Few American performance cars carry the pedigree, presence, and mystique of a Shelby Mustang. Born from Carroll Shelby's successful collaboration with Ford Motor Company, the Shelby Mustang transformed Ford's popular pony car into a genuine high-performance machine. After the success of the 1965 GT350, Shelby American continued developing increasingly potent versions of the Mustang, and the arrival of the larger 1967 Mustang provided the platform necessary for a big-block-powered GT500. The 428-powered GT500 quickly established itself as the top performance offering in the Shelby lineup, combining substantial straight-line performance with the distinctive styling and engineering touches that made Shelby Mustangs instantly recognizable.
For 1968, Shelby's relationship with Ford entered another important phase. The Shelby Mustangs continued to be developed under Carroll Shelby's direction while Ford increasingly assumed responsibility for their production and distribution. The GT500 remained the flagship Shelby model, and for the first time, both GT500 and GT350 models were offered in convertible form, broadening the appeal of these already legendary performance cars. Later in the model year, Ford's new 428 Cobra Jet engine gave rise to the GT500KR, but the standard GT500 remained an important member of the Shelby lineup and retained its own place in the marque's history.
This 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible is a particularly compelling example, finished in its factory-born Sunlit Gold over a Black Deluxe interior and complemented by a White convertible top with glass backlite. It retains its original drivetrain, including its numbers-matching engine, and was factory equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, power disc brakes, power steering, 3.50:1 rear axle ratio, power-folding convertible top, shoulder harnesses, Visibility Group, AM radio, tilt steering column, and wheel-lip moldings.
Today, the original AM radio has been discreetly upgraded with a Custom Autosound unit offering Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports, providing modern convenience while retaining the character of the original interior.
The car's history within the Shelby community is particularly noteworthy. It has been documented in the Nevada Shelby American Automobile Club (NVSAAC) registry since 1981, with period documentation including photographs of the car during an earlier professional restoration in Raven Black. Such longstanding registry history provides a valuable connection to the Shelby enthusiast community and establishes a provenance extending back more than four decades.
In June 2005, the GT500 was acquired by noted Shelby enthusiast and restorer Shawn Stockard of Jackson, Missouri, who undertook a comprehensive bare-metal, nut-and-bolt restoration. During the restoration, the body was returned to its original factory Sunlit Gold, while the original Black Deluxe interior was retained. The quality and scope of the restoration were befitting a car of this significance, with considerable attention given to both its mechanical and cosmetic presentation.
The original engine was subsequently entrusted to Mike Lough Engine Service in October 2006 for a comprehensive mechanical rebuild. The engine was thoroughly cleaned and magnafluxed before receiving mild machining to achieve exacting tolerances. It was then reassembled with new cam bearings, seals, and gaskets, while the cylinder heads were rebuilt with a three-angle valve job, reconditioned guides, and hardened exhaust valve seats. The completed restoration was finished in 2007, returning this Shelby to a highly authentic and thoroughly renewed presentation.
Since completion, the GT500 has passed through the hands of only a few caretakers, maintaining its exceptional condition and historical significance.
