While some enthusiasts prefer their classics to be pristine and will perform restorations to achieve that goal, others subscribe to the “they’re only original once” school of thought. That makes this 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 an interesting proposition. Its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle of this vintage, although its cosmetic imperfections may motivate the next owner to perform a cosmetic restoration. Regardless of your thoughts and feelings, you will find this GT350 listed here on eBay in Beckley, West Virginia. The seller set their BIN at $99,995 with the option to make an offer.
Some paint shades can be considered iconic, and will always look “right” when applied to certain vehicles. There is no doubt that First Generation Mustangs wearing Candy Apple Red fall within that category. This GT350 ticks that box, with the exterior holding a pleasant shine. The seller is candid in their assessment and doesn’t portray this car as something that it isn’t. They acknowledge that there are flaws and imperfections, and this YouTube video provides a detailed walkaround that appears to reveal all. The panels are straight, and there are no visible issues in the underside shots. The GT350 wears its correct Shelby additions, including the distinctive taillights and fiberglass scoops. There is a visible crack on the hood scoop, but the remaining components, trim, and glass, are in good order.
The 1968 model year marked a significant change for the GT350, with Ford retiring its 289ci V8 in favor of the larger 302ci version. It delivers 250hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes should provide a fairly effortless driving experience. Although the new engine was larger than its predecessor, the power and torque figures were considerably lower. That helps to explain why a 1967 model could cover the ¼-mile in 14 seconds, while this car would take 15.5 seconds to complete the same journey. The seller indicates that this is a driver-grade classic, suggesting that there are no mechanical issues. They include footage of the engine running in their YouTube clip, and it sounds sweet and clean.
This GT350 retains its Shelby features, like the correct gauges, console, roll bar, and shoulder harnesses. However, there are speakers cut into the rear trims, suggesting that someone may have fitted an aftermarket stereo. The factory AM radio is intact and the glovebox is empty, so maybe it was removed, and the speakers are the only remnants. The YouTube clip seems to indicate that the tachometer is inoperative, although the remaining gauges work as they should. The driver’s seat has a taped seam separation, but that is the only genuine criticism if the GT350 is viewed purely as a driver-grade classic. An in-person inspection might reveal small flaws that the new owner could address as part of a restoration.
It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion about this 1968 Shelby GT350 and to learn whether the majority of you would opt for preservation over restoration. Either approach is valid, and both sides of the fence could mount reasoned arguments supporting their view. I honestly don’t know which path I would choose, because I see merit in either choice. We might have a reader who is willing to do more than state their view by handing the seller the cash required to take this classic home. If that proves the case, we would love to know what the future holds for this GT350.
Please leave this one alone. Make mechanical improvements etc but drive and enjoy as they were meant to be. Based on my own experience you will relax and enjoy so much more.
” You are looking at a genuine 1968 Shelby GT350 factory equipped with a 4 speed manual transmission. Factory color Candy Apple Red with Black Deluxe interior. ”
How about a factory equiped engine ?
Said it before….for that kind of money I’d like to read the Marti report – they’re not that exspensive…..and I like to read….
This looks and sounds like a great deal, even has a or best offer. That antenna on the back left is beyond stupid. The seller even has a 66 Shelby at $195k.
I worked at a Ford dealership when this car was new. We were also a Shelby dealership. It was in California, not Georgia. I can assure you that the rear mounted antennas were popular in that era. As far as the 302 being less powerful than the 289, I beg to differ. 302’s were just as fast or faster at the drag strip. The K code 289 with solid lifters and hotter camshaft was a good performer in the earlier Mustangs and Shelbys, but 67 and 68’s were a little heavier and just a tad slower, due to the weight. 302’s with a little modification were good performers. A popular upgrade was to replace the 289 with a 302. I think the asking price is in the ballpark for this example.
Hey Hotrod. Did you work at Cal Worthington Ford which was 6 miles away from Shelby workshop in Gardena .
Totally agree. Hotrod 👍
I’d restore it. Cars like this should be as authentic as much as possible.
I would have to see the actual car, not pictures. I wouldn’t commit to restoring an original car until then. One restored, it is no longer original.
The magazine ads for this car back in the day oddly show raised white letters
(bias ply tires) only, say as an example, on the right side of a clock & nothing on the left side of a clock. I wonder how hard it would be to find tires like THAT today, let alone radials.
The same type of tires are seen on Eleanor in the 1974 Gone in 60 Sec movie.
Asking $100k and I’ll bet dimes to doughnuts the cowl leaks like a sieve. I sold my 67 fastback in the pouring rain and during the test drive it looked like there was a garden hose turned on the fellows shoes it leaked so bad. He never even batted an eye.
It comes down to is the car worth more left original or restored. There’s an argument for both in some cases. The cut out on trim for speakers was a sin on this car.