The folks at Sun Speed, who regularly uncover fantastic classics, have now listed a Rare 1969 Shelby GT500 fastback that checks all the right boxes to be parked in someone’s collection. This exceptional muscle car represents the pinnacle of American automotive engineering, combining raw power with distinctive styling that has captivated enthusiasts for over five decades.
The odometer indicates 59K miles, making this specimen particularly desirable among collectors seeking low-mileage originals. What sets this particular GT500 apart from thousands of other Shelby Mustangs isn’t just its condition – it’s the extraordinary rarity confirmed by official documentation.
What Makes This Shelby So Special
The Marti report reveals that only 68 cars sport the same numbers, so if you wanted a Shelby fastback that few other people ever got the chance of owning, this is a great opportunity to park it in your heated garage. The striking Candy Apple Red paint with blackout hood treatment creates a visual masterpiece that commanded attention in 1969 and continues to turn heads today.
Only 304 Shelby GT500s sported the same color, but what makes this car truly rare is the combination of the paint and trim codes. This specific configuration places it among the most exclusive Shelby variants ever produced, representing less than 0.5% of total 1969 GT500 production.
Pristine Condition and Original Features
The car looks fantastic, and you must first know that it no longer wears the original paint. It was repainted approximately 15 years ago, but Candy Apple Red is still the original color. The attention to authenticity extends throughout the vehicle, with correct side stripes maintaining the factory-spec appearance.
The white deluxe interior is original. Once you step inside, you discover desirable options like a tilt-away steering column, the factory radio with 8-track support, tinted glass, air conditioning, a tachometer, and a trip odometer. All of them are still working, including the radio.
The mechanical integrity matches the visual appeal. It’s hard to find something not to like when checking out this Shelby GT500 from a distance. It doesn’t suffer from classic car issues like rust and has never been involved in accidents.
Historical Context and Performance Heritage
The Evolution of the GT500
The GT350 was joined by the GT500 in 1967, and Ford and Carroll Shelby tried to refine the new model with every new model year. The 1968 release witnessed a big change under the hood. The 428 was replaced with the more powerful Cobra Jet 428, so the car received larger valve heads, Ram Air induction, and a new intake manifold inspired by racing models.
The 1969 model year marked a significant evolution in Shelby design philosophy. Ford used its marketing materials to highlight what it described as the perfect mix of “high-performance and luxury.” This approach created vehicles that could dominate on the track while providing comfort for daily driving.
Engineering Excellence Under Federal Standards
Classic muscle cars like this GT500 were built during the early era of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which were established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure vehicle safety. FMVSS are developed and enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pursuant to statutory authorization in the form of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Market Value and Investment Potential
Unsurprisingly, the price proves this Shelby GT500 isn’t the kind of car you can buy with beer money. Hagerty data shows that even a specimen in fair condition is expensive, as it can hit $79,100 if it checks the essential boxes.
The combination of extreme rarity, excellent condition, and documented provenance positions this GT500 as a blue-chip collectible investment.
1969 Shelby GT500 Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine | 428 Cobra Jet V8 |
Horsepower | 335 HP |
Torque | 440 lb-ft |
Transmission | 3-Speed Automatic |
Paint Code | Candy Apple Red (D5) |
Interior | White Deluxe Vinyl |
Production Total | 1,536 GT500s (1969) |
Color Combination | 1 of only 68 |
Current Mileage | 59,000 miles |
Location | Buford, GA |
Acquisition and Transportation
This Shelby GT500 is parked in Buford, GA, and the only way to take it home is on a trailer. I know it’s tempting to drive it home on its wheels, but given its shape and everything else, transporting it on a trailer under a cover is the best approach.
For serious collectors, professional enclosed transport represents the safest method to preserve this automotive treasure during relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this GT500 so rare?
A: The specific combination of Candy Apple Red paint and trim codes creates a production run of only 68 vehicles, making it extremely exclusive.
Q: Is the engine numbers-matching?
A: Yes, this GT500 retains its original 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine with proper documentation confirming authenticity.
Q: What condition is the interior?
A: The white deluxe interior remains original with all factory options functional, including the 8-track radio system.
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