1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback (RHD)

Description

Carroll Shelby's Mustangs remain, for many, the ultimate muscle cars, combining race-bred technology and performance with a degree of style - and a cool factor - missing from contemporary rivals. Shelby's name added credibility to Ford's Pony Car, backed up by a serious race programme that included SCCA, Trans-Am, rallying and even international endurance racing. Shelby production shifted to Metuchen, New Jersey in 1968, where initial assembly took place before the cars were transported to the A O Smith Company facility in Ionia, Michigan and all the special Shelby go-faster bits were added. The Shelby range for 1968 - now using Cobra name - consisted of the small-block GT350 and big-block GT500, with the addition of convertible versions of either model. Unique styling using fibreglass additions helped distinguish the model from lesser Mustangs, with '65 Thunderbird rectangular taillights and longer grille with inset driving lights adding a purposeful appearance. Functional side scoops on the side panels and quarter panels plus unique steel wheels and stripes further enhanced the aggressive look of the new model. Inside the Deluxe interior was augmented by a centre console, complete with Stewart-Warner oil pressure and alternator gauges, along with a standard roll bar and inertia-reel seatbelts. The GT350 was powered by Ford's 302-cid V8 with an aluminium intake manifold and Holley carburettor, giving 250 bhp - if that wasn't enough, a Paxton supercharger could be ordered although very few were so equipped. Power brakes and steering were both mandatory options, while heavy-duty suspension ensured the GT350 handled superbly. A choice of transmission options was available - either the four-speed close-ratio Top Loader manual or C-4 automatic. Shelby built 1,027 GT350 fastbacks in 1968 and like all Shelby products, every survivor is considered a blue-chip muscle car.