For competition, Shelby assembled Ford engines on Cobra chassis. The brilliant results of this combination pleased the Americans who saw in this new brand a more promising competitor to European champions than the heavy Chevrolet Corvette.
The Ford Mustang, released in 1964, is one of the greatest successes in the history of automobile. The Shelby GT350 is a high-end version of the Mustang with a sporty bodywork. The Shelby line will benefit from the technical improvements designed for the Mustang.
1968 was a key year for this development with the Shelby GT500 equipped with a Ford 428 engine of 7 liters. Coupes and cabriolets are now offered in the Shelby catalogue.
Shelby were assembling their cars individually. Ford set up for them an automated production in 1969, which will be the last year of both GT350 and GT500.
Carroll Shelby kept since new for his personal use a convertible Shelby GT500 made in 1969. This car may be considered as the most prestigious Mustang and the ultimate commercial Shelby. It will be sold in Scottsdale on January 17 by Barrett-Jackson, lot 2511.