Although this basic powerplant continued to power the GT500 with modifications through 1970, stylists ensured that the Shelby GTs retained their own unique identities. For 1968, the GT500 was comprehensively updated with an aggressive new front-end treatment including a lengthened hood line, air scoops and louvered cooling vents, while a neatly integrated rear spoiler was added, as well as revised head and tail lamps, with the rear units being from the 1965 Thunderbird. Inside, a neatly covered roll bar with inertia-reel shoulder belts was added, and for the first time, handsome convertible variants of both the GT350 and the top-line GT500 appeared.
In Detail
| type | Professionally Tuned Car |
| built at | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| engine | Police Interceptor V8 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| fuel feed | Dual Holley 4-BBL Carburetors |
| power | 264.70001 kw / 355 bhp @ 5400 rpm |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Kelsey-Hayes |
| f suspension | Independent |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Leaf Springs |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2012 by Gooding & Company
1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible – sold for $104,500
Delivered new by Jack Loftus Ford Inc. of Hinsdale, Illinois, this 1968 GT500 was, according to the Marti Report, originally finished in red with a saddle interior and white convertible top, the way it is presented today. The matching numbers 428-cu. in., 360-hp V8 drives the rear wheels, backed by a rare and desirable factory-installed Toploader four-speed transmission.
Benefiting from proper storage and maintenance as part of a private collection of some of America’s finest muscle cars, this GT500 remains a very fine restored example of these legendary cars. It is also very rare as one of just 402 units originally produced for 1968. Highly documented, it comes complete with the original owner’s manual, the original Shelby American dealer invoice and the original Shelby American order form. An American high-performance icon in the truest sense and highly coveted today, this GT500 is listed in the Shelby Registry and is certainly among the rarest and most desirable examples in existence.
Auction Source: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions
1968 Shelby GT 500 Convertible – sold for $151,250
According to its accompanying Marti Report, this 1968 Shelby GT 500 Convertible is one of just 17 examples with an Acapulco Blue exterior finish and Ginger interior combination. It was built on January 23, 1968 and delivered to the original selling dealer, Healy Ford Center of Edmonton, Alberta, who sold the car to its original owner for $5,000.
In addition to the powerful 428 V8 engine, it was equipped with a heavy-duty C-6 automatic transmission, power front disc brakes, power steering, a power-operated top and Shelby 10-spoke alloy wheels. Other desirable options included the upgraded cooling package, visibility group, wheel lip moldings, a tilt-away steering column, an AM radio and the interior décor group, plus a tachometer and a trip odometer.
The O’Quinn Collection acquired the GT 500 in early 2007, and today, it remains a very fine restored example of the legendary Shelby GT 500. It is offered complete with a Deluxe Marti Report, high-quality color copies of the original build sheet and dealer invoice, as well as an original-appearing 1968 Ford Mustang owner’s manual and a 1968 Shelby GT 350/GT 500 owner’s manual.
Auction Source: 2010 RM Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction
Keyword: 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible