Modifying a desirable classic always sparks debate, and I expect nothing less from our Barn Finds readers as you assess the profound change made to this 1969 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350. The difference is not immediately apparent, meaning we must dig below the surface to uncover the truth. Faulting its presentation is virtually impossible, guaranteeing it will turn heads wherever it goes. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Onawa, Iowa. Bidding sits below the reserve at $36,200, but there is a BIN option of $110,000 for those unfazed by the non-originality of this classic.
Grabber Orange is a striking color that was offered exclusively on the Shelby versions of the Mustang in 1969. It owes nothing to subtlety and is guaranteed to turn heads. That is the shade gracing this classic, and finding fault is virtually impossible. The depth of color and shine is incredible, and there is no evidence of flaws or defects. The correct White stripes provide an excellent contrast, and their condition is on par with the rest of the exterior. Now comes the rub. The original owner didn’t order this Shelby in this paint shade. It rolled off the line clad in Acapulco Blue. It is unclear when the change occurred, but the supplied photos suggest it was under the current owner’s stewardship. I prefer the current color, but taste is subjective. The more pressing question is whether performing such a profound modification to a vehicle of this caliber was wise. Reversing it is possible, but the cost will be high. Otherwise, this Shelby is as original as the day it was built. It retains all of its factory steel with no history of restoration, accident damage, or rust repairs. The distinctive fiberglass items are in excellent condition, as are the beautiful wheels. The tinted glass looks flawless, with the same true of the trim and chrome.
The seller states that this Shelby received a new carpet set and headliner, but the remaining trim and vinyl upholstery is original. The seats sport Black covers, with the White door trims providing a classy contrast. There is no evidence of abuse or physical damage, and I agree with the seller’s assessment that the dash is perfect. The plastic hasn’t crumbled, the console armrest isn’t warped, the car retains its correct rollbar and harnesses, and there are no aftermarket additions. It also provides comfort and practicality to complement its performance potential. The new owner receives air conditioning, a tilt/rimblow wheel, the typical assortment of Shelby gauges, and an AM radio. The listing confirms that this Mustang recently received a new A/C compressor, but the system hasn’t been charged.
Lifting the hood reveals this Shelby’s numbers-matching 351ci V8 that produces 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes add to the driving enjoyment and safety. Buyers could order faster Mustangs in 1969. Still, this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds confirmed it offered an excellent blend of style, comfort, and performance. The seller states this classic has a genuine 39,594 miles on its odometer and that the reading is confirmed as correct and original. It is in good mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. The seller says that although the tires look good, they date from the 1970s. Therefore, it would be wise to replace them and treat the rest of the car to a thorough inspection before hitting the open road.
I enjoy gauging reader responses to my articles, and this one will be fascinating. I generally prefer classic cars to remain original, although I respect a well-executed custom build. However, this 1969 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 is something different. The Shelby derivatives are among the most desirable First Generation Mustangs, with original examples highly sought. Do you think the color change will negatively impact its potential value, or has the seller made a wise move by applying a different paint shade?
“ It owes nothing to subtlety”. I’d say your absolutely correct, Adam-the current owner wanted it to be as loud as possible visually.
Every machine is its owners own canvas, and if it offends then so be it. Keeping in mind with that canvas, some are artists and some are avid finger painters, this owner was anyway at least a step above the paint by numbers group.
I largely agree with Nevadahalftrack. The owner can do whatever they want with their car. From what I can tell rarely (never?) does a color change on a high-end “original” car increase its value, but maybe the owner doesn’t care about that. It could be as simple as the owner didn’t like blue and does like orange.
The seller lists the history of the car. Its preservation (excluding the repaint) for decades is impressive. So, very nice Shelby.
I think it looks great!! The air filter looks mighty dirty.
Buy it now price of $110,000 gets you 40+ year old tires and the opportunity to fix the AC. Not pumped. Err ..
Plus the color change…..to high end buyers, collectors, and just plain enthusiast’s, not a good choice…..BTW, Acapulco Blue is a real nice color with the white Shelby striping……just my humble opinion…..
Orange is the new blue…
Actually I could see changing another color for this one, but Acapulco Blue is a nice shade.
When asking 110k, get the A/C in working order.
Otherwise beautiful car.
Would have done an Orange/Blue 2 tone, but then I’m an Auburn fan
When I saw orange and blue I started to smile, then I saw “Auburn.”
Go Gators! :)
change to red. go dawgs.
I am generally not opposed to color changes but with the mileage as low as it is and the car being what it is, if I were a buyer, I’d prefer this Mustang to be in its original shade. Grabber orange will certainly break a few necks when this car passes by but Acapulco blue is nothing to sneeze at and a quite pretty color in its own right. On a side note, the one thing I am most jealous about and it is a continual theme for a lot of the write-ups on here is, some of these car owners have some really, really nice garages and work-spaces! Man, what I’d give to have a garage like the owner of this Mustang. I’d be a dangerous man with all that space.
