The '68 Shelby GT-500 Mustang
Out back, the sequential tail-lights stretch across the lower rear panel, interrupted in the center with the Cobra-embossed gas cap. Outboard backup lights are nestled in the lower valance. Directly below them are the chrome-tipped exhausts. Many will tell you that this model year was the most-aggressively styled of any of the four GR-500 years.
Not much of a chance of personalizing the interior to your desires as only black and tan were available. The custom console featured a pair of Stewart-Warner gauges, and there was the Cobra emblem again, both on the dash, the console door, and the horn ring.
Even though it would only seem necessary for a roll bar on the convertibles, that wasn't the case as all the '68s got the overhead protection. Two wheel styles were available, the five-spoke version and optional ten-spoke aluminum design.
Suspension was basically stock with the factory heavy-duty package. However, there was a larger front stabilizer bar along with adjustable Gabriel shocks just in case you tended to get a bit on the aggressive side. Finally, standard equipment also included power steering and front disc brakes.
Under the hood, there were 360 ponies waiting to be unleashed with a near-stock 428cid Police Interceptor engine. The only performance upgrade for the Shelby application was the installation of a 715cfm Holley four-barrel carb. It was mounted on an aluminum intake and there were also aluminum Cobra LeMans finned valve covers.
Both four-speed and automatic trannys were available with the '68 Shelbys, the former equipped with 31-spline rear axles and 3.89-1 rear end ratios. For the automatics, the ratio was 3.50-1.
There were 4450 GT-500s built that long-ago model year with the second-lowest from a production point of view being the convertible.
Mark Laue of Florence, Kentucky has one of the finest examples of the '68 GT-500 convertible breed, an Acapulco Blue machine. It's a real dazzler and was restored to the highest standards by the owner himself. The excellence of the car is almost matched by the unbelievability of the story of the car's acquisition.
« Prev Page 2 of 3 Next »
