1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback

Description

For 1968, Shelby Automotive's Mustang-based cars grew more road-oriented, partly in response to increased demand. The Shelby GT500 retained its 428ci 4-barrel V8 as the range's top offering. Produced at Ford's Metuchen, New Jersey assembly plant alongside standard Mustangs before receiving final Shelby modifications at the A.O. Smith facility in Ionia, Michigan, the 1968 GT500 combined big-block power with distinct styling. A redesigned fiberglass front end and rear panel with integrated sequential turn signals set it apart from both the standard Mustang and the prior year Shelby, and inside, a custom console fitted with Stewart-Warner gauges, roll bar with retractable shoulder harnesses, and full Shelby badging beckon to its racing heritage.

This GT500 Fastback was initially built in Metuchen on February 20, 1968 in Sunlit Gold over a Black Knitted Decor cabin with bucket seats, and upon completion at Shelby Automotive was delivered to Carl Beasley Co. of York, Pennsylvania. The car was well-optioned when new with Selectaire air conditioning, a tilt-away steering column, an AM radio, and power-assisted steering and front disc/rear drum brakes. It was one of just 1,020 GT-500s produced for the model year.

The seller reports the car underwent restoration in the mid-’80s and has remained in regular use since, including car show attendance. The car is registered in the Shelby World Registry and includes a signed sun visor from Carroll Shelby dating to the Shelby Heart Fund era. A brake service is said to have recently been carried out.

This 1968 Shelby GT500 is now offered in Ontario, Canada, with a Deluxe Marti Report and an Ontario registration in the seller's name.

Highlights

• 428ci V8 engine with C6 automatic transmission

• Sunlit Gold over Black Knitted Decor bucket seats

• Registered in the Shelby World Registry

• Signed sun visor by Carroll Shelby

• Deluxe Marti Report

• One of 1,020 total 1968 GT-500s produced

Factory Equipment 

A Deluxe Marti Report is shown in the gallery. Highlights include:

• 428ci 4-barrel V8 engine

• C6 automatic transmission

• 3.00 rear axle ratio

• Power front disc brakes

• Power steering

• Tilt-away steering column

• Selectaire air conditioning

• AM radio

• Tachometer and trip odometer

• Interior Decor Group

• Visibility Group

• Sport Deck rear seat

• Wheel lip moldings

• Tinted glass

The door serial plate decodes as follows:

• 8 – 1968 model year

• T – Metuchen, New Jersey assembly plant

• 02 – Fastback Body Code

• S – 428ci 4-barrel V8, GT-500 designation

• 169271 – production sequence number

• 63B – Fastback body style with deluxe interior

• Y – Sunlit Gold exterior (Ford paint code 3073-A)

• 5A – Black Knitted Decor bucket seats

• 20B – Scheduled Build Date February 20, 1968

• 8D2592 – Home Office Reserve, Domestic Special Order No. 2592

• 6 – 3.00 standard axle ratio

• U – C6 automatic transmission

The Buck tag on the passenger fender apron decodes as follows:

• 042 – Rotation/Sequence number (place on assembly line)

• 31 – Welding bay number

• 20B – Build date February 20, 1968

• 63B – Fastback body style with deluxe interior

• FDS – Fold down rear seat

• 5A – Black Comfort-Weave deluxe interior

• 8T02S169271 – Ford VIN

• Y Gold Met – Sunlit Gold exterior (Ford paint code 3073-A)

• PS – Power steering

• ACOND – Selectaire air conditioning

• SHELBY – Flags the car for delivery to Shelby Automotive for final assembly

• PB – Power Brakes

• DE – Dual exhaust

• IT – Intermittent taillights

• TC – Tilt Column

• FD – Front Disc (brakes)

Servicing 

This '68 Shebly GT500 was reportedly refurbished in the mid-’80s. The following service is said to have been performed under current ownership:

• Regular servicing since the seller’s 2013 acquisition

• Power brake booster recently replaced

• Wheel cylinders recently replaced

• Brake pads recently replaced

Known Imperfections

• Images detailing the vehicle's condition are available in the gallery

• Various paint chips and touch-ups

• Some corrosion around rear window frame

Ownership History

From the seller: “Here is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to own a real 1968 Shelby GT-500 that’s not out of reach for the classic car enthusiast who has always dreamed of owning one.

It’s difficult to find one today that has not been restored to better than factory condition where the thought of driving it on the road is terrifying.

This car can be enjoyed and driven now and when you are ready is an ideal candidate for a full or partial restoration. This car is documented and registered in the Shelby Registry. All VIN tags and the Buck tag are intact.

This car was originally owned by a famous 1960’s performer and has been featured in many newspaper and television programs. It still shows amazingly well for a near 40 year old restoration and has won multiple awards at several major local shows.”

Included Items

• Deluxe Marti Report

Additional Information

• This vehicle is offered by the seller in Canada with an Ontario registration

• Bidders are responsible for verifying importation and registration compliance in their location, and applicable tariffs/duties, before placing a bid

• Note that bids are placed and shown in United States dollars