Only 1,664 buyers elected to splash their cash on a Shelby Mustang GT350 in 1968, with 404 selecting the Convertible variant. This is one of those cars, although its drivetrain combination increases its rarity and desirability. It presents superbly, which is unsurprising since the seller claims it has a genuine 15,000 miles on the clock. Readers also won’t be shocked to learn it has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Zurich, Illinois. Intense bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $60,100, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this gem.
Relations between Ford and Carroll Shelby were becoming strained when our feature GT350 rolled off the line. The company intended to introduce a significant restyle for the Mustang the following year that brought larger physical dimensions. There was a disagreement between the two parties on that subject and other issues, with Shelby terminating his relationship with Ford in 1969. This Shelby is 1-of-404 GT350 Convertibles produced in 1968, and its presentation is hard to fault. The seller admits the wheels are reproduction units, but they don’t mention any other changes or restoration history. Its Sunlit Gold paint retains a beautiful shine, and any flaws or defects are too minor to show in the supplied photos. I can’t spot any evidence of rust problems, and the seller’s failure to confirm its rust-free status is frustrating. However, the lack of visible surface corrosion in areas like the engine bay could be a good omen. A White soft-top with a glass rear window complements the paint, and its condition is as impressive as the rest of the exterior. The distinctive Shelby body additions are present and in good order, while the chrome and glass are spotless.
If this Shelby’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior lifts it to a higher level. I have scrutinized the supplied images to find anything worthy of criticism, but nothing jumps out beyond what might be a slight warp in the dash pad above the glovebox. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and distress, and the same is true of the carpet. The faux woodgrain trim has avoided the typical wear and deterioration, and the dash is excellent. The interior retains its unique features, like the rollbar and Cobra-embossed center console armrest, and there are no aftermarket additions. Factory options include air conditioning, a tilt-away wheel, and a pushbutton radio.
Lifting the hood reveals this Shelby’s 302ci V8, with the remaining major drivetrain components comprised of a four-speed manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The V8 produces 250hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque, and while that didn’t make this the fastest car to wear the Shelby badge, it proved enough to satisfy most buyers. This is 1-of-404 GT350 Convertibles produced in 1968, but only 214 buyers teamed the 302 with the manual transmission we find in this car. The seller says the carburetor received a recent rebuild, while the tires and shocks have been replaced. The car has a claimed 15,000 original miles on the clock, but there is no mention of verifying evidence. We also receive no specific information on how this classic runs or drives. However, the news should be positive if the presentation is an accurate indication.
It can sometimes be challenging to determine the relative desirability of some classics, but this 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible leaves no doubt. It has attracted thirty-one bids in under three days, confirming that people like what they see. However, the bidding so far may be the tip of the iceberg because recent sales history suggests it could climb into, or close to, six-figure territory. Doing so would involve frantic action before the hammer falls, and even if this car is beyond your means, monitoring the auction could be entertaining. The fact it has passed the reserve means a new home is only days away for this drop-top. Would you like to make it yours?
Myself I just can’t fathom that this is actually a 15k mile car. Would have to see it and look it over very carefully. The paint under the hood is so clean and glossy, the brake pedal from what I can make out seems worn a bit more than the mileage states. Not that it has 115k on it but the rear window looks about right, it’s yellowed, so it’s probably original. These are more balanced than their big block counterparts, but the Shelby wasn’t as popular as the previous years. Maybe the fiberglass hood and other add ons were to blame, just remember they weren’t as popular. For a while these weren’t all that desirable, but it’s a Shelby! So let them dollar bills go!
Why is the trunk lid a different color? Plus I don’t now much about convertibles, but the lines on the trunk lid don’t match the lines of the fenders.
the fiberglass originally was bad
They sold more 68 s than any other year
Perfect amount of power for the street, to wind up that 302 w the 4sp, and rip around. 🙏
Wow!! What a beauty!! That reserve must have been very low, yes should bring good money.
No idea why they would set the reserve so low, the current bid of $60,100 is less than half of what it will sell for. I expect to see $130-140k minimum.
They sold more 68 s than any other year
I agree Howie. I see a few negative comments below but all that aside, if you drove that to your local Friday cruise there’d be dozens of envious onlookers who’d surround you when you pulled in. Looks good.
Adam,
You had better take a second look at this car as the only A/C that it has is by putting the top down.
The lines on the trunk lid aren’t flush A trunk lid replacement or past body work? I’d take a good look in person before buying.
