Barn Find 1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback heads to Mecum

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 21.03.2019

Shelby #00889 was discovered in the mid-2000s and hadn’t seen light since the 70s

One of the stars of Mecum’s upcoming Indy auction, starting from May 14, is this glorious 1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback.

Discovered in a Texas barn in the mid-2000s by Thunderbird specialist Amos Minter, the car had not moved since the 70s.

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The exterior and interior remain untouched and unrestored in "as found" condition, although the mechanicals have been restored bringing the car to running condition.

The exterior and interior were preserved given its incredible originality, with Minter enthusing that "they are only original once!!"

The Shelby Registry indicates that the ’68 Fastback is a genuine and original Shelby that was delivered to El Paso Auto Center in Texas, January 1968. The car sold two months later to its original owner.

The Registry also confirms that the car was delivered, as presented, in Raven black over black interior, four-speed auto, power steering, power front disc brakes, Philco AM radio and tilt steering column. At some point in its early years, the factory wheels were swapped for Shelby aluminium 10-spoke wheels.

Just 1423 GT500s were produced of the 4451 Shelbys in 1968. Beyond that, the car represents one of 1020 Fastback, 615 of which were automatic. Further down the production pool breakdown, just 34 were painted Raven Black, 25 of those with black bucket seat interiors. This is the only GT500 of its spec that was originally delivered to Texas.

Barn finds are often a point of intrigue by collectors, but it’s somewhat more uncommon to see one partially restored to running condition while preserving its years of decay.

Equivalent vehicles nudge around USD$150,000 (AUD$209,000) on the secondhand market in the USA. However the car’s unique history and unique condition, we suspect, will likely see bidding storm past that market when it crosses the main stage at Mecum.

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