The updated GT350 of 1969 introduced a number of stylistic and mechanical changes and, like any good car, a touch of drama. The GT350’s new engine was a Windsor 351-cubic inch V-8, registering 290 brake horsepower. Cosmetic changes included a new grille, hood, side ducts to help cool the engine and rear brakes, and an overall body length that grew by four inches.

Ford handled the redesign work of the 1969 GT350 itself, giving Carroll Shelby little input. As a result, Shelby pulled his contract with Ford in the summer of 1969. With this in mind, Ford wanted to keep consumer interest in the GT350 alive, leading to some corporate mischief. Ford sent the 788 unsold 1969 Shelbys to Kar Kraft, the aftermarket shop that assembled the Boss 429 in Dearborn, Michigan, to outfit them with hood stripes and a chin spoiler. Ford made these modifications in 1969 in order to avoid an upcoming federal law that required the installation of an anti-theft locking steering column in 1970. Upon leaving factory grounds for a third time, these unsold 1969 Shelbys were given new VIN numbers and data plates for 1970, since the FBI destroyed the 1969 data plates.

Attractively finished in Grabber Blue, this GT350 was purchased in fully restored condition in 2006. The interior is correctly finished in White Clarion Knit with Hi-Back bucket seats in Corinthian Vinyl. Options include a 3.00 standard axle ratio, four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, Goodyear tires, a sport deck rear seat, power front disc brakes, power steering with tilt-away, Selectaire air conditioning, an AM radio, heavy-duty battery, trip odometer, tachometer, visibility group, and tinted glass. The car’s Marti report shows that it left the Dearborn Michigan plant in June 1969 and was originally delivered to Dub Richardson Ford in Oklahoma City. The Marti report also confirms that the engine is the one originally fitted to the car.

This beautiful GT350 would be wonderful for any collection of fine American muscle cars.