Restored Numbers Matching Shelby GT350 302 V8 4 Speed

In the world of specialty cars the name Carroll Shelby is synonymous with extreme performance and big collectability. Enthusiasts that missed the early-buying boat have spent the last few decades running straight up a value curve that just won't quit rising. And on May 10th of 2012, when the legend himself passed away, the demand for authentic Shelby pieces hit an all-time high. With many originals like the "awesome GT500KR":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/sold#!/1968-Ford-Shelby-Mustang-GT500KR/133028 we sold back in July pushing ever closer to the $200K mark, smart enthusiasts with a clear eye toward the future are buying cars like this documented 1968 GT350. Equipped with a numbers matching 302/4-speed drivetrain, a date-correct Paxton supercharger and a fresh restoration that left no bolt unturned, it's just as nice and just as authentic as a GT500KR for about half the cost. If you're a prospecting enthusiast who's looking for long-term gains via a pristine example of one of the finest muscle cars ever produced, this world class Shelby is the car for you!

According to the Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report that's included with the sale of this stellar pony car, it was assembled on April 8th of 1968 in Metuchen, New Jersey with the following door data and options:

DOOR PLATE:

* 8 - 1968 model year
* T - Assembled in Metuchen, New Jersey
* 02 – Shelby GT-350 Fastback
* J - 302-4V engine
* 92,488th Mustang scheduled for production at Ford's Metuchen assembly plant
* 2,215th Shelby scheduled for production
* 63B – Shelby Fastback
* D – Acapulco Blue paint: Ford #3077-A
* 5AA – Black Knitted Décor bucket seats
* 02D - Scheduled for build on April 2nd, 1968
* 8D2839 – Home Office Reserve ordering district under order number 2839
* 1 - 3.89 standard axle ratio
* 5 - 4-speed manual transmission

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* Extra Cooling Package
* Visibility Group
* Sport Deck rear seat
* Power steering
* Power front disc brakes
* Tilt-Away steering column
* AM radio
* Interior Décor Group
* Heavy duty battery
* Front and rear bumper guards
* Tachometer and trip odometer
* Wheel lip mouldings

Assembled six days behind schedule, this pristine '68 Shelby GT350 was shipped to Tallakson Ford Incorporated in Seattle, Washington and likely spent very little time in the showroom before its awesome power and killer style were unleashed on Seatown city streets. After roughly four decades of excellent maintenance and accident-free driving, a highly detailed, frame-off rebuild stripped and reworked all the car's original panels into a super smooth surface with laser straight lines. Once that surface was fully prepped and displayed an excellent level of fit and finish, a correct coat of Ford code D Acapulco Blue basecoat was buried in a thick clearcoat shell. And once that clearcoat was completely dry, correct “G.T.350” side stripes were laid over a fantastic, buffer-fresh shine. The result is one top notch Shelby showpiece that can anchor any serious muscle car collection or hedge any major investment portfolio.

Shelby's GT line threw fuel on the muscle car fire by not only adding power, but also introducing some of the coolest and most aggressive Mustang design cues ever created. At the leading edge of this slick GT350, a pristine chrome bumper dissects fresh stainless trim which frames a correct Shelby grille and familiar Lucas driving lights inside bright halogen headlamps and bullet-style parking lights. At the top of that grille, a chrome “SHELBY” script leads the eye past a lightweight fiberglass hood, which is accented by satin black war paint and fresh silver lanyards, to like-new glass that's framed by bright stainless trim, spotless stainless wipers and a correct chrome mirror. At the sides of that glass, correct Shelby scoops and correct Shelby fender caps combine with factory fresh Cobra emblems, dent-free rocker moldings, correct wheel lip mouldings and traditional chrome door handles to provide an aggressive, yet finished appearance. And at the back of the car, a familiar Shelby decklid hangs a second “SHELBY” script over traditional Shelby tail lights, a handsome Cobra fuel filler, a second chrome bumper, highly detailed reverse lamps and bright chrome exhaust tips.

