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, including the infamous John O'Quinn collection, with the most recent owner acquiring it in 2017 for his collection based in Michigan. A dedicated enthusiast himself, he immediately entrusted the car to Roush Industries, Inc. of Farmington, Michigan, an industry-recognized performance and engineering organization, for a thorough mechanical and cosmetic inspection and refinement. Roush again serviced and prepared the car in May 2026 in anticipation of its sale today, with the extensive list of work documented in the accompanying listing imagery.
The accompanying documentation is equally impressive. Included is a substantial binder containing historical information and black-and-white restoration photographs, along with copies of the original Shelby American Inc. order form and official Shelby invoice. A framed Elite Marti Report provides detailed production specifications and information, while a reproduction owner's manual completes the documentation package. Together with its longstanding SAAC registry history, these materials provide an unusually comprehensive record of this Shelby's life and restoration.
The 1968 Shelby GT500 occupies a special place in the evolution of the Shelby Mustang. It represents the point at which the original Shelby formula had matured into a formidable grand touring muscle car, combining big-block Ford power with Shelby-specific styling, chassis enhancements, and an unmistakable presence. The convertible body style makes this example particularly desirable, offering the rare combination of open-air motoring and genuine Shelby performance.
Today, this GT500 Convertible presents in stunning fashion, with its factory-born Sunlit Gold finish, Black Deluxe interior, contrasting White convertible top, original drivetrain, four-speed manual transmission, and extensive restoration and ownership history. Its decades-long presence within the Shelby community and continued care by knowledgeable enthusiasts make it far more than simply an attractive vintage Mustang. It is an authentic piece of the Shelby legacy and an exceptional addition to any serious Shelby or American muscle car collection.
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