Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Shelby GT 350 Convertible



VIN – 8T03J1555401870


Exterior Color – Red


Interior Color – Black


Engine – 302 cu. In. V8


Transmission – 4-speed manual


Current Miles – 9,628 miles (TMU)

General Overview

In 1965, Carroll Shelby put his name on his first K-code Mustang fastback. The GT 350 packed the potent 289/271 hp engine and a host of other significant performance modifications, resulting in not only a remarkable performance car, but also becoming the formula for every American performance-based independent car manufacturer since. Ol’ Shel hit the right market with the right car - proven Mustang platform, American reliability, and sports car handling dismissed any worries about costly maintenance or difficulties acquiring parts.

By 1968, sales and popularity of the Shelby brand allowed for more elaborate modifications to further differentiate the Shelby from the standard Mustang. The model line expanded with the GT350 and GT500 in both fastback and convertible body styles, receiving new body changes including a new grille, new front fascia, sculpted rear spoiler, unique vents and extractors along the side and sail panels of the car, new cast alloy wheels, fog lamps, and sequential tail lights. Inside the car a deluxe interior with a fully integrated roll bar was featured along with a full complement of instrumentation and of course, race inspired amenities. The GT 350 package included the powerful 302 engine, 4bbl carburetor, dual exhaust, and 4-speed manual transmission. A total of 404 convertible models were built in 1968, 214 of which were factory optioned with the desirable 4-speed manual transmission.

Dashboard VIN

8 – 1968 year
T – Metuchen, NJ plant
03 – Convertible GT 350
J – GT 350 250hp 302 V8
155540 – Ford sequential unit number
1870 – Shelby sequential unit number

Door Jamb VIN

8T03J155540 - Ford Warranty Number
76B – Convertible w/Luxury Interior Bucket Seats
T – Candy Apple Red Paint
6A – Black Luxury Bucket Seats
23A – January 23 Build Date
8D2655 – 8D-Shelby Unit, 2655 (54th in the ordered batch)
8 – 3.50:1 Differential
5 – 4-Speed Manual Transmission


History of This Shelby GT 350

According to a copy of the Marti report, this Shelby GT 350 is one of only 214 GT350 4-speed convertibles produced in 1968. Not only a rare Shelby, but a further rarity given the convertible/4-speed combination. Assembled at the Metuchen, NJ factory in Candy Apple Red with a white convertible top, the was built January 23, 1968, with the following factory options:

- White convertible top with glass rear window
- Extra cooling package
- Visibility group
- Wheel lip moulding
- Power steering
- Power front disc brakes
- Tilt-away steering column
- AM radio
- Interior décor package
- Heavy duty battery
- Tachometer and trip odometer

In addition to this being a documented factory red GT 350 convertible 4-speed, this Shelby also retains the impossibly rare and often discarded original factory stamped inner fender Buck Tag matching the options recorded with the Marti Report. Importantly, the dash tag, door tag, and the front fender Shelby tag match the body buck tag and confirm the options and features built with this GT 350 4-speed when new.

Under current ownership since 2012, this Shelby has enjoyed occassional use as part of an extensive collection of vintage performance cars. In preparation for sale, May 2025, the car was serviced by Bayberry Vintage Autos including repairing an ignition wire, replacing an oil gauge line, and rebuilding the power steering system including new slave cylinder, rebuild kit for the power steering pump, welding for the power steering tank, replacing the power steering pressure and return hose, new copper tubing and pressure fitting, and control valve. Essentially a stock Shelby GT 350, the engine has been upgraded with an MSD 6AL ignition, MSD Blaster 2 coil and spark plug wires, Mustang branded spark plug shields, tubular Hooker competition headers, Flowmaster mufflers, Edelbrock water pump, updated engine pulleys, and a chrome plated power steering pump reservoir.

The owner states that a new starter was sourced by Baytberry Vintage Autos which is specifically configured for the 4-speed. The 4-speed starter was installed at Bayberry and the owner reports that a new battery was replaced in October 2024.

Current Condition

Today this Shelby GT 350 convertible presents in excellent condition. The vivid red paint is glossy and smooth throughout all steel and fiberglass body panels. The finish has been well cared for since restoration was completed under prior ownership. The hood, doors, and trunk lid show very good panel gaps and proper fitting to the body, consistent with production fitment of the period. The fiberglass hood fits quite well considering material variation often neglected in less thoughtful restorations. The exterior chrome and various polished trim, emblems, and badges are all in very good condition, indicating the iconic Shelby name and GT 350 moniker coined by Ol’ Shel taking liberties with cubic inches just like a Texas rancher might with herd count. Some of the stainless trim shows light hazing, but generally all bright work is consistently very good overall. The glass, lenses, and lighting have high quality factory finishes combined with clean rubber and gasket material installed during the restoration which appear to be holding up well. A set of correct and unique 10-spoke cast alloy Shelby wheels are in excellent condition wearing BFGoodrich Radial T/A P215/65 R15 tires. The trunk is properly finished with a correct rubber mat, steel spare wheel, and proper manufacturer stickers.

The interior features an excellent combination of original and partially restored features reflecting the competition/racing heritage from the Le Mans winning Shelby name. The front and rear seats, door panels, and dashboard are in excellent condition and are believed to be original. The faux wood instrument panels, correct instruments, and correct heat-pressed door panels are all correct and in excellent condition as well. The interior is finished off with correct black low pile carpeting and correct seatbelts as well as the unique Shelby roll bar and embossed center console lid. The Shelby steering wheel is in excellent condition, nicely accenting the competition inspired interior.

Under the hood, the 302 V8 engine is presented with ‘cast and finned’ Cobra branded air cleaner and valve covers depicting the power and lineage of the Cobra name. The finish overall is properly presented including carefully selected aftermarket upgrades to the ignition, pulley system, and power steering. Underneath the car, the metalwork appears to have no significant modifications to the floor pan which appears to be original and unrestored. Ground rumbling dual exhaust fed by Hooker Competition headers, new Koni Classic shock absorbers at all four corners, recently replaced power steering system and power steering lines complete the undercarriage.

The engine fires off quickly and settles into a confident idle delivering potent and throaty snake-charming V8 sounds that capture the heart of any performance car enthusiast. The lighter V8 for the 350 series is ideal for performance and handling benefiting from recently installed Koni Classic shock absorbers. The suspension is responsive in corners with responsive power delivery readily available through the 4-speed shifter. With the top down, the gas pedal down, and the engine roaring, the open cabin delivers high revving excitement and non-stop smiles from anyone on board or enviously watching this Shelby cruising by.

This 1968 Shelby GT 350 4-speed invites the next fortunate owner to get behind the wheel of a performance legend. Preserved and restored by dedicated prior owners, thoughtfully maintained by current performance enthusiasts, and ready to conquer the open road, this GT 350 offers top-down high-performance Shelby excitement with the added benefits of owning an icon of American Motorsports history.

Included with this Shelby

This Shelby is accompanied by a set of GT 350 floor mats, a GT 350 front license plate, a reproduction owner’s manual, a vintage style cosmetic Autolite battery cover, a tire iron, and two sets of keys.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608