Documented 1970 Shelby Prototype GT350 Ground Up Restored Fastback 351 V8 4spd

For some classic car enthusiasts, one difficult aspect of owning a documented collector car is compromising on looks or capability for the sake of originality. Because of an innate aversion to that sort of 'fine print', many people are beginning to rethink the old purist's adage: “original is always better”. Well, this national award-winning Shelby GT350 takes the idea of compromise and turns it on its ear. Equipped with three Build Sheets, a Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report and a unique listing in the SAAC Shelby Registry, it's certainly an investment grade pony car. However, during its detailed restoration, the car shed its muted Black Jade skin in favor of some of the best pigment in Mustang history: Grabber Blue. So, if you're a serious enthusiast who likes serious collector cars, but enjoys mixing things up a bit, it's time to grab your next classic!

ATTENTION GRABBER

You might've noticed our peculiar use of the word “unique” in that introduction. That's because, according to SAAC's registry, this particular GT350 was shipped to Shelby Automotive Marketing in January of 1969 as a 1970 prototype. Destined for use as a Shelby Automotive Engineering emissions test mule, the car logged 9K miles before eventually being sold as slightly used goods. In 1975, the coupe took up residence with a dedicated Los Angeles enthusiast who would enjoy it for the next 34 years. In 2009, when that owner finally parted ways, the car benefitted from a 1-year, ground-up restoration that swapped original Black Jade single-stage for vivid Grabber Blue 2-stage. And presently, when this Shelby isn't in climate-controlled storage, it continues to prove the merit of its color change with accolades like a 2017 Goodguys Mighty Muscle Award Top Pick and a 2017 Shades of the Past Muscle Car Top Pick.

In an attempt to give their star flagship a more luxurious look for the 1969 model year, Ford designers penned a Shelby-exclusive front-clip that was very contemporary. The car's fenders and hood, both fiberglass, create a large rectangular grille opening that's detailed with an off-set Shelby emblem and 7-inch halogen headlights. Below that grille, ornate parking lamps flank a large valence that's filled with correct Lucas driving lamps. At the sides of that valence, a striped profile trades traditional Mustang ornamentation for integrated brake ducts, bright door handles and small Cobra badges. At the top of that profile, five NACA scoops feed ram air induction while a color-keyed race mirror reflects stainless-trimmed glass. Behind that glass, a correct fiberglass decklid joins correct, Shelby-branded extensions to create a prominent rear spoiler. And below that deck, '65 Thunderbird taillights illuminate a showroom-fresh bumper, chrome trimmed reverse lamps and a unique aluminum exhaust collector.

POWER BY FORD

Now that you've waded through all the flowery prose about paint and stainless trim, it's time to get down to business! Twist this Mustang's polished lanyards and you'll find a proven 351 Windsor V8 that follows a correct C90E-6015-B casting number with a December (M) 19th (19), 1968 (8) casting date and a 580392 partial VIN. As you've probably noticed, the first digit of that partial VIN is one number off. However, given Ford's non-sequential coding, this coupe's history as a prototype, and our unsuccessful search to find any record of 1969 Mustang sequence numbers starting with five, we believe this engine is original to the car. At the top of the Ford Blue mill, a correctly dressed air cleaner charges a big Holley carburetor. That carburetor rides a correct aluminum intake, which feeds correct cast heads that are capped with attractive Cobra valve covers. At the front of that intake, a hot points distributor fires fresh Autolite Radio Resistance cables, which are loomed around correct, cast exhaust manifolds. And in front of those tubes, taut V-belts spin a fresh alternator and factory power steering behind a correct radiator and pliable Autolite hoses. Aesthetically, the exceptionally detailed engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even coat of Satin Black paint under bright decals. And everything, from the car's dual horns and polished FoMoCo breather to its tagged battery topper and vivid Autolite voltage regulator, is fully sorted and ready to go.

RESTORATION-FRESH, TOP AND BOTTOM

Park this pony on a lift and you'll find solid, Satin Black floors that are founded on a factory-correct chassis. An original close-ratio 4-speed, branded with a correct C9AR7006-D W2 casting number, a December (M) 16th (16), 1968 casting date and an engine-matching 580392 partial VIN, spins a correct 9-inch axle. That drivetrain rides a fully restored suspension that's augmented with KYB Gas-a-Just shocks. Correct power steering makes easy work of turns. Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes provide smooth stops. At the center of the car, factory replacement exhaust funnels spent gases through an H-pipe crossover, small resonators and a transverse muffler. And power meets the pavement through 15-inch Shelby wheels, which spin requisite steel rims and alloy centers around 235/60 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CONTRAST

Between the doors, a correct White Clarion Knit/Corinthian vinyl interior mixes a correct combination of Hi-Back and Sport Deck seats with enough style to swerve down the red carpet. In front of those seats, a wood-trimmed dash plants an 8,000 RPM tachometer, a 140 MPH speedometer and a classy passenger's clock above a familiar Philco radio. Below that dash, a factory console floats a traditional shifter and small accessory gauges on fade-free carpet that's protected by GT350-themed mats. Above that carpet, sculpted door panels mix more great looking wood with bright stainless and correct Shelby emblems. Above those panels, a tight headliner frames a correct roll bar. And in front of the driver, an upfitted Rim Blow Steering Wheel laps a tilting column.

PROVENANCE

According to Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works, this clean coupe was bolted together in Dearborn, Michigan on January 9th, 1969. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report:

DOOR DATA:

SERIAL NUMBER: 9F02M480392
* 9 – 1969 model year
* F – Built in Dearborn, Michigan
* 02 – Mustang Fastback
* M – 351 cubic inch, 4V engine
* 392nd Shelby vehicle scheduled for production at Dearborn
* 63C – Shelby Fastback
* C5 – Ford #3197-A Black Jade paint
* 3WA – White Clarion Knit/Corinthian vinyl interior with Hi-Back bucket seats
* 16A – Scheduled to be built on January 16th, 1969
* 842520 – Home Office Reserve Ordering District under special order #2520
* R – 3.25 Traction-Lok axle
* 6 – 4-speed, close-ratio manual transmission

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* 4-speed, close-ratio manual transmission
* Traction-Lok differential
* Visibility Group
* Goodyear brand name tires
* Sport Deck rear seat
* Power front disc brakes
* Power steering
* Tilt-Away Steering Wheel
* Power ventilation
* AM radio
* Tinted glass
* Tachometer that's complete with a trip odometer

CAR DELIVERED TO: The Marketing Office of Shelby Automotive Co., Inc.

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VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Three original Build Sheets
* An original Owner's Manual
* The aforementioned Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
* A copy of the car's SAAC Shelby Registry listing
* A California Black Plate

There are few cars that have the kind of attitude and presence of classic Shelby Mustangs. Documented, awarded and well-restored, this GT350 sounds good, drives great and sits pretty. If you've always wanted to own one of the ultimate Ford muscle cars, here's your chance!

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SUMMARY

* Listed in the SAAC Shelby Registry as a 1970 prototype
* The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
* Original 351 cubic inch Windsor V8
* Original 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission
* Correct White Clarion Knit/Corinthian vinyl interior
* Sale includes three original Build Sheets and a Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
* Correct power steering / Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle
* Correct 15-inch Shelby wheels
* Grabber Blue paint / White Shelby side stripes