1969 Shelby GT500 in Ft Worth, Texas

Vehicle Description

Yeah, I'll say it: I think the 1969-70 GT500 is the best-looking Shelby ever built, and with fantastic color combination, this 1970 Shelby GT500 is an absolute knock-out. With a snarling 428 Cobra Jet under that vented hood, it also has the cojones to back up its outrageous looks plus a luxurious interior complete with factory A/C.

The Acapulco Blue paint on this GT500 is one of the most popular colors offered, and for good reason: it's ideal on the swoopy Shelby bodywork. Combined with the custom Shelby nose and exotic hood that emphasizes the NACA (not NASA) ductwork for the Ram Air system, plus the white side stripes, this is one mean-looking fastback. Treated to an extremely high-quality restoration a few years ago, the Shelby body panels are in excellent condition with no ripples or waves in the fiberglass and fit and finish that are hallmarks of skilled craftsmen at work. Ford didn't go crazy with the Shelby badging, either, leaving just a subtle coiled snake in the deep-set grille, another set on the sail panels, and SHELBY block letters out back, but even so there's no mistaking this beast for anything else. There isn't an incorrect line anywhere on this car, and if any car has ever suggested great speed even while standing still, this is it. There are a few minor signs of use, but this really is a very nice car.

The top-of-the-line GT500 got Ford's top interior, black Clarion knit buckets. Of course, being a Shelby, that means several upgrades including a roll bar behind the seats with shoulder harnesses, a center console with its own auxiliary gauges canted towards the driver, and plenty of man-made wood appliques to blur the line between muscle and luxury. This car also carries, a tilt steering column, factory A/C, as well as full instrumentation including a tach. The original AM/FM stereo radio is in the dash, and if you look closely, you'll note that the wooden T-handle for the transmission has its own coiled cobra logo inset into its surface. That's a cool Shelby-esque detail, don't you think? The trunk is also neatly finished, and now carries a correct reproduction mat and space-saver inflatable spare with jack assembly.

Ford's 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet engine was one of the most potent machines on the street, especially in 1969. Grossly under-rated at 335 horsepower, it can spin the tires at will and with enormous torque, the jaunt from, say, 40 to 100 MPH is eyeball-flattening. The Ram Air is fed from the center duct on the hood, and all the factory hardware remains in place on this specimen. The engine runs like it should and the detailing is extremely well done with proper fasteners, decals, and finishes used wherever possible. There's proper Ford Blue on the block and beautiful finned aluminum valve covers, all surrounded by a satin black engine bay. The only notable deviation from stock is the upgraded A/C compressor, but that only means this car was built to drive, not sit on a show field. The C6 3-speed automatic responds to your right foot's prodding the carburetor, and a set of 3.50 gears with a limited slip make the most of the engine's power. Rear disc brakes have been added, which is probably a good idea considering this car's performance potential, and it really is beautifully detailed underneath. Special cast Shelby wheels were unique to the final two years of production and carry reproduction Goodyear Polyglas GT tires for an authentic look.

Shelbys remain Grade-A investments, and with documentation like the original invoice and a Marti report, it should be easy to convince yourself that now is the time to own a big block snake. Call today!