Carroll Shelby’s Own 1969 GT500 Fastback Is Going Under the Hammer in January

The Carroll Shelby-designed Mustang was produced between 1965 and 1970, now becoming one of the most revered American cars of all time. The racer-turned-designer is still one of the most respected names in automobile history, and thus, any example with a personal connection to him gets a few legs up in the auction circuit. 

This January, a 1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback owned by Shelby himself is going under the hammer at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction. Let’s take a look at the vehicle in question.

Shelby and Ford

Beginning as a professional driver in the ‘50s, Carroll Shelby envisioned an American automobile market filled with touring cars like there were in Europe at the time. After his racing career, he opened a customs shop in Los Angeles where he started to develop a relationship with Ford, who was providing parts for his own Cobra models. The success of these cars eventually led to the production of the Shelby Mustang, a third-party, high-performance version of Ford’s popular pony car.

While the first-generation Shelby Mustangs were impressive in their own right, with its Windsor 4.7-liter HiPo K-Code V8 engine. However, with the second-gen models debuting in 1967, Shelby had something bigger in mind.

Bigger and Better

Ford was readying a new 428 big-block FE engine and Shelby wanted to create a car that could fit it under the hood. Known as the FE Series Cobra Jet, this was a 7.0-liter V8 engine paired with a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission and capable of 335hp and 440lb.ft of torque. This model improved on the previous FE engines with its 427 low-riser cylinder heads and a 735 CFM Holley carburetor.

Cobra’s Cobra

For the 1969 model like the one for auction, which was the final series of this car, not much was different from earlier iterations. However, design updates did include a longer fiberglass front end, a hoop grill, an evolved tail light, and a revamped exhaust system. The front hood was also a bit more aggressive with its quintet of NACA-style scoops. Five-spoke wheels were also added to the mix.

Since the GT500 carried a racing spirit — the Cobra Jet engine itself was purpose-built for drag racing — the vehicle features a roll bar, inertia-reel harnesses, and performance-oriented interior trim.

One of just around 18 GT500 Fastbacks made that year in “Grabber Yellow,” this particular example was purchased new in Covina, California by Carroll Shelby himself. With an odometer that reads 4,575mi, it also features black Clarion bucket seats, power steering, power brakes with front discs, and Goodyear Polyglas tires. Whoever is lucky enough to win this auction will also receive Shelby’s own sales invoice and a copy of his California title.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Crossing the auction block on January 11 at the Kissimmee event, this 1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback is estimated to go for between $160,000 and $180,000. Head over to Mecum to check it out for yourself and/or register to bid.

Auction Block: 1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback

One of an estimated 18 Shelby GT500 Fastbacks from 1969 in “Grabber Yellow” is going under the hammer. This car is even more special because it was owned by Carroll Shelby himself.