Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 8T02S169266-00974
Mot Expiry: None

Built at Ford's Metuchen (Michigan) plant prior to final assembly at fiberglass specialist A.O. Smith & Company's Iowia (Michigan) premises, the 1968 model-year Shelby Mustangs boasted a new more aggressive grille design, safety reflectors, Cobra badging and revised 'sequential' tail lights. Equipped with uprated coils (front) and 4-leaf semi-elliptics (rear), their suspension also benefited from heavy-duty shock absorbers and an adjustable (0.94") anti-roll bar. While the provision of 16:1 power assisted steering and disc / drum brakes helped tame the prodigious outputs of their 302ci (GT350) and 428ci (GT500) engines. Available in fastback coupe, convertible and KR guises, they sold in comparatively small numbers.
Part of the collection since 1995, this particular left-hand drive example is thought to be one of just 1,140 '68 GT500 Fastbacks made. Bought on the understanding that it had been the subject of a recent "frame-off restoration", its big-block V8 (rated in period at 355hp and 420lbft of torque) is married to a four-speed 'Top Loader' manual gearbox. Trimmed in black vinyl with matching carpets, its interior includes an integral roll bar, 'wood grain' trim panels, fold-flat rear seats, air-conditioning, Shelby American Inc kick-plates, comprehensive instrumentation (140mph speedo, 8,000rpm tacho, centre console mounted auxiliary gauges) and a Philco push-button radio. Dressed with 'Cobra Le Mans' rocker covers, a blue painted inlet manifold and 'Cobra' air filter housing, its imposing powerplant sits behind a radiator cross-member chalked with the number '974'. Finished in Acapulco Blue with twin white side stripes, it rides on 10-spoke alloys and carries Marchal spotlights. Faster than Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang of the same year, the GT500 is an all-time great.

PLEASE NOTE: Mr Van Dijk has informed us that this car has had a recent 23,000 Euro engine overhaul by a Dutch specialist and will therefore require careful running in.