1968 Ford Shelby GT350 Convertible 459

• Factory Shelby Paxton Supercharger

• Deluxe Marti Report

• Mustang Owners Club unrestored National Champion 1989

• Multiple trophy winner, signed by Carroll Shelby

This lot is available for online bidding at WorldwideAuctioneers.com

VIN: 8T03J205235

• Listed in the Shelby Registry

Carroll Shelby had proved his modified Mustangs were potent cars by the mid-1960s, on and off the track. Building on the success of the 1965 and 1966 GT350s, Shelby introduced the GT350’s first refresh in 1967. The aggressive look featured a new hood design, round lights integrated into the grille, and scoops added to the rear quarter windows as well as into the side coves ahead of the rear wheels. At the back of the Shelby, a rear spoiler was integrated into the trunk and rear quarter extensions and the customary Mustang tri-bar taillights were replaced with a set of sequential lights borrowed from the Thunderbird. For 1968, the hood design featured a more pronounced twin-snout hood scoop, and the grille lights were changed to a more rectangular shape. The Shelby GT350 line underwent several other notable changes for the 1968 production year. The first of these changes was rooted in its name. The GT350 was now marketed under the Cobra name, which Ford quickly began using in the vast majority of its sales and promotional literature. Now known as the Shelby Cobra GT350, the iconic Mustang-derived racer was fitted with a factory 302-cubic-inch V-8 powerplant. This GT350, number 03156, according to its Deluxe Marti Report, was produced June 3, 1968, and delivered to Paul’s Ford Sales in Kansas City, Missouri. Finished as it was from the factory in rich Highland Green paint over black interior, this Shelby is both accurate and authentic. One of only 404 GT350 convertibles produced for the 1968 model year, it is equipped with the high-performance 302-cubic-inch, 335 horsepower, J-Code V-8 engine that features an all-aluminum Cobra intake manifold, Cobra valve covers and most significantly, a factory Paxton supercharger. Factory equipment and options include a C-4 automatic transmission, power steering, power front disc brakes, extra cooling package, heavyduty battery, Shelby ten-spoke wheels, power convertible top, bucket seats, console, tachometer with trip odometer and Tilt-Away steering column. The highly original interior is equipped with a roll bar with integrated shoulder harnesses, Cobra branded seatbelts and console armrest, Philco radio, and Stewart Warner accessory gauges. The aforementioned Deluxe Marti Report is included with the car, as is the original owner’s manual. The originality of this car is remarkable. Muscle cars have many times led a hard life, subject to being modified, raced, abused, and crashed, requiring major restoration efforts to bring them back to their original form and condition. This car somehow escaped these fates and remains in a rare state of quality preservation. So much so, it was recognized by the Mustang Club of America as National Points Champion when it was shown at the Club’s 1989 National event. Carroll Shelby liked it as well when he autographed his signature on the inside of the center console lid. There is nothing quite like a well-preserved largely original car. The solid driving experience and the fit and finish are as unique, just as they were when new. It is difficult, and many times impossible, to totally dismantle and rebuild a car precisely as it was from the factory. An original car is a window into the past, allowing us to see what it was like to be on a showroom floor or used car lot half a century or more ago. Immensely collectible, this 1968 Paxton Supercharged Shelby is simply a pure example of its rare and legendary breed.