Yeah, I'll say it: I think the 1969-70 GT500 is the best-looking Shelby ever built, and with a very unusual color combination, this one is an absolute knock-out. With a matching-numbers 428 Cobra Jet under that vented hood, it also has the cojones to back up its outrageous looks. The Gulfstream Aqua paint on this GT500 is one of the rarest colors offered, and if you go to 10 Shelby meets this year, you probably won't see another one. Combined with the blacked-out hood treatment that emphasizes the NACA (not NASA) ductwork for the Ram Air system, plus the gold side stripes, this is one mean-looking fastback. Treated to an extremely high-quality freshening a few years ago, the Shelby body panels are in excellent condition with no ripples or waves in the fiberglass and fit and finish that are hallmarks of skilled craftsmen at work. Ford didn't go crazy with the Shelby badging, either, leaving just a subtle coiled snake in the deep-set grille, another set on the sail panels, and SHELBY block letters out back, but even so there's no mistaking this beast for anything else. There isn't an incorrect line anywhere on this car, and if any car has ever suggested great speed even while standing still, this is it. The top-of-the-line GT500 got Ford's top interior, the Clarion knit buckets. Of course, being a Shelby, that means several upgrades including a roll bar behind the seats with shoulder harnesses, a center console with its own auxiliary gauges canted towards the driver, and plenty of man-made wood appliques to blur the line between muscle and luxury. This car also carries a very rare Tilt steering column, as well as full instrumentation including a tach. The original AM/FM stereo radio is in the dash, and if you look closely, you'll note that the wooden T-handle for the transmission has its own coiled cobra logo inset into its surface. That's a cool Shelby-esque detail, don't you think? The trunk is also immaculately finished, and now carries a correct reproduction mat and space-saver inflatable spare. Ford's 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet engine was one of the most potent machines on the street, especially in 1970. Grossly under-rated at 335 horsepower, it can spin the tires at will and with enormous torque, the jaunt from, say, 40 to 100 MPH is eyeball-flattening. The Ram Air is fed from the center duct on the hood, and all the factory hardware remains in place on this specimen. The engine is 100% matching numbers, fully documented by photos taken during the June 2012 rebuild, and the detailing is extremely well done. There's proper Ford Blue on the block and beautiful finned aluminum valve covers, all surrounded by a satin black engine bay. The C6 3-speed automatic responds to your right foot's prodding the carburetor, and a set of 3.50 gears with a limited slip make the most of the engine's power. The chassis appears to be highly original save for the new exhaust system, and the original aluminum wheels remain outstanding. Shelbys remain Grade-A investments, and with full documentation and a correct restoration, it should be easy to convince yourself that now is the time to own a big block snake. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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