Stating that any classic is a “1-of-1” vehicle is a bold claim, and it is one made by the owner of this stunning 1969 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible. The included Marti Report seems to support their belief, although it will be fascinating to gauge reader feedback on the claim’s validity and relevance when assessing the car’s potential value. Parting with a classic of this caliber must be a difficult choice, but it is one the seller has made by listing the GT500 here on Craigslist in Grand Island, New York. They set their price at $199,999, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this gorgeous vehicle.
The 1969 model year would mark the final for production of the First Generation Shelby GT500 for the North American market. Some leftover vehicles would receive new VINs as 1970 models, and nine emerged in 1971 for the European market. However, potential buyers were forced to wait until 2005 before another Mustang sporting the revered Shelby badge would grace showroom floors. Our feature GT500 Convertible wears beautiful Royal Maroon paint that looks flawless. It holds a mirror shine, and even the close-up shots reveal no imperfections or defects. A quick scan of the Marti Report confirms that only eight GT500 Convertibles from this year wore that shade, adding to this car’s rarity and desirability. The White stripes are crisp, and the wrinkles in the Black power top should disappear once the Shelby spends a few hours in the sun with the top raised. The panels are laser-straight, the distinctive Shelby scoops and other additions are perfect, and the wheels are spotless. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, but the presentation suggests it is possible. They supply a single underside shot, confirming this classic is rust-free.
I’ve previously mentioned how one of the disadvantages of owning a classic Convertible is the inability to hide a substandard interior with the top down. That isn’t an issue with this GT500 because its interior looks incredible. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear, the dash and console are perfect, and the carpet looks excellent. It retains distinctive Shelby features like the rollbar and gauges, with the original owner ticking the boxes for an AM radio and tilt-away wheel on their Order Form. That last feature is the one that cements this car’s 1-of-1 status. The Marti Report confirms that of the eight GT500 Convertibles produced in 1969 wearing Royal Maroon paint, only one featured White body stripes, Black interior trim, and a tilt-away wheel. This is that car, and it will be fascinating to gauge whether readers feel it adds to its potential value. One nice touch that will appeal to many is the inclusion of Carroll Shelby’s autograph on the driver’s side sunvisor.
The documentation confirms this GT500 rolled off the line powered by a 428 Cobra Jet V8. The remaining mechanical components include a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a Traction-Lok rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. That V8 would have churned out 335hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque, placing the car’s performance in elite company. The seller states that this Shelby is no longer numbers-matching. It received a “Dealer Warranty” 428-SCJ engine in 1969 and appears to retain that powerplant. The rest of the drivetrain is original and unmodified. There is no information on how this gem runs or drives, nor does the seller elaborate on their claims of this car’s celebrity ownership history.
The classic car market hosts vehicles that appeal to almost every taste and budget. However, when any vehicle commands a six-digit sales price, the seller’s potential buyer pool shrinks considerably. That is the case with this 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible. Few people would consider it affordable, and the fact it has been on the market for eleven days suggests the seller hasn’t had interested parties beating a path to their door. There is no denying the Convertible’s desirability, but do you believe the claimed uniqueness adds to its value? Over to you.
With the number of individual options available on early Mustangs, having a one-of-one Marti report doesn’t really mean much. My 1968 convertible is one-of-one because mine was ordered with a pinstripe, while the other five 302/4bbl, automatic, gulfstream aqua, black interior, white top Mustang convertibles did not. Once you go deeper than body style, drivetrain, and maybe color, “X of Y” statistics don’t add much as far as value or desirability goes.
.. BUT
a GT500 convertible with tilt away isnt a pin stripe, its a rag top with tilt away ;)
Regardless, its not about the 1of1 or 1 of 50..
its an all American, high powered, convertible, Shelby in mint condition WITH tilt away .
This car is truely awesome..
Anyone want to comment on that ?
Knock it all you want, but if you could afford it, you wouldnt be here making silly comments, youd be on the phone making a deal of a lifetime ;)
again with this copy cat ‘$ Where mouth is’ ??
Whats ‘not true” is you poser.
More so, your comment in attempts to correct me suggests that just because someone has money theyre smart, and that copy cat is certainly NOT TRUE .
My thoughts are parallel, this car belongs encased in glass and sitting in a museum. I’m just happy knowing that one of the ultimate driving machines is still out there.
Absolutely! This type of car would be handled by a broker or sent to Mecum or Barrett-Jackson. No way this is legit.
One of one? No way! If it were true, Barrett-Jackson would be beating at his door to get a chance to auction it to attain a nice huge commission. A complete restoration is what I think we are looking at. With added touches for the “One of One” ploy.
I bet the owner doesn’t need Barrett-Jackson to sell it and give up a commission on one hand. On the other hand Barrett Jackson draws the bigger interests and buyers. Understandably the market is down considerably for auto as well.
I have no questions on provenance or price if it includes the surfboard and bungee straps :-)
@Elbert- How’s it goin? I’ll bet that board and bungees would have come in handy for you!
What a sweet looking ride, posted 11 days ago, did they have that snake on the rear quarter panel?
Yes, that snake on the quarter panel is correct.
I have been searching and it looks like it was only on the convertibles?
The fastbacks had the snake on the C pillar.
My 1972 Chevelle SS is one of one. I’m the ONLY one who owns it!
What auction house is verifying anything? All I see from Mecum, BJ and the like are disclaimers saying that any info on the car is received from the owner and it is the bidder’s responsibility to verify the authenticity of the car. And, if the car is not represented factually, the auction house cannot be held liable. While CL may seem like an odd choice for a 200k car, there are plenty of people that sell high dollar cars on there and Marketplace with success. At the end of the day, either the car stands on it’s merits or it doesn’t. It does not really matter what medium is used to sell.
@Mike76- I will make sure I am clearer next time I post, but I don’t see the word “Verifying” in my post. My point is that this type of car is normally handled through channels other then CL. And when it comes to ensuring the buyer is legit and the funds are transferred correctly and safely, it very does “really matter” what medium is used.
How could it be a warranty motor for 1969 if it was manufactured after?
I love this Barn Fine.l get educated and entertained by your readers that know a little something about ads like this. This is a beautiful Shelby and it’s definitely out of my league but l’d have to agree with the opinions of both sides. Keep it coming Barn Fine l love it.
This one is simply too clean!
The 47 likes on this ignorant post just prove how clueless the average viewer of this site is.
Among the MANY reasons some people avoid the large auction houses is the roughly 13% commission they charge. That is $26k on a $200k car. Buyers aren’t bidding up to their max and then paying the commission. They’re factoring that in and taking it off the bid. Right off the bat the seller just lost $25k by having BJ/Mecum sell it.
Of course, all that said, $200k is totally unrealistic for a ‘69 convertible anyway.. realistically this car is in the low-mid $100ks. So the seller is probably just dreaming, and BJ/Mecum may have said no to an unrealistically high reserve.
Some auto auctions the commission goes as high as 35%!
I have a rare one of none 68 GT 500
Shelby.
This a very beautiful Shelby and wish luck on sake.
There are probably more than 8 1969 GT500 convertibles painted in Royal Maroon. What the Marti report says is that there are 8 1969 GT500 convertibles with the 428CJ and a 4 speed. There could be additional 1969 GT500 convertibles painted Royal Maroon with the 428CJ and an automatic.
Want to know what the seller accepts.
!?!
Im the real ‘$ where mouth is’ and i did not make the comment about the auction house and an uncle who works there at 3:16
Hey, you, poser ,, whats up with your lil game ?