1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback

Registration No: FNE 776F
Chassis No: 8T02S17362601919
MOT: Exempt

• GT500 known to the SAAC Shelby Registry
• Fitted with power steering, power disc brakes, air-conditioning and several other options from the factory
• Entered from a private collection and supplied with a Marti Auto Works Report
• 1 of just 1,044 Shelby GT500 Fastbacks produced during the 1968 model year

Ford’s 1967 model-year revamp of the Mustang allowed the pony car to host a ‘big block’ 390 cu in V8 for the first time. Never one to miss an opportunity, Carroll Shelby was quick to engineer and launch his GT500 version complete with enhanced brakes and suspension, bespoke lightweight fibreglass panels (bonnet, boot, front end, side scoops, etc.), integral rollover bar and 428 cu in ‘Police Interceptor’ V8 engine allied to either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Conservatively rated at 355hp and 420lbft of torque, the 7-litre powerplant endowed the Fastback with tyre-smoking performance; 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and 132mph. Just 1,044 Shelby GT500 Fastbacks were made during the 1968 model year with a good proportion falling foul of exuberant drivers!

According to its accompanying Marti Auto Works report, chassis 01919 was ordered on 20^th December 1967 with the final production being completed on 26^th February 1968 (one day ahead of schedule). Specified with the 428 cu in V8 engine allied to C-6 Automatic transmission, the Shelby was well-equipped from the factory and benefitted from power disc brakes, power steering, tilt-away steering wheel, air-conditioning, tinted glass, Sport Deck rear seat, shoulder harnesses, wheel lip mouldings, and tachometer and trip odometer. Originally finished in Acapulco Blue, the colour scheme was changed at some point to the Raven Black with Shelby Gold details and stripes it presents in today, with the interior pleasingly retaining the original Black Knit Luxury vinyl seats.

Entering into the custodianship of Randy Fuchs Esq of Illinois in 1982 (reputedly the third keeper), the Shelby is recorded with Mr. Fuchs in the SAAC Shelby Registry in 1994 and would remain in his ownership until the purchase by the vendor in 2017 through auction. During this period (believed the early to mid-1980s), the Shelby received a 428 Cobra Jet engine utilising an aluminium intake manifold and dual Holley four-barrel carburettors set-up, with the engine being fully overhauled, balanced, and blueprinted by well-regarding Mackay Engines, and the engine still reputed to have covered less than 2,000 miles since overhaul. The automatic transmission was exchanged (but accompanies the car) for a four-speed Top Loader manual transmission with Hurst shifter.

After the vendor's acquisition in 2017, chassis 01919 was imported into the United Kingdom in 2018 to join the vendor’s private collection. Registered ‘FNE 776F’, the Fastback has covered a mere 100 miles since arrival and has spent recent years in storage in the collection. Therefore, while running and driving, the GT500 requires recommissioning/mechanical attention before pressing into road use. Offered having thought to have had just four owners from new and showing a recorded mileage on the odometer of 78,500 miles, the Shelby is accompanied to sale by Marti Auto Works report, import documentation, copy of the SAAC Shelby Registry record, Illinois Title, and a current V5C document. A recommissioning project but very worthwhile, this Shelby GT500 is an all-time great, and faster than Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang of the same year!

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452