June 4, 2019
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

SHINING BRIGHT: This Sunlit Gold GT500 illustrates why 1968 models were Shelby Mustang sales champs

SHINING BRIGHT: This Sunlit Gold GT500 illustrates why 1968 models were Shelby Mustang sales champs

June 4, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

1968 Shelby GT500

Heading across the Barrett-Jackson auction block at No Reserve during the upcoming Northeast Auction is this stunning Sunlit Gold 1968 Shelby GT500 (Lot #680).

Lot 680 - 1968 Shelby GT500_front34It happened over a very short timeline, but one of the most talked-about stories of the original muscle car era was the evolution of the Shelby Mustang from a raucous, barely detuned race car to a comfortable, uniquely styled Grand Touring muscle car. Both ends of the spectrum have their fans, but there’s little question that evolution is what the buyers of the time wanted.

The 1968 Sunlit Gold Shelby GT500 (Lot #680) shown here, to be offered with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Northeast Auction June 26-29, is a perfect example of how the changes to Shelby’s lineup struck a chord with the buying public and drove more buyers to showrooms. Fresh styling, new body options and engine updates helped make the 1968 models the high-water mark of Shelby Mustang production. A total of 4,450 Shelby Mustangs were built that year, of which 1,020 were GT500 fastbacks.

Lot 680 - 1968 Shelby GT500_rear34Big changes were afoot at every level of Shelby American in ’68. That was the year Shelby Mustang production was transferred from California to the A.O. Smith Company in Michigan, in part for A.O. Smith’s experience with fiberglass body parts, an increasingly important part of Shelby production. The cars themselves reflected that shift with a host of new features.

The Shelby lineup once again included the GT350 and GT500, but a convertible model was added, complete with a roll bar visually softened a bit by a plastic covering. The Shelbys were given a new front fascia, a new hood with forward scoop location and vents at the rear corners, rectangular fog lamps mounted in the grille opening (originally by Marchal, later replaced by Lucas units) and sequential Thunderbird taillamps, among other details.

Lot 680 - 1968 Shelby GT500_engineThe GT350 lost its hi-po 289 in favor of a four-barrel 302. The GT500’s 428 big-block V8 underwent some changes of its own. While the 1967 GT500 housed a dual-four-barrel Police Interceptor 428 under-hood, for 1968 the PI engine was retuned with a single Holley four-barrel carburetor mounted atop an aluminum high-rise intake manifold, and a rating of 360 horsepower. The finned aluminum Cobra valve covers and oval air cleaner, as on the GT500 crossing the block in Connecticut, carried the visual punch of the exterior into the engine compartment. The GT500KR arrived mid-year, powered by Ford’s new 428 Cobra Jet.

Lot 680 - 1968 Shelby GT500_SignatureWith the 1968 models Shelby Mustangs took a more luxurious turn, and this car reflects that with its automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, power front disc brakes, tinted glass, tilt pop-away steering column, and Philco push-button radio. The aluminum 10-spoke wheels were a definite cut above most muscle car fare. The Saddle interior sports one very special detail ‒ Carroll Shelby’s signature on the glove box door.

Lot 680 - 1968 Shelby GT500_interiorThe car, serial number 01824, has its owner history well-documented in the Shelby American World Registry. It was originally shipped to Nagle Ford in Rochester, New York, in March 1968, where it was purchased by its first owner. The Marti Report which comes with the car indicates it is one of 270 painted Sunlit Gold, and one of 41 with this paint and trim combination. This GT500 comes with plenty of documentation, including its original Build Sheet, original factory invoice, original body buck tag and Shelby warranty paperwork. The impressive collection of paperwork will satisfy the rational side of the brain, but the animal side will need a few minutes to admire the car’s looks before grabbing the keys, firing up the big V8 and hitting the road.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a preview of some of the vehicles on the 2019 Northeast Auction docket (with more being added daily), click HERE.

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