Yeah. Don’t drive her in the rain, that’s for sure. Or you’ll be vacuuming out a gallon of water from the trunk.
I had a GT/CS and those fiberglass trunks didn’t fit from the start. In fact, if it fit perfect, then you know it has been modified.
Gotta agree, something up with this clunker. Hood and rear trunk decks are sprung and different colors. Interior just way to perfect even IF ITS 15 MILE CAR. I HAVE CLIMATE CONTROLLED BARNS STORE MY TOYS IN THEM at 70 constant AND STILL HAVE BUNCH OF PROBLEMS WITH AGE REGARDLESS OF MILES. I smell a Snapped together wanna B!!
I found this car on bat. It sold in 2019 for 78k. The winning bidder/owner stated he’d never part with it until 2 months later he sold it on eBay. It has 1 repaint, and the mileage is 115k. Also, the carb rebuild etc… were all done during the listed bat ownership. If I follow it correctly it’s now under owner #5. Nice 👍🏼 Ride.
Nice comment and research. I wonder if the “100% positive feedback” seller on eBay knows of the real mileage, or worse.
Had a red,4 speed one in 1992. Redid it over and was nice to start. Performance was huge disappointment, my F-150 was faster. Had at Atlantic city auction when shelby was guest. Sold it and put 75k in my pocket. Broke even and used it 1 year.
Poor grammer, very hard to read..
Grammar. Feel bad criticizing?
The minimum display and no tags of car shown plus the Marti report tgat came with car flags this car for me.
I did see the BAT list in 2019 with Marti report but again can’t compare vin or block numbers shown in current list.
We know the line if its to good to be true…..,,,,,
The ebay ad doesn’t state that this is a Shelby–just a 1968 Mustang. So I presume it’s just a clone since they didn’t show a picture of the fender tag. Let the buyer beware….
it looks real accurate
The lack of focus on any of the verifiable Shelby bits in the eBay ad is definitely a real concern. That, combined with the low reserve may very well mean it’s a well done clone. Not enough info presented to be sure.
I had a 68, and still pine for one. looks good to me. Even the steering wheel (which even 68 owners sometimes change) is there.
but the pics are bad. and no shelby id presented or stated.
Mike D, take another look, it does say Shelby at the top.
it should have a Shelby tag on the LF fender bolt flange. mine did.
ps, the engine compartment is shiny. so I doubt a 15k car, which would be much flatter.
The 302 that was available in this car should be the J code 302,making 306hp and 310ft lb torque.The 250hp version referred to in this article was the standard version for the Mustang and Cougars,Torinos etc..etc..
This is incorrect. In ‘68 the standard J code Mustang 302 was 230hp. The GT350 was bumped up to 250 with the better intake manifold and carb.
The 306hp engine you refer to was ‘67 and prior 289Hipo Shelbys. NOT ‘68.
No sir,from everything i’ve looked up the 1968 Shelby GT350 would have a 306 hp J code 302,the F code was 230hp and did not come in the Shelby,while both were 4bbl engines the J code had signifigant upgrades such as carb,heads(higher cr and larger valves) longer duration cam and k code style exhaust manifolds.The 289 was gone after 1967.The J code was a one year only engine….
You are correct. std hydraulic lifter 230hp 302 with a 4bbl and intake.
Carefully worded ad to neglect calling it a Shelby. Something fishy here. Broke $70k and shows sold only to be relisted again. My bet is the high bidder was told it is a nicely done clone. If you owned a Shelby you aren’t shy about telling everyone that you do.
Ed, it does say Shelby in the ad.
It doesn’t say it in the eBay ad. Only here on ClickbaitFinds.
I will admit that I was deceived by that as well at first and didn’t catch the fact that it doesn’t say Shelby in the ad. The seller is a slimeball hoping for a deceitful payday as well, and BarnFinds here did them some favors by calling it a Shelby.
@ A Real enthusiast, now for the third time, in the Ebay ad look at the very top………….SHELBY.
And now we know you’re full of it, because in the EBAY AD ITSELF it says “1968 Ford Mustang” in the title. Stop this nonsense already. Everybody here has eyes, we can all read for ourselves. The EBAY ad says Ford Mustang. The BARNFINDS writeup says Shelby.
@ A REAL enthusiast, right under 1968 Ford Mustang, at the top title it says 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 convertible 4 speed, if you are on a Smart phone it might not show up, i am on a home desk top, take a look on something other than your handheld.
Re-listed.