Shelby GT 350 302 V8 1968
General description :
BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED TO FACTORY SPECS, RARE HERTZ IN HIGHLAND GREEN, MARTI REPT
Many enthusiasts don't know it, but the Shelby and Hertz Rent-A-Car relationship continued after the first batch of rent-a-racers hit the streets. In 1968, Ford/Shelby built 224 automatic-equipped GT350s like this one for the fine folks at Hertz. The result is one of the rarest of all Shelbys, and this one in particular is beautifully restored in iconic Highland Green.
The Hertz cars only came one way: loaded, so not only is this Shelby gorgeous, it's also a joy to drive. Fans of the Mustang fastback shape seem to realize that it always looks best in Highland Green, which is this Shelby's original color. Of course, the full complement of Shelby body mods was part of the package, including the front fascia, hood, deck lid, and taillights, which do indeed flash sequentially. The fiberglass pieces were made by Ford, so they were far better than the primitive pieces laid up by Shelby American in that old airport hangar, but even the big guys had a hard time with it, as the trunk doesn't quite fit flush. That's a common issue and it's a pretty small nit to pick, but on a car this nice, nits are all you're going to find. The paint has a beautiful shine that comes from modern urethane paints and all the correct Shelby emblems and decals were installed after the paint was dry. Marchal fog lamps, hood pins, and a Shelby gas cap all contribute to the look.
The interior is as comfortable as it is sporting, and thanks to Hertz loading their cars up with options, this is probably the most heavily-optioned Shelby you'll ever see. Black bucket seats are comfortable and beautifully restored, there's a handsome woodgrained "tilt top" steering wheel that matches the dash and center console, and yes, that's an automatic transmission shifter; this was a rental after all. In fact, the long list of options includes the aforementioned automatic transmission, factory A/C, tinted glass, shoulder harnesses, a fold-down rear seat, and an AM radio, and it's all still in place. The gauges are beautifully restored with bright faces, including the factory tach with 6000 RPM redline and two auxiliary Stewart Warner dials down on the console. There's a little wear on the steering wheel, but otherwise this interior is in first-rate shape with a lot of new and NOS components used in the restoration. The trunk is also properly finished with a plaid mat and full-sized spare.
The J-code 302 cubic inch V8 was new to the roster in 1968 and makes the Hertz GT350 a great cruiser. With a 4-barrel carburetor and a sporty Cobra dress-up kit, it certainly looks the part of a Shelby powerplant, and thanks to the 302's bulletproof reliability, it was probably an excellent choice for the rent-a-Shelby, too. The engine bay is very neatly detailed with correct hardware used throughout; only the modern battery stands out, but that's easy to remedy. The automatic transmission may seem like an anomaly in a Shelby, but when you drive it, you'll realize that they went the extra mile to make this car feel polished and sophisticated. Power steering and disc brakes make it easy to handle and the chassis is in excellent condition, showing proper restoration techniques like red oxide primer on the floor and rear end. A great-sounding dual exhaust system never gets annoying and those gorgeous Shelby 10-spoke alloy wheels are fitted with recently 235/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.
Nicely documented with an owner's manual and Marti Report, this is a very rare opportunity to own a Shelby that will always get people talking. The fact that it's also great to drive is just a bonus. Call today!
Features : AM Radio, Defrost, Air Conditioning, Heat, Tilt Wheel, Vinyl Interior, Front Disc Brakes, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Seatbelts-Front, Seatbelts-Rear
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2096-dfw/1968-shelby-gt350-h
1968 Shelby GT 350 302 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $109995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Shelby Model : GT 350 Model Version : 302 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1968 Sub type : Coupé Location : Dallas/Fort Worth
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About Shelby
Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in the automotive world, had a remarkable journey from being a successful race car driver to becoming a renowned sports car manufacturer in the United States. His story is filled with achievements, innovations, and iconic cars that left an indelible mark on the industry.Early Years and Racing Career:
Carroll Shelby was born in 1923 in Texas. He initially pursued a career as a pilot during World War II but found his true passion in racing after the war. Shelby became a successful race car driver in the 1950s, competing in various events including Formula One, endurance racing, and the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby Cobras - Iconic Sports Cars:
Carroll Shelby's pivotal moment as a manufacturer came with the creation of the Shelby Cobra, an iconic American sports car. The Cobra was born from the fusion of a British AC Ace chassis and a Ford V8 engine, creating a lightweight, high-performance car that dominated tracks and streets alike. Key models include:
Shelby Cobra 260 (1962): The initial version with a 260 cubic inch (4.2L) V8 engine.
Shelby Cobra 289 (1963-1965): Later iterations with a 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 engine, including the competition-spec Cobras known for their racing prowess.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967): The most powerful iteration with a 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine, known for its raw power and performance.
Ford Partnership - Shelby Mustangs:
Shelby's partnership with Ford led to the creation of legendary Shelby Mustangs. The most notable model is:
Shelby GT350 (1965-1969): Based on the Ford Mustang, the GT350 was modified by Shelby American, featuring enhanced performance, handling, and distinct styling.
Other Notable Models and Achievements:
Beyond the Cobras and Mustangs, Shelby had several other significant contributions:
Shelby Daytona Coupe: Created to win against Ferrari in international GT racing, this car became the first American car to win the FIA GT World Championship in 1965.
Shelby Series 1: Introduced in the late 1990s, this was Shelby's modern take on a high-performance sports car.
Ford GT40 plays a pivotal role in Carroll Shelby's narrative, especially in his connection to Ford and his significant contribution to the car's success.
The Ford GT40 Development:
Ford's Challenge:
In the early 1960s, Henry Ford II sought to acquire Ferrari, but negotiations fell apart. This spurred Ford's determination to beat Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, which Ferrari had dominated for several years.
Collaboration with Shelby:
Ford turned to Carroll Shelby, recognizing his racing expertise and track record. Shelby was tasked with leading the GT40 project and turning it into a competitive race car capable of challenging Ferrari's supremacy.
Development and Triumph:
Under Shelby's guidance, the Ford GT40 underwent rigorous development to address initial design flaws and performance issues. Several iterations were produced:
Early Attempts: The initial versions of the GT40 faced reliability and handling issues, leading to disappointing results at Le Mans in 1964.
GT40 Mark II: Shelby's team made crucial improvements. The Mark II, equipped with a powerful V8 engine, improved aerodynamics, and refined engineering, became highly competitive.
Le Mans Victory:
In 1966, the Ford GT40 Mark II achieved a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Shelby-coached driver Ken Miles leading the race. This marked the first win for an American manufacturer at Le Mans, breaking Ferrari's dominance.
Continued Success:
The GT40 continued to dominate, winning Le Mans for the following three years (1966-1969), securing its place in racing history and solidifying Ford's reputation as a force in international motorsport.
Shelby's Contribution to the GT40 Success:
While Carroll Shelby wasn't directly involved in designing the GT40, his expertise in racing and his ability to assemble and lead a team of talented engineers, mechanics, and drivers were instrumental in refining the car's performance. His influence helped address technical issues, refine the car's handling, and strategize race tactics, contributing significantly to the GT40's success on the track.
Legacy and Impact:
The Ford GT40's victories at Le Mans under Shelby's guidance remain one of the most iconic achievements in motorsport history. The car's success solidified Shelby's reputation as an automotive visionary and further strengthened his partnership with Ford.
Carroll Shelby's involvement in the GT40 project showcased his ability to transform a struggling project into a championship-winning machine, adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career in the automotive world.