1968 Shelby GT350 VIN 8T03J165422 - 02037

Only recent ownership history is presently known. # 2037 is first said to have been in Massachusetts in about 2005. It was acquired by an owner in Pennsylvania on March 27, 2006. Bill Collins Collector Fords purchased it in Pittsburgh, PA on December 5, 2008.

The exterior has been repainted to a bright yellow. The black interior is original with exception of the driver’s front seat upholstery, which is recently replaced and matches well. The convertible top is also the factory original with vinyl exterior tacking strip and Corning brand glass rear window. This Shelby was originally built with standard wheel covers, four speed transmission, 3:89 ratio non locking differential, tilt / flip away steering wheel and AM radio.

This GT350 was apparently not returned for installation of the Cobra aluminum intake and Holley carb following their emission approval by the EPA/DOT. The Ford single four barrel cast iron intake manifold is still in place, with C8ZE-A engineering number and 8A3 casting date (January 3, 1968). The original Autolite carb has been replaced with a modern Edelbrock brand unit. The original Cobra oval air cleaner assembly is intact, with the bottom slightly modified to attach to the aftermarket carburetor. The original Cobra lettered aluminum valve covers are in place. The distributor is the original Autolite unit with correct C8ZF-A engineering number and 8A3 date (January 3, 1968). The dual vacuum diaphragm is also in place.

The engine does not appear to have been rebuilt. It was originally equipped with an air injection emission control system. Although the system has been removed, the ends of the steel lines are crimped off at each port in the cylinder heads. All of the mounting brackets for the air pump also remain.

The original heavy duty (big block width) air conditioning radiator is in place with C8ZE L1 engineering number and 7HA date (First week August, 1967). The fan shroud is the original with rectangular style FoMoCo logo and C8ZE-A engineering number. The shroud is cracked in half at the top but believed to be repairable. The fan is the correct air conditioning style with C6OE-G number. The fan clutch is original with C7ZX- A number. The thermostatic idle control switch is in place on the thermostat housing but the rubber vacuum hoses have been removed.

The air conditioning system is intact but not functional. The original aluminum compressor with C8ZX-A tag is in the trunk. The compressor mounting brackets, belt idler pulleys, condenser, hoses, and associated lines all appear to be intact but have been left open to the atmosphere.

The original iron exhaust manifolds are in place, with C8OE-F engineering numbers and dates of 8A16 for the left side and 8A15 for the right side. The original transverse muffler exhaust has been replaced with an identical OEM style reproduction system. It is in good condition with exception of the muffler, which has a corrosion hole at the bottom.

The driveline components are the factory installed original to this vehicle. The transmission tag is RUG-N 1. The factory shifter mechanism remains in place. The rear axle is the original nine inch unit with the correct 3:89 gear ratio. The center section is the proper style and has a 7M20 casting date (December 20, 1968). The axle assembly metal ID tag properly identifies it as a C8ZX-A unit with an 8AC date code, or third week January, 1968. The rear leaf springs have recently been replaced.

Gas adjustable shock absorbers are installed all around. They appear to be fairly new and are similar in appearance to the original Autolite adjustable shocks originally installed. The brake system retains its original booster and proportioning valve. The power steering system is also fully intact, with 7AD stamped pulley and external cooler.

Tires are modern Pirelli blackwall radials, size 215/65-15. Although showing minimal tread wear, it is suspected that they are beyond their useful chronological life and should be replaced for safest performance. The wheels are reproduction ten spokes.

The convertible top is the factory original. It is weathered and showing deterioration at the edges. The glass rear window is separated at the fold seam and the top half is missing. The bottom half is intact with the original Corning brand etching and date code of 7H – August of 1967. An original Ford Utica quality control sticker is still affixed to the left latch handle. Ford’s Utica, Michigan trim plant produced the convertible tops in 1968. There is no convertible top boot or storage bag.

Overall body integrity is very good. All core body metal is believed factory original. The front fenders are both “red primer” original Ford service replacements, stenciled with P/N C8ZZ-A. The rear quarters have been repaired for lower corner rust in a very unusual fashion. Replacement full panels have been attached over top of the factory originals. They are feathered in just below the beltline and extend around the wheel openings and door jambs. The attachment closely follows the original panel openings on the right side but not so much so on the left. Various gaps can be seen around the left wheel opening. Other than this condition, the body metal is believed original and panel fit and alignment are average.

The floor pans and structural underbody are original. Two narrow repair plates have been welded over the outer edges of the front floors on each side, along the rocker panel. This is a common corrosion spot and it is believed that these were installed to cover minor rustout. The remainder of the underneath is undisturbed and has no jacking or other damage. Although dirty, the underside displays no substantial surface rust or corrosion. Remnants of factory primer and/or paint overspray are visible in some areas. The floors are not undercoated or painted over.

The windshield is a replacement with shaded header band. The side window glass is in good condition with no cracks or substantial scratches. All weatherstrip appears original. The exterior trim is in good condition with exception of the taillight frames, which are new. The lower grille molding is missing. The fiberglass is all original, and in good condition with exception of the front letter panel, which has its rear support bracket mounting tabs broken off. All Shelby exterior equipment, unique identification and trim are intact. The grille fog lights are the correct early production style Marchal model. The rear taillight turn signal sequencers have been replaced and function properly.

The engine compartment has received an amateur detailing. The top of the engine has been repainted blue and the compartment has been resprayed black. The air cleaner and valve covers have been refinished. Reproduction hoses are installed, bearing appropriate OEM style manufacturers’ markings and brands as used in the original production of the vehicle. Belts and electrical components are generally aftermarket items. The Shelby unique export brace is intact. The windshield washer system is intact, with a new molded plastic reservoir. The power steering cooler is in place at the front of the radiator support.

The original Shelby unique console is in place with embossed snake logo armrest. The armrest stitching is separating. The console gauges are the original Stewart – Warner units, properly labeled “oil pressure” and “alternator”. The shifter handle is the correct OEM style with the pull up ring for reverse, and is topped with the proper blue stripe knob.

The door panels are in good condition with the armrests showing some wear, particularly on the driver’s side. The correct metal grilles are in place on the lower door, with integrated courtesy lights. The doorsill plates are in average condition. The rear interior panels are intact and uncut. The original vinyl lining is all in place in the convertible top well. The roll bar cover is in good condition. The side panel mounted inertia reel shoulder harnesses are intact. The front lap belts have been replaced but the originals are with the car. The intact belts have correct “Shelby Cobra” logos. The interior presents an acceptable overall appearance, with no upholstery rips, tears or modifications.

The trunk interior is oversprayed with yellow in some areas to match the exterior. The original Highland Green color is plainly visible on the wheel houses, trunk floor extensions, taillight panel and interiors of the original quarter panels. There is no trunk mat. The Shelby unique cardboard tail light protectors are missing. There is no spare tire/wheel, jack or spare.

PRICE: $79,500

Description prepared by Bill Collins December 15, 2008