Vehicle Description
From evil 60s Trans Am racers to Fox Body SVOs, the Mustang camp
has ALWAYS offered a whole portfolio of unique options and fabled
powertrains. And in the world of specialty Mustangs, the name
Carroll Shelby has always been synonymous with extreme performance
and big exclusivity. If you can find a documented Shelby Mustang
that's been correctly restored and has all the right hardware, you
can get a serious, investment grade classic with an upward value
curve that never seems to end. And if you've ever dreamed of owning
a rare pony car that mixes a storied drivetrain with a solid
restoration, you've clicked the right icon!
Built for only nine months, all 1968 Shelby Mustangs were produced
at Ford's Metuchen assembly plant and shipped as running knockdown
units to A.O. Smith in Ionia, Michigan. And this 3-owner pony, sold
through Jack Howell Motors of Newfane, New York, presents an
incredible opportunity to own a real thoroughbred. The car's
bodywork, founded on 100% original sheetmetal, looks solid, crisp
and fitting for a high caliber classic. Shelby's traditional
fiberglass, which includes the firm's often difficult decklid
treatment, fits together well. That fiberglass is covered in a
searing coat of Sunlit Gold Metallic, which is finished to a level
that makes old school factory fodder envious. And clean white
stripes perfectly complement correct GT500 call-outs.
The GT500 threw fuel on the muscle car fire by not only adding
power, but also introducing some of the coolest and most aggressive
Mustang styling cues ever created. At the leading edge of this
slick GT500, a bright chrome bumper dissects a correct Shelby
grille, which hangs stylish driving lamps between a prominent "S H
E L B Y" script, clear Ford headlights and round parking lamps. At
the top of that grille, sculpted lanyards lead the eye past a
lightweight fiberglass hood to like-new glass that's framed in
straight stainless trim, small stainless wipers and correct chrome
mirrors. At the sides of that glass, correct Shelby scoops and
fender caps combine with fresh Cobra emblems, traditional door
handles and dent-free rocker guards to provide an aggressive, yet
finished appearance. And at the back of the car, a familiar Shelby
decklid hangs a second "S H E L B Y" script over Shelby tail
lights, a Cobra fuel filler, detailed reverse lamps and a second
chrome bumper.
Lift the car's lightweight hood and you'll find a 428 cubic inch,
"C7ME-A" branded block that wears an era-correct August (H) 22nd
(22), 1967 (7) casting date. That means, since Ford didn't
officially introduce the Cobra Jet until April, 1968, this 355
horsepower mill is indeed a Police Interceptor block. And, while
most casual observers argue that Ford's Cobra Jet is the pinnacle
of Shelby powerplants, Dearborn's proven police-spec V8 is
certainly nothing to scoff at. What's more: most experts agree the
engine probably puts out closer to 420 horsepower and as much as
450 lb./ft. of torque. At the top of the Ford Blue beast, a finned
and "COBRA" branded air cleaner jams oxygen into a big Holley
carburetor that's bolted to a correct aluminum intake. At the sides
of that intake, high performance heads hang finned and "COBRA LE
MANS" branded valve covers between a small chrome breather and cast
iron exhaust manifolds. At the front of those heads, an authentic
points distributor utilizes fresh Autolite Radio Resistance wires
to light the cylinders' fires. And in front of that distributor, a
thick radiator cycles water through pliable hoses and reproduction
tower clamps. Aesthetically, this Mustang's well-detailed engine
bay appears very close to original, featuring even Satin Black
paint under correct Ford decals. And everything, from the car's
vintage washer tank to its reproduction battery, is fully-sorted
and ready to roll.
Take a look under this awesome GT500 and you'll find clean floors
that are no stranger to road time. Just aft of the legendary V8, a
tough C6 3-speed spins a correct Ford 9-inch around moderate, 3.50
gears. At the front of the car, factory control arms hang a correct
sway bar and factory power steering between correct power disc
brakes. At the back of the car, stiff springs hang traditional,
power-assisted drums at the edges of a leak-free fuel tank. In the
middle of the car, a beefy, true-dual exhaust system funnels spent
gases through an H-shaped crossover, throaty turbo mufflers and
small stainless tips. And at the edges of the car, power flows to
the pavement through E70-15 Goodyear Speedways and reproduction
Shelby 10-spokes.
Inside this gold chariot you'll find a correct Black interior that
blends seamlessly with the car's bright exterior paint. Everything
from the door panels and headliner to the black carpet and
pony-branded floor mats appears to be original equipment. The
vintage dash is loaded with vintage telemetry, and features retro
trim that's still vivid. A correct Philco radio rides above small
Stewart Warner accessory gauges, a chrome, cobra-branded shifter
and a full-length, factory console. In front of the driver, you'll
find a traditional, two-spoke steering wheel. Behind the
passengers, a completely restored trunk mixes a correct mat and
decklid decal with a fifth 10-spoke alloy and full-size spare tire.
And, like most first generation Mustangs, this Shelby's design and
detailing is impressive proof that Ford definitely had some of the
best interior stylists in the business.
As you might imagine, the sale of this investment grade Ford
includes ample documentation. The car's lucky new owner will
receive:
Two original build sheets
An original buck tag
An original Owner's Manual
An original Maintenance Folio
An original Warranty Booklet
A certificate for the Shelby American Automobile Club
Vintage paperwork
As one of Dearborn's best combinations of performance and style,
well-restored Shelbys present an excellent opportunity for savvy
investors. That opportunity is substantially increased when the
car's history and authenticity are so thoroughly documented. This
fully sorted coupe, with its correct restoration, original interior
and correct drivetrain, is an ideal candidate for rounding out any
enthusiast's collection!