Vehicle Description
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.
