134838 / 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350

Assembled six days ahead of schedule, this striking GT350 was shipped to Schmidt Ford Sales in Baltimore, Maryland and, thanks to its awesome combination of killer power and So Cal style, helped keep the `*.America`*. in the home of America's National Anthem. After three decades of excellent maintenance and minimal driving, Conover Racing & Restoration of Hanover, Pennsylvania orchestrated a highly detailed, frame-off rebuild that reworked all the car's panels into super smooth surfaces. Once those surfaces were fully prepped, displaying a precise level of fit and finish, correct Acapulco Blue base was buried in a thick clearcoat shell. And once that clear was sanded and buffed, correct `*.G.T.350`*. side stripes were laid over a fantastic, mirror-like shine. The result is one top notch Shelby showpiece that, until recently, anchored a serious muscle car collection and, presently, could hedge any major investment portfolio.

For 1968, Ford authorized a special, high performance version of its venerable 302 for specific use by Shelby in their newly christened Cobra GT350. Lift this Mustang's lightweight hood and you'll find an authentic J-code V8 that includes a hotter cam, heavy-duty connecting rods and a nodular iron crank. Completely rebuilt during the car's extensive restoration, that once-and-done mill twists a stout 315 horsepower into 333 lb./ft. of impressive torque! At the top of the rugged Windsor block, a finned and painted air cleaner jams oxygen into a correct aluminum intake via proven Holley carburetion. At the sides of that intake, high-flow heads hang attractive Cobra valve covers between upsized valves, a FoMoCo breather and low-restriction exhaust manifolds. The engine's fires are lit by a traditional points distributor, which sequences spark through fresh Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. That fire is kept at bay by a correct Extra Cooling Package, which includes pliable Autolite hoses, reproduction screw clamps and a correct FoMoCo radiator. And the whole process is kicked into motion by a tagged Autolite battery, which jolts current through snazzy Autolite cables.

Behind that legendary V8, a correct Toploader 4-speed spins a rugged Ford 9-inch that's fitted with beefy, 3.89 gears. At the front of that drivetrain, straight control arms hang correct power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the center of the car, an aluminized, true-dual exhaust system funnels spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, small resonators, a transverse muffler and slick stainless tips. And at the edges of the car, power flows through concours-correct, NOS E70-15 Goodyear Speedway 350s, which are wrapped around razor-sharp Shelby 10-spokes.

Inside the car's impressive cockpit you'll find an original Deluxe interior that's been painstakingly maintained for close to 47 years. The first thing you'll notice is an old school wood-rimmed and chrome-trimmed steering wheel that spins around a tagged Tilt-Away column. Above that steering wheel, a great-looking dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer and correct 8,000 RPM tachometer next to a vintage radio and twice autographed glove box. In front of that dash, plush vinyl seats, which still feel cushy and well sprung, present virtually no evidence of sun damage or rot. Beneath those seats, fade-free carpet and bright stainless sills center an original Ford shifter and Cobra-branded console between color-keyed mats and authentic Stewart Warner gauges. And behind the passengers, a clean trunk centers an original spare between correct decals and a simple mat.