Now that you've waded through all the flowery prose about paint and stainless trim, it's time to get down to business. Lift this Shelby's glossy blue hood and you'll find an original 302 cubic inch small block V8 that's been freshly rebuilt from its carburetor all the way down to its True Blue oil pan. Long regarded as one of the most iconic Ford mills ever created, this 1968-exclusive Windsor motor utilizes a high strength block, heavy duty connecting rods, a nodular iron crankshaft and a long duration camshaft to produce roughly 315 horsepower and 333 lb./ft. of torque! At the top of that rugged block, a date-correct Paxton supercharger jams oxygen into a big 4-barrel carburetor that's bolted to a correct aluminum intake. At the sides of that intake, specially machined heads hang attractive Cobra crinkle finish valve covers, and a chrome Ford breather, above fully restored high flow exhaust manifolds. The engine's fires are lit by a familiar points distributor and correct Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. Cooling for those fires is provided by an original looking radiator which sends water past a factory pulley fan through a fresh combination of FoMoCo hoses, Autolite hoses and reproduction tower clamps. Pressure for that radiator comes courtesy of new V-belts which spin a rebuilt alternator next to a rebuilt power steering pump. And the whole process is kicked into motion by a tagged Autolite Sta-Ful battery which sits opposite a “FoMoCo” branded washer fluid bag. Aesthetically, this Mustang's exceptionally detailed engine bay appears very close to original and features an even combination of satin black and Ford Blue paint under correct Ford decals. And everything, from the car's restored hood hardware and silver accessory brackets to its Motorcraft oil filter and familiar orange shocks is fully-sorted and absolutely spotless.

Take one look under this awesome GT350 and you'll find exceptionally clean, expertly detailed floors that are every bit as solid as the car's straight exterior panels. Behind the car's legendary V8 an original close ratio 4-speed transmission, which is branded with a Mustang-exclusive RUG-N1 build stamp, spins a correct Ford posi-traction rear end that's equipped with tall 3.90 gears. At the front of the car, a rebuilt double A-arm suspension holds a correct sway bar and a rebuilt power steering system between factory power disc brakes. At the back of the car, a rebuilt leaf spring suspension holds correct drum brakes at the edges of a new stainless fuel tank. And in the middle of the car, a factory replacement true dual exhaust system funnels spent gases through an H-pipe crossover to long resonators, an excellent sounding muffler and bright chrome tips. Power flows to the pavement through traditional F60-15 Firestone Wide Oval 60 rollers that are wrapped around 10-spoke wheels and gold Shelby center caps. And everything from this Ford's accurately sprayed floors to its bright orange shocks looks as good, or better, than the day the car rolled out of the factory.

Inside this killer pony car's impressive cockpit you'll find a correct black bucket seat interior that appears to be a combination of both well-maintained original trim and high quality restoration pieces. Naturally, Ol' Shel focused most of his energy on the performance and exterior appearance of the car; and when those attributes were combined with Ford's already excellent Mustang interior, it paid big dividends. The first thing you'll notice is an old school wood rimmed and chrome trimmed steering wheel which still sits on its factory optioned Tilt-Away column. Above that column, a great looking dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer, a correct 8,000 RPM tachometer and a correct Philco AM radio in fresh wood trim. And in front of that column, original knitted vinyl seats are in spectacular shape both front and back, and present no evidence of sun damage or rot. At the center of the car, a correct full-length console anchors an original Shelby shifter between a correct Cobra branded armrest and authentic Stewart Warner accessory gauges. Below that console, like-new black carpet is stretched tight between authentic, Shelby branded sill plates and correct Shelby laps belts. And above that console, a sturdy black roll bar hangs correct Shelby shoulder belts just below a fade-free headliner. At the sides of the cockpit, original black door panels feature excellent stainless trim, spotless chrome handles and fresh wood accents. And at the back of the cockpit, familiar Shelby pillar vents ride above a Sport Deck rear seat which folds down to reveal a surprisingly spacious cargo hold.

The sale of this investment grade Shelby includes the Deluxe Martie Auto Works Report outlined above, an official Eminger document and a reproduction owner's manual.

There are few cars that have the kind of attitude and presence of an old school Shelby. And if previous trends are any indication, these cars will continue to gain value as they become more exclusive and more collectible. This professionally restored GT350 is a documented, fully-sorted classic which drives and sounds every bit as good as it looks. If you're a dedicated purist who desires only the best, here's your chance to own the ultimate muscle car!