INTRODUCTION: This one is exceptional! Rotisserie restored,
original metal and dialed in. Documented with deluxe Marti Report,
copy of build sheet and listed in Shelby Registry. Rare- Only 1,423
GT 500s, 402 were convertibles, 153 of those were 4-speed and only
7 in these colors!
EXTERIOR: Nothing short of amazing! Claimed to retain all its
original metal, with the exception of one NOS fender that still
displays its Ford part numbers. The body is pristine, straight as a
rifle barrel, with precise gaps, properly fitted moldings, and
doors that open and close effortlessly. Shelby's unique styling
includes the extended fiberglass nose, scooped and vented hood,
fiberglass quarter panel scoops, dovetail trunk lid, and matching
end caps. Repainted in its original, highly desirable Highland
Green, the metallic is laid out evenly and polished to a deep,
brilliant gloss far superior to the factory finish. I rarely use
the word flawless, but this one sure looks that way! All the chrome
and trim are excellent, including the dual deluxe mirrors and rear
mounted antenna. It has a new reproduction windshield with the Ford
logo and a beautiful white power convertible top. Up front are the
signature Lucas fog lamps in the Shelby grille. Out back are
sequential taillights with racing style Shelby gas cap between
them. It's rolling on iconic 10 spoke aluminum Shelby wheels
wrapped in BFGoodrich radial tires for an improved ride. Every inch
of this Shelby is impressive!
INTERIOR: Equally impressive! The rich looking Saddle Deluxe
interior makes this extremely rare! The upscale Deluxe package
features woodgrain trim, upgraded upholstery, door panels and
steering wheel throughout. The door panels are mint, the dash pad
is excellent, and the entire instrument panel looks fantastic. It
features a factory tachometer, working clock, and upgraded retro
stereo with auxiliary plug, it powers kick panel speakers. The
carpet looks fresh with matching mats. The Shelby specific center
console houses Stewart-Warner oil pressure and amp gauges, along
with a Shelby embossed armrest. Best of all, the factory 4-speed
shifter rises right out of the console! The seats have firm
cushions and have been reupholstered, the Shelby logo seat belts
are in place, and the interior lights work. The beautifully
restored steering wheel is mounted on a factory tilt column. Not
many muscle cars came with roll bars from the factory, well this
one did. Those little clips on top are so you can mount your
surfboard across the roll bar and the windshield, true story. This
is one exceptionally tidy and desirable interior!
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: There's a lot packed under this hood! It
features its correct 428 Cobra Jet engine upgraded with a factory
style dual-quad setup featuring two big dual feed Holley
carburetors. Finned aluminum Cobra valve covers and air cleaner
dress it up beautifully. It's also equipped with power steering,
power brakes, and upgraded air conditioning. Every component looks
clean and proper. The metal surfaces are smooth and neatly painted,
with fresh looking hardware throughout. The windshield washers are
hooked up, the battery is secured, and the horns work. This is one
highly detailed engine compartment with plenty to offer!
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Very tidy! The underside of the lid is painted
smooth with a factory sticker, new weatherstrip, and working light.
The jamb is painted slick, retaining Ford part numbers and factory
seams. The quarter panels appear original as claimed. Inside is
neatly painted green with a mat and matching spare tire cover
concealing a never used BFGoodrich tire on a black painted rim.
UNDERSIDE: The attention to detail underneath this Shelby is
remarkable! It was mounted on a rotisserie, and every last nut and
bolt was removed. Amazingly, it still retains its original floors,
which are as dry as a chalkboard! Even the original factory primer
drips were preserved. The underside was meticulously prepped and
resprayed in primer, just as the factory would have done. Every
component was then rebuilt, detailed, and carefully reassembled.
The entire suspension was rebuilt and upgraded with Bilstein gas
shocks. The brake system was completely redone, including new lines
and parking brake assembly, and upgraded to disc brakes at all four
wheels. It has a factory correct replacement dual exhaust system
complete with crossover pipe, resonators, and transverse muffler,
polished tips exit through the lower rear valance. The fuel system
was replaced, including the tank and lines. Looking up at the
motor, you'll find an extra capacity finned aluminum oil pan that
helps keep the engine oil cooler, along with an upgraded high
torque starter. The correct Toploader 4-speed transmission retains
its proper casting code and identification tag, confirming it's the
correct application for this car. It was just rebuilt! The
driveshaft has been beautifully restored, right down to the
original style assembly line markings. It connects to the restored
Ford 9-inch rear end equipped with 3.00 Traction-Lok, a nice
cruising gear with a/c. Take a good look underneath this Shelby.
The level of detail and authenticity is truly impressive!
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: A 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible is already a highly
desirable collector car, but this one takes it to another level
with its exceptional equipment and stunning condition! I personally
look at thousands of collector cars every year, and this one ranks
among the very best. The fit, finish, and function are truly
outstanding. It's the complete package, and I absolutely love
it!
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Air conditioning
Dual quads
Power steering
Power brakes
4 wheel disc
Traction lok
Deluxe interior
Tilt away wheel
Retro stereo
Roll bar
Tachometer
Clock
Console
Fog lamps
Power top
10 spoke wheels
Marti Report
