1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible
1969 Shelby Description:
Offered for sale is my 1969 Shelby GT500 convertible. This Shelby is equipped with the R code 428 Cobra Jet engine backed by a close ratio 4 speed toploader transmission and 3.50 traction lok 31 spline nodular rear. This is a numbers matching car as verified by the vin stampings on the fender aprons, engine head and transmission. The car is nicely equipped with power steering and power disc brakes, factory tachometer and AM/FM stereo radio. The car rides on Shelby unique 15 x 7 wheels with P235/60R15 T/A radials. The odometer reads 83,760 but it is not known if this is correct.
I purchased this Shelby about four years ago with the intent of keeping it long term, but I have started having problems with gout and tendonitis in my feet which makes it uncomfortable to drive a manual transmission car so I feel the need to let it go to someone new. The car was in nice condition but had the usual road grime around the engine bay and undercarriage so I proceeded to start a freshening up project which evolved into a four year ordeal involving pulling the engine and transmission, front and rear suspension, axle housing, steering linkage, exhaust, etc. I do not know anything about the car's history prior to my ownership.
The engine appears to be original to the car as evidenced by the vin stamp on the head and the build date stamped in the block. The block stamp reads 9E19 (May 19,1969) which corresponds to the car's build date of June 16,1969. The engine has been rebuilt and all accessory items such as the starter, alternator and power steering pump are new. The engine is equipped with a period correct Holley 4150 carburetor with manual choke and the original cast iron intake manifold. Original cast iron exhaust manifolds connect to a new correct style exhaust system with the transverse muffler. The engine bay is completely refurbished with new hardware, starter solenoid and voltage regulator, radiator, etc.
The transmission is the correct big spline close ratio 4 speed toploader. The tag reads RUG AE2018551 and the case is stamped with the car's vin. The transmission was refinished and reassembled with new seals and gaskets then filled with fresh lubricant. It is equipped with the original Ford shifter.
The rear end is the original 9 inch housing with the 31 spline nodular center section and staggered shocks. The rear was upgraded to a traction lok by a previous owner and is the correct N case nodular unit with the 3.50 ratio. The rear has been blasted and refinished then reassembled with new seals and gaskets.
The brake system has been refurbished with a new master cylinder and booster, new front calipers and rear cylinders, and new hoses and steel lines. The power steering system has a new pump, control valve and cylinder and new hoses. I recently noticed some power steering fluid dripping around the area where the small hoses attach to the control valve. This would need to be addressed by the new owner as time permits.
The body appears to have been repainted several years ago and has a smooth finish with a high gloss. It is finished in the correct color code F Gulfstream Aqua with gold stripes. Exterior chrome and stainless are in good presentable condition. Glass is original except for the windshield which was replaced with a new Carlite tinted unit. There are a few paint chips from normal use which have been touched up. All exterior lighting is in working order with the exception of the sequential turn signals. These were not working properly so I removed the sequencer unit and made a jumper to bypass it. The turn signals, brake lights, etc. work fine but do not sequence. The sequencer box is in the trunk if someone wants to repair or replace it. The convertible top appears to have been replaced at some point and was changed from the original black color to white which beautifully accents the aqua paint. The top is in nice presentable condition with a bit of patina. There is a small area that appears to be rodent damage near the rear window which is visible in the photos. The top works properly and cycles up and down with no issues.
The undercarriage is finished in red oxide primer with a clearcoat. The front suspension has been refurbished with new control arms, sway bar bushings and end links, spring seats, etc. The steering linkage has new tie rods, idler arm, power steering control valve and cylinder, etc. The rear springs were disassembled and blasted, then refinished and reassembled with new bushings and shackles. All equipment such as brake cables, fuel and brake lines, etc. is new. All attaching hardware is new. There are a few small areas on the undercarriage where some rust is evident. There is an area on the driver side under the rocker panel between the torque box and seat area which can be seen in the photos. There is another area on the passenger side near the front of the rear leaf spring. The driver side trunk drop off had a small hole rusted in it where the drain attaches. That area was cut out and patched then refinished. There is a small area approximately where the floor pan meets the firewall that is rusty. It is not visible from under the car and is hidden from view by the carpet inside the interior. Other than those areas I do not know of any other rust in the car.
The interior has been freshened up with new carpet, a new rimblow steering wheel and a NOS dash pad with new gauge housings and lenses. Numerous trim items such as sill plates, window cranks, dash knobs, etc. are new. The seats and door panels appear to be original and are in nice condition. All interior lights and gauges are in working order including the Shelby specific units in the console. The car is equipped with a Ford AM/FM Stereo radio with the correct style speaker grilles. The radio powers up but only emits static. I chose not to replace it and let the new owner decide what type of unit to install. The rallye clock on the passenger side is currently not working. I will include a quartz conversion kit with the sale of the car. While removing the old carpet the original build sheet was found. It has been laminated and is included with the car. The trunk is nicely detailed with a high quality mat and includes the original space saver spare with gas canister and jack.
Although not a 100 point concours car, this Shelby shows very nicely and would do well at a local show or cruise night. The car starts easily and runs smoothly and with its freshly rebuilt engine will provide reliable performance for years to come. This is a rare car as not many Cobra Jet 4 speed convertibles come available for sale. My observations from browsing the various internet sites is that most of these cars are being offered for sale by dealers or they are consigned to auctions. This is an opportunity to buy a real deal Shelby from an individual seller and avoid paying the dealer markup or the typical auction company commission. Included with the car is a Marti report, original build sheet and dealer order form and invoice.
The car is located in Manassas, Virginia. I have a clear Virginia title in my name. Payment shall be in the form of a certified bank cashier's check or wire transfer from a United States bank. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer.
Please e mail Brian Merchant atbtmerchant@aol.comwith any questions.
