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Try It Again! 1969 Ford Shelby GT350

When I first spied this 1969 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang I thought, hmmm, looks familiar. And there’s a reason for that as it was covered here on BF almost four years ago. I don’t like to run a redo but enough time has lapsed that I’d say this one is worth a second look-see. Back in ’19, the ask was $72,995 but I don’t know what happened then i.e. did it sell, and it’s up for sale again, or is the same owner trying his marketing hand once again? Today, this Bossier City, Louisiana resident is available, here on eBay, at no reserve, where the bidding has reached $51,100 with twenty bids tendered so far.

About a month ago, I covered this 1968 Shelby GT350 and waxed on about how it was my favorite of the Shelby Mustang series. Well, my reaction to the ’69 edition was a bit strained, I really didn’t like and I have to admit, the years haven’t really changed my view of it.  No doubt about it, I appreciate what Ford did here but I understand the Shelby magic was really long gone by this time. The seller does proclaim, “BEAUTY ALERT!!!” OK, I have to admit this is a nice-looking car.

This example is a GT 350 which means that it’s powered by a 290 gross HP, 351 CI V8 engine, as opposed to the GT 500’s 428 CI Cobra-Jet powerplant. And, as pointed out four years ago, this Windsor V8 is not the original engine, it’s a swap. The seller states, “drives smoothly” but that’s it for motoring accolades. A rebuilt four-speed manual gearbox makes the rear wheel connection.

Back to that GT 350 matter, according to Ford marketing material, a 220-gross HP 302 CI V8 was available as well, similar to what powered the ’68 version. Now that’s a new one on me and I’d appreciate hearing from any Shelby Mustang enthusiasts regarding that matter. I’ve never encountered a ’69 so equipped and it certainly doesn’t sound like a particularly sporting way to go.

In the ’19 post, it was noted that the quarter panel hue doesn’t match the rest of the car and that’s still an issue. The Alcupulco Blue is an attractive shade and draws the viewer in but it doesn’t take long to note that the true color of both quarter panels isn’t keeping up with the rest of the finish. It’s a shame really as the rest of this 53K mile specialty Mustang shows quite well – no complaints otherwise.

There are no noted changes to the interior and it still looks great – no mean feat with white. I would like to have more interior comments to present but there’s not a lot else that can be said. It shows as a very original environment and it’s safe to say that it needs no attention.

Again, I don’t know what happened in ’19 but I imagine this time, this car will sell, thanks to the no-reserve auction. Between the mismatched paint and the non-original engine, I’d guess the engine matter will have a more deleterious effect on the final sale price. The quarters could be better repainted to match the rest of the car but the engine is what it is, not original. Anyway, that’s my thought, what’s yours?

Comments

  1. JohnD

    I ran across this earlier and the “Beauty Alert” caused me to move the mouse to the upper right corner of the screen and click on the X . . . ..

    Like 3
  2. Stan

    Why would the trac-lok not be available with an a/c car ? Lol seems so strange. One has no effect on the other.

    Like 5
  3. Rickirick

    Jim, if I remember right, there was 1- of -1 produced by the factory with a 302 in Acapulco blue in 1969 for a big name at Ford at the time. Idr his name but he left Ford over quabbels be4 he could take delivery. It was bought & been at the Chicago auto show. It’s out there. Somebody has it. I seen pics a few months back.

    Like 2
  4. Tim

    I remember long ago reading about a prototype built with the Boss 302 engine but that’s as far as it got. A ’69 Shelby with a Boss 302 would have been a really cool combo – more true to the original Shelby Mustangs than the later cars

    Like 2
    • Rickirick

      You & I remember well Tim. It was a prototype/pilot car. Only G code built. Produced 3 days after 302 introduced at Ford. There was supposed to be 200 made for the trans am series but never came to be bc Carroll Shelby resigned from Ford over “disagreements” w/newly appointed head at Ford (Bunkie)? Present owner is the 9th one to own the 1 of 1. Anyway, I could go on. You Tube answers all the questions about the car. Again Jim O, nice article. Only one 69 Shelby exists w/the 302. Hope this helps ya.

      Like 5
      • Jim ODonnell Staff

        Yes it does, thx – another new item learned!

        JO

        Like 2
  5. jwaltb

    Gaudy compared with the 350s Shelby built earlier. But that’s progress, huh?

    Like 1
  6. Burt

    Always wondered why they put a Camaro inspired front end on a Ford Shelby?

    Like 2
  7. FrankD Member

    The 65 and 66 are the Shelby’s. The following years are too luxurious overweight pigs to be called a Shelby. Wood paneling belongs (not mine) in a house, not in a car.

    Like 4
  8. T. Mann

    We looked everywhere.
    Looks like this eBay page is missing!

    Like 4
  9. JOEL YATES

    The engine bay photo appears to be a Windsor based engine. A 220HP 302 would not be a Boss 302 rating(290HP). Irrelevant argument if it’s not the original engine anyway.

    Like 1
  10. 19sixty5 Member

    With the value of this car, even with the paint issues, you would think the owner could come up with $20 for a clutch pedal cover! I’m not a Ford guy, but I always liked the overall look of the 69/70 body. 65/66 were “real” Shelby’s in my book, but I like them all for various reasons. The 67 with the inboard headlights had a great look in my opinion, but the 69/70 rear center exhaust outlet is so cool!

    Like 1
  11. Beauwayne5000

    That’s a low ball 302 – original motor long gone – it not only being the wrong engine its a low rent 302 I’ll bet out of a rusted Fairmont.
    Boss 351 ram Air III is supposed to be the set up.
    Price? Idk seems like he wants full price for a car that isn’t a full price car.

    Like 0
  12. JoeNYWF64

    Oddly, i don’t think Ford ever offered optional chrome wheelwell molding on ’69-70 Mustang fastbacks or Shelby’s, or on ’71-’73 mustang fastbacks.

    Like 0

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