1970 Shelby Mustang GT500 Coupe

Carroll Shelby's GT350 was a performance machine that was refined through its competition roots. With the release of the second-series Mustang for 1967, designed from the outset to accept Ford's 390-cubic inch big block engine, Shelby had a new platform to answer the mounting competition.

The 428 Cobra Jet, developed by Rhode Island's Tasca Ford at the suggestion of Hot Rod Magazine, was soon available for 1968 and added 427 low-riser cylinder heads, a 735-cfm Holley carburetor and other improvements from the Ford parts bin. Power was under-reported at 335 horsepower.

The CJ was a purpose-built machine designed for NHRA SS/E drag racing. The CJ made its 1968 Winternationals debut with Al Joniec taking the class victory in an all-CJ final round over Hubert Platt.

For the 1969 model year, Ford gave the 428 Super Cobra Jet special pistons, Ram Air induction, a nodular-iron crank, beefier 427 'Le Mans' connecting rods and an external balancer. Buyers could select either 3.91:1 or 4.30:1 rear-end gears, which automatically added an engine-oil cooler to form the Drag Pack option. Even with the upgrades, Ford still underreported the horsepower at 335. A somewhat more realistic 360 horsepower rating was assigned to the SCJ by the NHRA.

The 428 CJ and SCJ powered the GT500 through its final 1969/1970 series. Zero-to-sixty took just 5.8 seconds and the quarter-mile performance was achieved in 13.38 seconds. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 145 mph.

The 1969/1970 Shelby Mustangs were given visual changes which included a longer fiberglass front end, a unique 'hoop' grille, a revised taillight and exhaust treatment, five-spoke wheels and an aggressive hood with five NACA-style air scoops. Inside, there was a roll bar, inertia-reel harnesses, luxurious features and special trim.

It is believed that around 789 GT500s were sold for 1970.

This 1970 GT500 Fastback was completed on May 20th of 1969, seven days ahead of schedule. The car was very well equipped with a rare special-order Grabber Green paint finish, white upholstery, a 428 SCJ engine with Ram Air induction and a 'Toploader' four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Other features include the Visibility Group, Goodyear tires, the Sport Deck folding rear seat, power steering, power front disc brakes, Tilt-Away steering wheel, AM radio, full tinted glass and Deluxe seat belts with a warning light.

This GT500 is one of only 170 1969/1970 cars equipped with the Drag Pack option package comprising of a 3.91:1 Traction-Lok rear end and an engine-oil cooler.

The car was first shipped to Georgia's East Point Ford before eventually going to Joe Myers Ford, Inc. of Houston, Texas as part of a six-car package. The original owner is not known. It has had six known caretakers since new, including Jim Wicks, the founder of the Team Shelby Mid-America Ford Nationals, who owned it around the year 2000, followed by Bob Moore, and Mason Jones.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $125,000-$175,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $110,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012