Marti Report

1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible 428 CJ

This is the last year for the Shelby Mustang, however, unsold 1969 models were given 1970 vehicle identification numbers with 2 visuals changes; front spoiler and two black hood stripes.  Now based on the new SportsRoof and convertible Mustang body styles, Shelby’s newly designed Mustang shared very little resemblance to the production Mustang. The GT350 and GT500 were still available in both fastback or convertible.
The front end design on the ’69 Shelby was completely new. Both the fenders and the hood were fiberglass and created a large rectangular grille opening which carried two 7 inch headlights. Beneath the bumper, Lucas foglamps were mounted. The hood contained three forward-facing NASA scoops, the center one providing air to into the engine’s intake system. Also on the hood were two rear-facing scoops. Brake scoops can be found on the front fenders, as did the rear, all providing air to the brakes. Rear scoops can be found on convertibles mounted lower in order to prevent any interference with the convertible top mechanism. In the rear, fiberglass extensions were added to the fiberglass deck lid to create a pronounced spoiler. ’65 Thunderbird taillights were used, and a unique aluminum exhaust collector exited in the center beneath the bumper.
Side stripes can be found on both models with either GT350 or GT500 lettering at the front fender in front of the brake scoop. Snake emblems can be found behind the rear side windows and also on the left side of the front grille. Also, Cobra Jet emblems, like the ones found on the ’68 GT500KR, were used on the GT500’s front fenders.
The interior of the Shelby was once again the production Mustang’s Deluxe Interior Decor Group, available in either black or white, with Shelby identification on the door panels, steering wheel and passenger’s dash. The console top housed two two Stewart Warner gauges, oil and amps, along with two toggle switches for foglamps and courtesy lights. The instrument cluster contained a 8000 rpm tachometer, 140 mph speedometer and fuel gauges. All of the fastback Shelbys one again have the inertia-reel harnesses while the convertibles kept the same 1968 type roll bar.
The GT350 Shelby came with the 290hp 4-V version of the production 351 Windsor. The only difference being an aluminum intake manifold as well as Cobra valve covers. The GT500 Shelby used the 428CJ-R with all variations found on the regular Mustang.
As with the Mach 1, the Competition Suspension, transmission and rear axle were all options on the Shelby. The unique 15×7 inch rims had an aluminum center section welded to a chrome steel rim. Standard tires were E70x15; although most cars came with the F60x15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs.
Some other standard features found were power steering, power front disc brakes, and four-speed manual transmission, all of which this car was ordered with.
This is the last year for the Shelby Mustang with only 335 GT500 Convertibles produced, even rarer with a 4 Speed Manual Transmission. A High dollar, documented restoration was completed in the 1990’s. This 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible has its Marti report, along with the Shelby Invoice, matching engine/transmission with 3:50 Traction-Lok differential which is just a perfect combination for cruising and to get up and GO…and that it does quite exceptionally. This Shelby runs and drives spectacular. Powerful, quiet engine with no noises or smoke of any kind. The transmission shifts nicely up and down all the gears, brakes perfectly, and steers straight. Great oil pressure, charging appropriately, and no overheating issues or any other issues whatsoever.
This one checks all the right boxes.