1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 4-Speed
Very few cars are as powerfully representative of time and place as a first generation Ford Mustang.
It has the stars and stripes running through it like a stick of rock and it instantly evokes a whole oeuvre of movies, songs, heroes and rogues that capture the freedom and excitement of a very different, determinedly rebellious, late 20th century American Dream.
The Mustang’s winning formula was, partly, a combination of a beautiful and understated bodyshell allied to commonplace mechanical components. But it was the sheer number of options that really caught the attention of the widest demographic. With five different engine options, six different transmissions, three suspension packages, three braking systems and a whole host of performance, colour and cosmetic choices, there was a Mustang to suit everyone.
This Shelby Mustang GT500 is one of 1,020 fastback versions built for the 1968 model year. The car was refinished in Acapulco Blue over black knitted vinyl by GMP Cars of Novato. Power is provided by a 428ci V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and additional equipment includes power-assisted steering and front disc brakes.
Bright wheel lip moldings came fitted from the factory. Aluminum 10-spoke 15” wheels are wrapped in 235/60 Goodyear Eagle G/T white-letter tires. The car is equipped with power-assisted steering as well as front disc and rear drum brakes, and has been fitted with adjustable Koni shock absorbers.
The cabin was retrimmed in black vinyl with color-matched loop carpeting. The Interior Décor Group added Comfortweave seat inserts as well as simulated woodgrain appliqués on the dash, consoles, and doors, while under-dash courtesy lights as well as illumination in the glovebox, trunk, and engine compartment were part of the Visibility Group. Additional equipment includes a fold-down Sport Deck rear seat, a Tilt-Away steering column, and an AM radio.
A wood-rimmed steering wheel has replaced the stock version, which is also included in the sale. Instrumentation includes a tachometer, a 140-mph speedometer, and a five-digit odometer.
The Continuation 1967-1968 model Shelby GT500 is a tribute to this amazing muscle car. Available as a convertible or fastback in either a restomod with contemporary amenities or original style version, the heritage Shelby GT500 captures the spirit of the groundbreaking cars built during the 1960s.
“I love horsepower.”
-Carroll Shelby
