The 1969 Shelby GT350 recently for sale on eBay is a real find from the later years of Shelby Mustang production. Better still, it’s equipped with desirable features, including a four-speed manual transmission.
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Ultimate Mustang Performance
The Ford Mustang rocked the world at its 1964 introduction. With sporty looks and affordable pricing, the Mustang became an overnight success. But, for buyers who wanted the ultimate in Mustang performance, a Shelby was the only choice.
Carroll Shelby was a racer, car builder, entrepreneur, and larger-than-life figure. Earlier in the decade, he worked with Ford to embody Ford’s Total Performance philosophy in the now-iconic Shelby Cobra - opens in new window or tab.. When Lee Iacocca - opens in new window or tab. wanted the Mustang to be more than just a “sporty” car, he turned to Shelby for help.
Shelby agreed, and the GT350, a “race car for the street,” was born. At the Shelby American facilities in California, new Mustangs received competition-ready suspension pieces, Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes - opens in new window or tab. with metallic pads, and—most notably—a 306-horsepower version of the 289-cubic-inch V-8. In competition trim, the GT350 dominated SCCA road racing.
More Sophisticated
By the time this largely original and low-mileage GT350 rolled off the line in 1969, Shelby Mustangs were more sophisticated and upscale. A styling update for 1969 added new front and rear fascias, further distinguishing the Shelby from ordinary Mustangs. Ford’s new 351-cubic-inch, 290-horsepower Windsor V-8 powered the GT350.
This example shows only 42,000 miles on the odometer. The listing states it has had just two owners from new and has been with the second owner since 1974.
Still wearing its original sheet metal, this rust-free and unrestored Shelby was resprayed in its original Candy Apple Red in 1977. The paint has held up remarkably well, a testimony to decades of garaged care. Some of the chrome is pitted, but all of the hard-to-find Shelby bits and badging are in place. The distinctive rear panel with sequential tail lights - opens in new window or tab. and the Shelby-specific mag wheels with unique Shelby center caps remain with the car.
Little Used
Inside, the black bucket seats look like they’ve seen little use. The headliner and door panels are just as well preserved, and the double-cowl dashboard is free of sags, tears, or any other damage.
Shelby-specific upgrades include full instrumentation, a Hurst shifter - opens in new window or tab., sport steering wheel with the Shelby logo, and woodgrain trim on the doors, dash, and console. Other upgrades include competition safety belts - opens in new window or tab., a roll bar behind the front seats, and an original AM/FM stereo radio - opens in new window or tab..
With many Shelbys changing hands for well into six figures, this largely original and nicely preserved GT350 is both reasonably priced and sure to appreciate. Best of all, it can be driven and enjoyed as-is or taken to the next level.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.