It seems convertibles get a bad rap as being less desirable than their fixed-roof counterparts. There are advantages to either type of top, but this 1969 Shelby GT500 convertible may be one of those preferred convertible outliers. I found it here as part of Broad Arrow Auction’s Amelia Auction. Lot 117 will be auctioned on March 3, 2022 with an estimated hammer price of $160,000-$180,000.

The 1969 model year represented the end of the line for the Shelby series Mustangs. These cars were now being built in Dearborn but production ended abruptly mid-year, leaving just 244 GT500 convertibles built. While obviously it’s built from the bones of a Mustang, numerous exterior modifications signal Carrol Shelby’s touch being present on the GT500 – notably the elongated front clip with wide mouth grille, the unmistakable rear header panel with sequential Thunderbird taillights, and – on the convertible, anyway – the mid-cockpit rollbar.

This GT500 is finished in, what I believe is, the most era and Mustang-specific proper color – Black Jade. The deep green serves as a nice contrasting backdrop for the white GT500 side stripe. Much of the factory finish is in place, save for the hood which received a repaint some time ago. The center exit dual exhaust is uniquely Shelby and offers good visual balance with the rest of the rear. There aren’t any photos with the top-up, but the description tells us it is white – and original.

Matching that white side stripe and the top is original white upholstery. The contrasting black carpet and dash with woodgrain accents lend a bit of a luxury feel for those inside. There’s a full-length center console with an automatic shifter, also housing oil pressure and alternator gauges.

Completing that Shelby-touch is a 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine. Some internal modifications left that set-up rated at 335HP and 440 lb-ft of torque. Many say it was considerably underrated as it would launch you to 60MPH in about 6 seconds. This example is equipped with the optional C-6 automatic transmission and has the 3.50 Traction-Lok rear axle. The 5-digit odometer appears to have not rolled over, showing just 18,338 miles

The auction house describes this as a “very original, well-preserved example.” I can’t disagree as they further describe it as “undoubtedly one of the best examples extant.” In my last write-up I said “I don’t often say this,” but I’m saying it again – the auction estimate feels light for all this car brings to the table.