The 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible represents the final evolution of Carroll Shelby’s original vision for the ultimate open-top grand tourer. By this model year, the Shelby Mustang had matured into a sophisticated high-performance machine with a longer, more aggressive silhouette. This specific example is an elite-tier specimen, having earned the prestigious SAAC Gold Award for its authenticity. Finished in the stunning and rare factory Gulfstream Aqua, it is one of only 48 units produced in this color. More importantly, it is one of just 69 convertibles ever equipped with a factory four-speed manual transmission. Such a combination of rare paint and the most desirable gearbox makes it a crown jewel for Mopar and Ford collectors alike. It has benefited from a no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration that utilized many New Old Stock (NOS) parts. Consequently, it stands as a perfect physical reference for how these cars appeared when they first left Dearborn. This Shelby arrived at the Kissimmee 2026 auction with a documented history that includes a full Marti Report and registry listing. It offers a rare chance to own one of the most correctly detailed Shelbys in existence.
Gulfstream Aqua Exterior and SAAC Gold Standard Restoration
The exterior of this 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible is finished in the factory-correct Gulfstream Aqua, a color of immense depth. Only 34 examples were produced with this specific paint and white trim combination, emphasizing its extreme rarity. During the rotisserie restoration, every panel was returned to factory-correct standards before the final finish was applied. The white power-operated convertible top features a glass backlite and remains in showroom-new condition. Correct Shelby styling elements, such as the fiberglass hood with five functional scoops and center-mount exhaust, are perfectly aligned. Because the car achieved SAAC Gold status, it has been judged against the most rigorous standards for originality and detailing. Many NOS parts were sourced to ensure that even the smallest fasteners and trim pieces were authentic. The car rides on correct wheels wrapped in Goodyear-branded tires, maintaining the exact stance intended by Shelby American. Transitioning from the nose to the tail, the car reflects a level of craftsmanship that few restorations ever achieve. It is a visual masterclass in late-sixties muscle car design and preservation.
White Clarion-Knit Interior and Deluxe Cabin Groups
Inside the cabin, the 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible features a striking White Clarion-knit high-back bucket seat interior. This bright environment provides a brilliant contrast to the Gulfstream Aqua paint and includes the Deluxe Interior Décor Group. The driver interacts with a tilt-away steering column and a factory Hurst-shifted four-speed manual transmission. For added convenience, the car was equipped with the Visibility Group, which included various auxiliary lights and a remote driver-side mirror. An original AM radio and tinted glass remain in place, reflecting the high-spec nature of the initial factory order. The interior remains remarkably fresh, with all woodgrain appliques and chrome trim pieces polished to a high luster. Safety and style are combined with the deluxe seat belts and a functional warning light system on the dash. Every surface, from the dashboard to the door panels, confirms why this car earned the highest honors from the Shelby American Automobile Club. It is an inviting space that perfectly captures the luxury-performance blend of the 1969 model year. This cockpit serves as a functional time capsule for the ultimate Shelby enthusiast.
428 Cobra Jet V-8 Engine and 4-Speed Manual Performance Specs
The mechanical heart of this 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible is the legendary factory 428 CI-4B Cobra Jet Ram Air V-8 engine. This powerhouse was factory rated at 335 horsepower but produced a staggering 440 lb-ft of torque for effortless acceleration. It is mated to a factory four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a configuration found in only 69 convertibles that year. A Traction-Lok differential ensures that the big-block power is distributed effectively to the rear wheels for maximum grip. The car is also equipped with power front disc brakes and power steering to manage the weight of the iron-block V-8. During the restoration, the mechanical systems were completely overhauled to factory-new performance standards. The engine bay is a jewel of detailing, featuring correct hoses, clamps, and factory-applied inspection markings. Dual exhaust with a center-exit port provides the deep, percussive soundtrack synonymous with the Cobra Jet name. This drivetrain represents the pinnacle of Ford’s high-performance engineering from the era of the original muscle car. It delivers a visceral, raw driving experience that modern performance cars simply cannot replicate.
1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible Summary
This Gulfstream Aqua 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible is a world-class collectible with undisputed provenance and award-winning quality. It arrives at Kissimmee 2026 as a SAAC Gold Award winner, the highest judging honor possible for a restored Shelby. Its status as a four-speed car makes it one of the rarest drivetrain combinations ever offered in the convertible body style. The extensive documentation includes a Marti Report, original pictures of the car when new, and a listing in the Shelby Registry. All no-expense-spared work was performed with an eye toward historical accuracy and the use of authentic NOS components. It avoids the common shortcuts found in lesser restorations, making it a reliable benchmark for the community. The car’s unique color combination and high-option list further cement its status as an investment-grade asset. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest open-top Shelbys ever produced. This GT500 is ready for immediate display in a premier collection or at the most prestigious concours events. It remains an enduring symbol of Carroll Shelby’s legendary contribution to American automotive history.
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Source: mecum.com
