby GT500 in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 9F03R480802

Arriving in 1968, the Shelby GT500 Convertible initially retained the 428 cu-in 'Police-Interceptor' V8 before being replaced mid-production with the monstrously-powerful 428 'Cobra Jet.' The addition of higher-flowing 427-style cylinder heads, an upgraded crankshaft and connecting rods, a larger 735-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor, a ram-air induction system, and free-flowing intake and exhaust manifolds meant the engine now churned out an astonishing 410-horsepower (underrated by Ford at 335-horsepower). Quicker in a straight line than the race-bred GT350, the availability of a convertible and a lengthy list of creature comforts including an automatic transmission, AM/FM stereo, and a functional rear seat suggested that the GT500 was also the Shelby for the street.

In 1969, Ford moved Shelby production to Dearborn, Michigan and redesigned the Mustang with Carroll Shelby's input. The notably restyled GT500 followed suit, with an elongated fiberglass front end and a full-length, recessed grill encompassing dual fog and headlights, among many other cosmetic upgrades. The rear remained dominated by the sequential tail lights borrowed from the Ford Thunderbird, while the distinctive integrated roll bar featured special clips rumored to help secure a surfboard. Aggressive new air vents in the hood and on each of the front fenders rounded out the updates for the Shelby's production run, as the Ford-Shelby partnership came to an end in the summer of 1969 after building a total of just 244 GT500 convertibles that year.

This GT500 Convertible is documented by its accompanying Marti Report as having been completed on 30 January 1969 and finished in Black Jade with contrasting white side stripes, a white power-operated top, and white Clarion-knit upholstery. The Shelby was equipped with the coveted 428 cu-in 'Cobra Jet' V8 mated to a heavy-duty 'C-6 Cruise-O-Matic' automatic transmission. Additional factory options included: Traction-Lok differential, power steering, power front disc brakes, optional axle ratio, 'GT Equipment Group,' 'Interior Decor Group-Deluxe,' color-keyed racing mirrors, Philco AM radio, deluxe seat belts with warning light, tachometer, and trip odometer.

This highly original GT500 has been a member of the current owner's collection for over a dozen years, enjoying a prominent place in his private, climate-controlled museum. Today, much of the exterior finish is still factory original with the exception of the hood which was repainted at some point in its life, while the upholstery, chrome, and convertible top remain completely original and in remarkable condition. Offered with its factory space-saving spare wheel, jack, and boot cover, this low-mileage, exceptionally preserved Shelby GT500 is undoubtedly one of the best examples extant.