Documented Investment Grade Shelby GT500 428 Police Interceptor V8 C6 Ford 9"

From evil 60s Trans Am racers to Fox Body SVOs, the Mustang camp has ALWAYS offered a whole portfolio of unique options and fabled powertrains. And in the world of specialty Mustangs, the name Carroll Shelby has always been synonymous with extreme performance and big exclusivity. If you can find a documented Shelby Mustang that's been correctly restored and has all the right hardware, you can get a serious, investment grade classic with an upward value curve that never seems to end. And if you've ever dreamed of owning a rare pony car that mixes a storied drivetrain with a solid restoration, you've clicked the right icon!

Built for only nine months, all 1968 Shelby Mustangs were produced at Ford's Metuchen assembly plant and shipped as running knockdown units to A.O. Smith in Ionia, Michigan. And this 3-owner pony, sold through Jack Howell Motors of Newfane, New York, presents an incredible opportunity to own a real thoroughbred. The car's bodywork, founded on 100% original sheetmetal, looks solid, crisp and fitting for a high caliber classic. Shelby's traditional fiberglass, which includes the firm's often difficult decklid treatment, fits together well. That fiberglass is covered in a searing coat of Sunlit Gold Metallic, which is finished to a level that makes old school factory fodder envious. And clean white stripes perfectly complement correct GT500 call-outs.

The GT500 threw fuel on the muscle car fire by not only adding power, but also introducing some of the coolest and most aggressive Mustang styling cues ever created. At the leading edge of this slick GT500, a bright chrome bumper dissects a correct Shelby grille, which hangs stylish driving lamps between a prominent “S H E L B Y” script, clear Ford headlights and round parking lamps. At the top of that grille, sculpted lanyards lead the eye past a lightweight fiberglass hood to like-new glass that's framed in straight stainless trim, small stainless wipers and correct chrome mirrors. At the sides of that glass, correct Shelby scoops and fender caps combine with fresh Cobra emblems, traditional door handles and dent-free rocker guards to provide an aggressive, yet finished appearance. And at the back of the car, a familiar Shelby decklid hangs a second “S H E L B Y” script over Shelby tail lights, a Cobra fuel filler, detailed reverse lamps and a second chrome bumper.

Lift the car's lightweight hood and you'll find a 428 cubic inch, “C7ME-A” branded block that wears an era-correct August (H) 22nd (22), 1967 (7) casting date. That means, since Ford didn't officially introduce the Cobra Jet until April, 1968, this 355 horsepower mill is indeed a Police Interceptor block. And, while most casual observers argue that Ford's Cobra Jet is the pinnacle of Shelby powerplants, Dearborn's proven police-spec V8 is certainly nothing to scoff at. What's more: most experts agree the engine probably puts out closer to 420 horsepower and as much as 450 lb./ft. of torque. At the top of the Ford Blue beast, a finned and “COBRA” branded air cleaner jams oxygen into a big Holley carburetor that's bolted to a correct aluminum intake. At the sides of that intake, high performance heads hang finned and “COBRA LE MANS” branded valve covers between a small chrome breather and cast iron exhaust manifolds. At the front of those heads, an authentic points distributor utilizes fresh Autolite Radio Resistance wires to light the cylinders' fires. And in front of that distributor, a thick radiator cycles water through pliable hoses and reproduction tower clamps. Aesthetically, this Mustang's well-detailed engine bay appears very close to original, featuring even Satin Black paint under correct Ford decals. And everything, from the car's vintage washer tank to its reproduction battery, is fully-sorted and ready to roll.

Take a look under this awesome GT500 and you'll find clean floors that are no stranger to road time. Just aft of the legendary V8, a tough C6 3-speed spins a correct Ford 9-inch around moderate, 3.50 gears. At the front of the car, factory control arms hang a correct sway bar and factory power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the back of the car, stiff springs hang traditional, power-assisted drums at the edges of a leak-free fuel tank. In the middle of the car, a beefy, true-dual exhaust system funnels spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, throaty turbo mufflers and small stainless tips. And at the edges of the car, power flows to the pavement through E70-15 Goodyear Speedways and reproduction Shelby 10-spokes.

Inside this gold chariot you'll find a correct Black interior that blends seamlessly with the car's bright exterior paint. Everything from the door panels and headliner to the black carpet and pony-branded floor mats appears to be original equipment. The vintage dash is loaded with vintage telemetry, and features retro trim that's still vivid. A correct Philco radio rides above small Stewart Warner accessory gauges, a chrome, cobra-branded shifter and a full-length, factory console. In front of the driver, you'll find a traditional, two-spoke steering wheel. Behind the passengers, a completely restored trunk mixes a correct mat and decklid decal with a fifth 10-spoke alloy and full-size spare tire. And, like most first generation Mustangs, this Shelby's design and detailing is impressive proof that Ford definitely had some of the best interior stylists in the business.

As you might imagine, the sale of this investment grade Ford includes ample documentation. The car's lucky new owner will receive:

* Two original build sheets
* An original buck tag
* An original Owner's Manual
* An original Maintenance Folio
* An original Warranty Booklet
* A certificate for the Shelby American Automobile Club
* Vintage paperwork

As one of Dearborn's best combinations of performance and style, well-restored Shelbys present an excellent opportunity for savvy investors. That opportunity is substantially increased when the car's history and authenticity are so thoroughly documented. This fully sorted coupe, with its correct restoration, original interior and correct drivetrain, is an ideal candidate for rounding out any enthusiast's collection!