Documented MCA 3X Gold Shelby GT350 Convertible 302 V8 4 Speed PS Disc Brakes

1968 Ford Mustang GT350 Description

From boulevard cruising to road course bruising, it's hard to find a better all-around performer than the Ford Mustang. And now that One Ford has firmly established the model as a global tour de force, the market for exclusive, investment grade ponies is only going to get more competitive. A claimed 3-time MCA Concours Gold winner, and believed to have been driven only 23,509 miles, this magazine-featured Shelby certainly raises the bar. Presently, the car rolls as a fully-sorted head turner that packs a superb 302/4-speed drivetrain in an original interior and correct Acapulco Blue paint. And, if you're in the market for an awesome blue chip collectible that's the perfect fit for show fields and well-shaped financials, it's the pedigreed nobility you've been waiting for!

According to this stellar drop-top's Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report, it was assembled on March 7th, 1968 in Metuchen, New Jersey with the following door data and optional equipment:

DOOR PLATE:

Serial Number: 8T03JXXXXXX-XXXX

8 1968 model year
T Assembled at Ford's Metuchen manufacturing facility
03 Shelby Convertible
J - 302 cubic inch 4V V8
XX,XXXth Mustang scheduled for production at Metuchen
X,XXXth Shelby scheduled for production
76B Shelby Convertible
D Ford #3077-A Acapulco Blue paint
6A Black Dcor bucket seats
13C Scheduled to be built on March 13th, 1968
8D2780 Home Office Reserve ordering district under order number 2780
1 3.89 standard axle ratio
5 4-speed manual transmission

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Black, power convertible top that's complete with a glass backlite
Extra Cooling Package
Visibility Group
Wheel lip moldings
Power steering
Power front disc brakes
Tilt-Away steering column
AM radio
Interior Dcor Group
Heavy duty battery
Tachometer that's complete with a trip odometer

Assembled six days ahead of schedule, this striking GT350 was shipped to Schmidt Ford Sales in Baltimore, Maryland and, thanks to its awesome combination of killer power and So Cal style, helped keep the "America" in the home of America's National Anthem. After three decades of excellent maintenance and minimal driving, Conover Racing & Restoration of Hanover, Pennsylvania orchestrated a highly detailed, frame-off rebuild that reworked all the car's panels into super smooth surfaces. Once those surfaces were fully prepped, displaying a precise level of fit and finish, correct Acapulco Blue base was buried in a thick clearcoat shell. And once that clear was sanded and buffed, correct "G.T.350" side stripes were laid over a fantastic, mirror-like shine. The result is one top notch Shelby showpiece that, until recently, anchored a serious muscle car collection and, presently, could 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 pony, a pristine chrome bumper dissects a correct Shelby grille which hangs familiar Lucas driving lamps between bright halogen headlights and bullet-style parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a broad "SHELBY" script leads the eye past satin lanyards to a lightweight fiberglass hood that's founded in clean glass and straight stainless trim. At the sides of that glass, correct quarter scoops and a small chrome mirror combine with fresh Cobra emblems and correct Shelby fender caps to lend the car's profile an aggressive, yet finished appearance. And at the back of that profile, a familiar Shelby decklid hangs a second "SHELBY" script over correct tail lamps, a handsome Cobra fuel filler, a second chrome bumper and highly detailed reverse lights.

For 1968, Ford authorized a special, high performance version of its venerable 302 for specific use by Shelby in their newly christened Cobra GT350. Lift this Mustang's lightweight hood and you'll find an authentic J-code V8 that includes a hotter cam, heavy-duty connecting rods and a nodular iron crank. Completely rebuilt during the car's extensive restoration, that once-and-done mill twists a stout 315 horsepower into 333 lb./ft. of impressive torque! At the top of the rugged Windsor block, a finned and painted air cleaner jams oxygen into a correct aluminum intake via proven Holley carburetion. At the sides of that intake, high-flow heads hang attractive Cobra valve covers between upsized valves, a FoMoCo breather and low-restriction exhaust manifolds. The engine's fires are lit by a traditional points distributor, which sequences spark through fresh Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. That fire is kept at bay by a correct Extra Cooling Package, which includes pliable Autolite hoses, reproduction screw clamps and a correct FoMoCo radiator. And the whole process is kicked into motion by a tagged Autolite battery, which jolts current through snazzy Autolite cables. Aesthetically, this Mustang's exceptionally detailed engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even combination of Ford Blue and Satin Black paint under a series of correct marks and decals. And everything, from the car's fresh brake booster to its factory-installed smog controls, is fully-sorted and ready to roll.

Take one look under this awesome Ford and you'll find exceptionally clean, expertly detailed floors that are every bit as solid as the car's straight exterior panels. Behind the legendary V8, a correct Toploader 4-speed spins a rugged Ford 9-inch that's fitted with beefy, 3.89 gears. At the front of that drivetrain, straight control arms hang correct power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the back of that drivetrain, correct leaf springs hang traditional, power-assisted drums at the edges of a fresh stainless fuel tank. At the center of the car, an aluminized, true-dual exhaust system funnels spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, small resonators, a transverse muffler and slick stainless tips. At the edges of the car, power flows through concours-correct, NOS E70-15 Goodyear Speedway 350s, which are wrapped around razor-sharp Shelby 10-spokes. And everything, from this Ford's oxide-primered floors to its correctly marked driveshaft, looks as good as the day it left the factory.

Inside the car's impressive cockpit you'll find an original Deluxe interior that's been painstakingly maintained for close to 47 years. The first thing you'll notice is an old school wood-rimmed and chrome-trimmed steering wheel that spins around a tagged Tilt-Away column. Above that steering wheel, a great-looking dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer and correct 8,000 RPM tachometer next to a vintage radio and twice autographed glove box. In front of that dash, plush vinyl seats, which still feel cushy and well sprung, present virtually no evidence of sun damage or rot. Beneath those seats, fade-free carpet and bright stainless sills center an original Ford shifter and Cobra-branded console between color-keyed mats and authentic Stewart Warner gauges. Opposite that carpet, an original roll bar complements a correct black top. At the sides of that roll bar, stylish door panels feature correct stainless trim, standard chrome handles and matching wood accents. And behind the passengers, a clean trunk centers an original spare between correct decals and a simple mat.

As you might imagine, the sale of this investment grade Ford includes significant documentation. The car's proud new owner will receive vintage Owner's Manuals, vintage marketing materials, restoration receipts, MCA Concours judging sheets, a Certificate of Participation for the Carlisle Ford Nationals and the aforementioned Marti Report.

Sporting an exclusive V8, classic good looks and a full roster of desirable options, there's no question this Shelby is both collectable AND enjoyable. It's cooler than pretty much anything on the road, it has excellent pedigree, and it's fully sorted and ready to hit the show. If you're looking for a car that's almost certain to increase in value, grab this clean drop-top and find out what it's like to own a true thoroughbred!