There is no doubt that cars wearing the Shelby badge are among the most desirable of the First Generation Mustang range. That is true of this 1969 Shelby GT350, which makes a bold first impression. We see a few of these classics crossing our desks, with most either cars begging for love, or trailer queens that rarely see active service. However, this is a high-end driver that can be enjoyed immediately by its lucky new owner. Its lack of perfection should provide a relaxed motoring experience, helping to explain the intense interest it has received since hitting the market.

This 1969 Shelby GT350 makes a striking first impression, courtesy of its Grabber Orange paint and White stripes. This shade was exclusively available on Shelby vehicles in 1969, and my information suggests that only twenty buyers teamed it with White interior trim. The paint retains a healthy shine, with the seller indicating that a close inspection will reveal minor chips and flaws. However, the stripes look crisp, the panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. It isn’t a trailer queen, but for an enthusiast seeking a high-end driver, it seems to tick that box. All of the distinctive Shelby features are intact, including the scoops, taillights, and the beautiful 15″ wheels. The trim is excellent, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.

I am always amazed when a seller lists a car of this caliber and fails to include engine bay shots. However, we know this Shelby features a 351ci “Windsor” V8, a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The 351 produced 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, allowing the GT350 to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds. Frustratingly, the lack of engine shots isn’t this listing’s only shortcoming, because the seller doesn’t indicate whether the car is numbers-matching, or if it is a genuine turnkey proposition. However, it appears they are approachable, and as you will soon learn, I have reason to believe there will be nothing but good news for potential buyers.

The first owner ordered this Shelby with White vinyl trim, a Sport Deck rear seat, and an AM radio. It retains most of those features, although the factory radio has made way for an AM/FM stereo unit. The Shelby rollbar and harnesses are intact, as are the distinctive gauges. There is wear on the driver’s seat’s outer edge, but what can be seen of the rest of the interior shows promise. I always encourage an in-person inspection when splashing the cash on a classic purchase, but the auction action suggests people are willing to roll the dice in this case.

The seller listed this 1969 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback here on eBay in Shreveport, Louisiana. Twenty-five bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $55,555, and with a healthy viewing and Watch List history, that figure will undoubtedly climb. There is a twist in the tail with this classic because I discovered a previous listing indicating that it changed hands in March 2023 for $97,500. It was said to be in excellent mechanical health then, and since the odometer suggests it has seen virtually no active service since, it would be fair to expect the situation to remain unchanged. Values have remained fairly static during the past year, but do you think this Shelby will match or exceed the previous sale price? It will be fascinating to monitor this auction to learn the outcome.