Carroll Shelby, the independently-minded Texan who built and sold the legendary 289 Cobra and was responsible for some of Ford’s greatest sports car racing victories and an FIA World Sportscar Championship, also applied his touch to Ford’s hot new Mustang – a vehicle that he initially disparaged as a mere ‘secretary’s car’. However, the resultant GT 350 was a thinly disguised racecar that proved quite successful in competition, but offered few creature comforts. It soon became apparent that these street cars needed to be more user friendly, and so for 1966, a host of revisions softened its hard nature. Despite calls for added comfort, the Shelby platform still had to remain fast. So, as the new 1967 Mustang body shell had been designed to accept Ford’s 390 cubic inch big-block engine, Carroll Shelby predictably shoehorned the Interceptor 428 into the pony car’s engine bay. Conservatively rated at 355 horsepower, output was closer to 400 with 420 pound-feet of tire-scorching torque. The engine in this Shelby is mated to the desirable and strong Ford Top-Loader four-speed manual transmission that allows the driver to extract the absolute maximum performance from this formidable powerplant.

Although this powerplant was very similar to Ford’s standard offerings and would continue to power the GT 500 through 1970, stylists ensured that the cars retained their unique Shelby identities. For 1969, they received a longer front end, unique grille, revised taillight treatment, and an aggressive hood with five NACA-style scoops, three for air inlet and the other two for air exit. Inside, a rollbar, racing harness, and special trim added additional performance-oriented character. This exciting Shelby represents one of 1,536 Fastback (now officially known in press releases as the SportsRoof) GT 500s produced for 1969. It is reported to be one of 210 Shelby GT 500 Fastbacks in this color during this model year.

According to the Shelby American World Registry, this 1969 GT 500 had a Bill of Lading dated February 10, 1969 from E&L Transport Co. that identified this car as one of eight Shelbys shipped to the Ionia, Michigan rail ramp. It was shipped to Johnny Bolton Ford, Inc. in Maitland, Florida on February 24, 1969. A memo from A.O. Smith dated February 11, 1969 described the repair of the bottom of the left rear fender. It was invoiced on February 28 with an Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $5,107.80 with a dealer cost of $4,307.77. Further documents reviewed and listed in the Shelby American World Registry show that on March 3, 1969, the right backup light was out and the mileage was registered as “8.” On March 31st, there was a miss in the engine, a belt was replaced and the fluid levels were checked, still showing eight miles. On August 11, 1969 there was an oil leak and a knock in the engine, and the block, heads and lifters were replaced under factory warranty and the mileage listed at 15 miles. This new, on the lot replacement is reported to be the same engine that is still in the Shelby.

At this approximate point in time, the car was bought new by the current owner, making this a true one owner Shelby that is finally being offered after nearly 46 years of dedicated ownership. The mileage on the odometer registers approximately 63,000, and this is reported to be original by the owner.

The GT 500 is finished in Acapulco Blue with white body stripes and a white interior. This is arguably the most popular and desirable of the colors available; regardless, it looks great at rest or at speed. During the course of ownership, the car has experienced one repaint in its correct factory color, while the door jambs still have the original paint, and with this, it is stated that the Shelby and Ford tags have never been removed from this car, plus the door rubber seals are also original. The white interior is highly presentable and remains original from the seats and upholstery to the headliner and carpets, along with the dash, console and instrumentation. It features the Tilt-Away steering wheel, radio and folding rear seat.

Both the engine bay and undercarriage are very nicely presented with factory-correct finishes, hardware and components throughout. The air cleaner is original and displays the proper snorkels. The Shelby has been fitted with new Goodyear Polyglas GT tires that wrap the factory Shelby-unique five-spoke, mag-style wheels with aluminum centers and chromed steel rims.

In addition to its powerful Cobra Jet 428 big-block, this GT 500 also sports such desirable and noteworthy features as power steering, power brakes, a space-saver spare tire properly mounted in the trunk, plus a 1970-spec chin spoiler. Like every GT 500, it benefits from the inherent collectability and performance associated with the Shelby name itself. Being a one owner car adds even more to the list of fine attributes associated with this Shelby; it carries tremendous value in being part of this quite exclusive fraternity.