For 1967, the Shelby GT500 would be introduced packing a 428 CI Police Interceptor V-8 engine modified with a mid-rise intake manifold and two 4-barrel carburetors producing 355 HP and 420 lb.-ft of torque. It rocketed the Shelby Mustang concept into the upper strata of performance cars, putting it on par with the world’s finest. For 1968, Shelby Mustangs would be rebranded as Cobra GT350 and Cobra GT500, the latter featuring a revised 428 CI Cobra Jet V-8 engine packing a 335 HP punch and an improved 440 lb.-ft of torque. Optionally, buyers could also select the venerable 427 CI V-8 as seen in the Shelby Cobra sportscar and class-leading Ford GT40. For 1968, customers would not be limited to just the Fastback body style, as the Shelby Mustang Convertible also became available. In keeping with the upscale sports-GT concept, interiors would be revised for a higher degree of polish and luxury. This 1968 Cobra GT500 Convertible is Shelby No. 00242 and is one of only 402 GT500 Convertibles produced that year, 1 of 153 as equipped, per the Deluxe Marti Report. Featuring the correct 428 CI V-8 engine, 4-barrel carburetor and 4-speed manual transmission, the power is channeled to the rear wheels via factory Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.50:1 gearing. Finished in the correct Wimbledon White, black GT500 rocker stripes match the black convertible top and interior. Power steering and power brakes make the car much easier to handle, especially in tight spaces, while front disc brakes add a degree of security. The interior features the correct bucket seats, center console, tilt steering column, shoulder harnesses, a pushbutton AM radio and a 1967 woodgrain Shelby steering wheel, the correct original 1968 steering wheel accompanying the sale. With complete ownership history from new, the car will be sold with copies of the titles, the original owner’s manual, the original vehicle invoice, the original vehicle order form, the original build sheet, the original Shelby dealership Cobra GT500 parts book and a Deluxe Marti Report. This Shelby spent the majority of its life in California and Arizona and has covered just 55,200 miles from new, 1,000 of which have been put on the new BF Goodrich tires. Rolling on the original 10-spoke alloy wheels, this Cobra GT500 Convertible was first shipped to Jack Loftus Ford, Inc. of Hinsdale, Illinois.
