The 1969 Shelby GT350 Fastback offered here is not a standard production vehicle but a significant piece of Ford and Shelby developmental history. Known as an engineering “test car,” it was assigned to Shelby chief engineer Fred Goodell for critical research. This vehicle served as the primary testbed for a planned electronic fuel injection option for the 1970 model year. Because only 18 Shelbys were ever equipped with this early injection technology, its rarity is nearly unparalleled in the Mustang world. It carries an odometer reading of 59,285 miles and remains a documented survivor of Shelby’s experimental era. Crossing the block at Kissimmee 2026 as Lot T355, it carries an estimate of $200,000 to $225,000. For the serious collector, this car represents the “road not taken” in American muscle car development. It is an industrial artifact that speaks to the ambition of the original Shelby Engineering team. Its status is fully confirmed by SAAC documentation and original Shelby Engineering inventory records.
Experimental XE 351 Cleveland Power and Fuel Injection
What sets this 1969 Shelby GT350 Fastback apart from its peers is the experimental “XE” 351 CI Cleveland V-8 tucked under the hood. Shelby Engineering is believed to have installed this specific engine to test compatibility with the electronic fuel injection system. This system was a precursor to the modern EFI setups that would eventually become industry standard decades later. The experimental nature of this GT350 puts it in the same league as famous prototypes like “Green Hornet” and “Little Red.” An automatic transmission manages the power delivery, allowing engineers to focus on the driveability of the fuel delivery system. Recent inspections confirm the engine remains a focal point for Shelby historians and technical enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, the car’s build reflects the high-stakes environment of 1969 when Ford and Shelby were pushing mechanical boundaries. It provides a visceral driving experience that feels significantly more advanced than a standard carbureted Mustang of the same year. This performance package is the primary reason for the car’s significant auction estimate.
Cougar XR-7 Dashboard and Unique Interior Configuration
The interior of this 1969 Shelby GT350 Fastback reveals further clues about its special duty as a factory test vehicle. In a move that was highly unusual for the time, this Shelby received a factory-installed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 dashboard. This luxury-oriented dash was chosen by Shelby Engineering likely to test different gauge configurations or interior trim levels. The black upholstery remains in excellent condition, preserving the atmosphere of a late-sixties high-performance cockpit. A three-spoke rim-blow steering wheel and the distinctive XR-7 woodgrain accents create an environment unlike any production GT350. Every control inside this cabin was handled by engineers who were actively shaping the future of the Shelby brand. The integration of the Mercury dash is a fascinating “hand-built” touch that only appears on a handful of experimental cars. Consequently, the interior feels more like a mobile laboratory than a simple passenger cabin. It is a time capsule that shows exactly how Carroll Shelby’s team worked behind closed doors.
351 CI XE V-8 Engine and Prototype Performance Specs
Performance on this 1969 Shelby GT350 Fastback is driven by the experimental 351 CI Cleveland V-8 engine. While production GT350s of this year typically used the Windsor-based engine, the XE Cleveland block was a developmental powerhouse. The addition of the electronic fuel injection system aimed to improve throttle response and cold-start reliability across all environments. This engine was factory-rated at a higher potential than the standard units, though its exact output was often kept as proprietary data. Because it was used by Fred Goodell, the car likely saw intensive testing to ensure the injection system could handle high-performance loads. An automatic transmission was utilized to provide consistent testing parameters during the system’s development phase. The car’s chassis remains stout, supporting the weight and power of the Cleveland engine with traditional Shelby-tuned suspension. This mechanical combination offers a unique glimpse into the engineering crossroads that Ford faced at the end of the sixties. It delivers a smooth yet powerful performance profile that was years ahead of its time.
1969 Shelby GT350 Fastback Summary
The 1969 Shelby GT350 Fastback is a blue-chip investment that offers more than just iconic styling. Its history as a genuine fuel injection engineering test car makes it a cornerstone piece for any serious Ford or Shelby collection. The inclusion of the experimental XE engine and the XR-7 dashboard confirms its status as a 1-of-18 mechanical marvel. With original factory buildsheets and SAAC documentation included, its provenance is beyond reproach for the next owner. This white-over-black fastback represents the pinnacle of Shelby’s technological ambition before the original partnership era concluded. Bidders at Kissimmee 2026 have a rare chance to own a vehicle that was personally used by the brand’s chief engineer. It is a machine that tells a story of innovation, risk-taking, and high-performance engineering. This GT350 will undoubtedly remain a significant talking point in the world of American muscle for years to come. It is an opportunity to own a prototype that helped pave the way for modern automotive technology.
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Source: mecum.com