Select-Shift Cruise-O-Matic
The radio and HVAC controls along with gauges on the console look off. Is this OEM placement?
Surprising the GT350 for ’69 got the Windsor instead of the Cleveland motor & the carb was only a 470 CFM four-barrel Autolite carburetor, instead of a Holley.
Aftermarket window cranks?
This car either originally had white seat covers or black door/side panels.
Oddly, Ford apparently was not generous on these with the a/c vents – on other makes there are usually upper & lower vents for the a/c in front of the driver & passenger.
I find it odd that rarely if ever does one see a ’67-’78 mustang/shelby with no factory radio – but it’s more likely in a ’67-’81 F-body, including a t/a.
If you could specially order that ’73 t-bird in red(seen on june 14th barnfinds), i would think you could specially order this orange on any Mustang or even Ford in 1969.
Anybody ever see floormats like what’s on this car?
The 351 C wasn’t available until the 1970 model year. All 1970 Shelby Mustangs were 1969 with stripes added since they didn’t sell.
If you buy a classic car there’s always a chance you may have to sell it some day and with Shelby cars originality is everything.l would have left it blue. Could probably be a 50 to 100 thousand dollar difference.Thats just my opinion.
The original Acapulco Blue is a great color,this orange is just “too loud”,and should have an impact on the value?maybe not enough to matter,it can always be changed back….
WHY would anyone buy a classic muscle car, new or used, with an automatic transmission? What in the heck has happened in America that gearheads can’t drive a stick? The new ‘vettes only come with an automatic; Lord help us! Autos are for sedans & Caddies. Real men drive a stick (one man’s opinion) Sooo happy my Dad insisted I learn to drive a stick (as I did with my son)
I get you drift, that although the new autos shift faster and more efficient than sticks do now that most of us feel more in tune with the machine with a a stick.
But a gearhead buddy of mine that loved the manual as much as we do came home after Tet unable to drive a stick..he really came to appreciate the inroads made with autos and when he realized it was a trickledown from F1 he was more impressed..
An exception perhaps but one I felt I had to mention in remembrance of him and what he taught me.
I’m sorry to hear about your buddy’s experience. And I thank him for his service 🙏
Having driven cars with & w/o a stick. I have to say the stick makes even a mundane trip more enjoyable. BUT here’s some dollar & cents reasons:
manuals usually cost less than autos, are less likely to need servicing AND if servicing is needed, are cheaper to repair than auto’s. Also potentially better gas mileage (if you truly know how to drive a stick), gives you better control on ice (live in northern Iowa near Minn border!) AND a better ‘feel’ for the road. Lastly, as my Dad reminded me as I learned to drive, if God forbid I was in a situation where the only way out was being able to drive a stick, I could. The strictly automatic drivers would stay there & die! :-(
PS – save on brake wear as well by skillfully down-shifting! Man, there a LOT of advantages to a stick (have used 3 on the column & 4 & 5 on the floor – all fun!)
Dry driving a reverse manual valve body automatic,and if you have a stall converter add in a trans brake.you can’t get that firm tire chirpin’ shift action with a standard.
I had a C7 with the 7 speed manual. Pain in the butt after a while. My C8 has paddle shifting and it’s an absolute blast to drive it in manual mode. So I beg to differ …
Here comes Adam again…….with a BEAUTIFUL 69 Shelby this time around. Idk if 110G’s is too much when 1970’s were a carry over of 69’s with very minimal changes due to lack of sales. Who knew 50 yrs ago that it’d be a classic, regardless of color?
What happened to the other 2 head lights?
Couple if things to point out…..grabber orange was not exclusive to shelbys. I owned a G.O. Boss 302 and a G.O. 69 R code mach 1.
If it is originally a white interior then the seats, door panels and headliner would be white while the dash and carpet would be black. If it was black, well, everything would be black. The interior is a mish-mash of color.
Engine compartment has so many incorrect items missing and the general condition does not support a $110K shelby. If you are asking this kind of coin, clean it up!
This is a nice driver quality shelby that I would be happy to own but not at 100 large.
Correction to my first post. This color is called calypso coral, not grabber orange.
Haha. WC Fields. Move just way .
I am always amused by car owners trying to tout originality in cars that are clearly no longer original. The BIN at $110k might be the right price for an original car with 39k miles but that’s not what this car is. Plus a more desirable gt500 recently sold on BAT for $88k. That should give you a starting point on what this car is worth.
$110k is an auction car that should be authenticated by a respected professional, so because it’s on a site you can buy a used microwave and couch says a lot. If I’m smart enough to have $110k to despise on an old car, I’m smart enough not to buy this one.
Lots of expensive cars are sold on EBay. It costs money to put a car in a big auction, so the buyer has to decide how they are going to scrutinize the items they are looking at.
The BIN has been lowered to $99k.
Went to $65,300, reserve not met. 34 bids.