Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
Beginning with the first major redesign of Ford's wildly successful Mustang for 1967, Shelby's SCCA B/Production-conquering GT350 began to quickly mature beyond its hard-edged competition roots. However, high performance continued as the GT350's basic essence. With the Mustang's next significant restyling for 1969, the final-series GT350 retained its distinctive identity with aggressive styling cues and rich interior appointments upholding the model's performance-oriented, limited-production character in the popular Grand Touring vein.
Delivering a solid 290-hp rating, Ford's enlarged 351 cubic inch Windsor V-8 engine now powered the GT350 for its final 1969/1970 model years. In addition to its low-maintenance hydraulic valvetrain, the 351W was equipped with a 470 CFM Autolite four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum high-rise intake manifold and striking Cobra - Powered by Ford cast-aluminum valve covers. Functional Ram Air induction and a low-restriction dual exhaust enhanced breathing. Transmissions included Ford's Toploader four-speed as standard, with the FMX three-speed automatic optionally available. A highway-friendly 3.251 rear-end ratio was standard, supplemented by optional 3.001 and 3.501 Traction-Lok axles. High-performance underpinnings included staggered rear shock absorbers and heavy-duty brakes, while handsome Shelby five-spoke wheels, fat Goodyear white-letter tires, and aggressive exhaust outlets rounded out the 1969 GT350.
For 1969, Ford Motor Company product planners and designers were now clearly calling the shots on the Shelby model line while Ford simultaneously offered its own wide range of competing high-performance cars. Soon, Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company would soon terminate their renowned business partnership and 1970 would be the final Shelby model year. Out of total 1970 Shelby production of 788 cars, just 261 of them were GT350 Fastbacks, including this car.
This 1970 Shelby GT350 was purchased by the Consignor out of 25 years of single ownership. It was recently restored, with highlights including the detailed rebuilding and resurfacing of the instrument cluster, re-chroming of all the plastic chrome trim, and restoration of the steering wheel, bumpers, and chrome plating. The Shelby still has the original inflatable spare inside the trunk and the only items on the car that do not match those listed on the accompanying Marti report are the AM-FM Stereo radio, correct fly-away tilt steering, Traction-Lok differential, and Shelby added air conditioning unit. This GT350 is currently fitted with reproduction wheels and center caps, but the original items are still in the Consignor's possession. A great restored example of the final run of Shelby Mustangs, this 1970 GT350 Fastback is an outstanding opportunity at auction
