1970 Shelby GT500 Convertible 4-Speed – 1 of 36


The idiom “All good things must come to an end” was never felt harder than at Shelby American in the middle of 1969. Ford had already pulled nearly all control and decision making away from Carroll Shelby, and with numerous creative differences and sales on the downward slide, Shelby terminated the agreement between Ford and Shelby American that summer. The 1970 model year would be the swan song for the original GT350 and GT500 run. Technically, there were no Shelby Mustangs produced in 1970. Instead, the unsold 1969 GT350s and GT500s were given new 1970 identification numbers, under close FBI scrutiny. Originally viewed as leftovers, the ‘70 GT350 and especially the GT500 are coveted as the last of their era.

This 1970 Shelby GT500 Convertible was originally shipped to Luke Bolton Ford in Plantation, Florida; it’s one of 90 convertibles produced, one of 36 built with a 4-speed transmission and one of only four built in stunning Gulfstream Aqua. With just 33,000 miles the car was subjected to a multi-year concours restoration by long-term owner Troy Kuyoth of Kuyoth’s Klassics, with extensive use of original and NOS parts throughout the process.  And before that it was previously owned by Jim Cowles, SAAC Concours chairman and owner of Shelby Parts and Restoration in Green Bay, Wisconsin, so its lineage is certainly solid in the Shelby world!

Oh, and in its one and only show outing to date it won “Best Shelby” against some really stiff competition at the 2015 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance.

Documented both in the SAAC Registry and with its original Shelby factory invoice, original Shelby individual order form, and a framed Marti Autoworks Elite Report it has all of the right paper to back up what it is.

Further, this killer GT500 still wears its factory original sheet metal and fiberglass. Under the NACA field hood and its 1970-only stripes lies its original matching-numbers Ram Air 428 Cobra Jet engine—factory rated at a conservative 335 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque—married to its original 4-speed Toploader close-ratio manual transmission. Power is directed to its factory 3.50:1 Traction-Lok differential in the modular N Case and on to the Shelby-styled alloy wheels encased in Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. Factory power steering and power brakes with front discs and rear drums keep direction and speed in check as needed.

Inside, the also concours perfect interior features a full-length center console with oil pressure and ammeter gauges, plus switchgear for the fog lamps and interior lights, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and the correct genuine imitation wood applique on the dash, door panels and console. The integrated and padded roll hoop as factory-integrated surfboard hooks is perfect for holding the accompanying 1970 Harbor surfboard, which has been restored to match the GT500. There is no question by the 1970 model year nobody had to suffer for a lack of comfort inside a Shelby Mustang.

No matter where you look on this car it is clear it was restored by one of the best in the business. Top, bottom, and in every area nobody but concours judges care about it’s as good as they get. It is certainly one of the best 1970 Shelby GT500 Convertibles available, and as 1 of 36 factory 4-speed cars, plus its desirable color combination, it is one that would stand tall in any collection.

**Sold**

Year: 1970
Mileage: 33,000 mi
VIN: 0F03R481520
Condition: Concours Restored
Exterior Color: Gulfstream Aqua
Interior Color: Black
Transmission: 4 speed Close Ratio
Final Drive: 3.50:1 Traction-Lok
Engine: 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air
Drivetrain: RWD