1970 Shelby GT350 Fastback

1970 Shelby GT350 Fastback
Sold for $189,750 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2013
Chassis no. 0F02M483294
290 bhp, 351 cu. in. V-8 engine with Autolite four-barrel carburetor, FMX Cruise-O-Matic transmission, factory "heavy-duty" independent front suspension with coil springs, asymmetrical leaf springs with live rear axle, and power front disc brakes and rear hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 108 in.

•The very last Shelby GT350 serial number produced
•One-of-one build specification in rare Grabber Yellow
•Documented matching-numbers car
•Sympathetic, high-quality restoration performed by noted expert Ed Meyer


The updated GT350 of 1969 introduced a number of stylistic and mechanical changes and, like any good car, a touch of drama. The GT350's new engine was a Windsor 351-cubic inch V-8, registering 290 brake horsepower. Cosmetic changes included a new grille, hood, side ducts to help cool the engine and rear brakes, and an overall body length that grew by four inches.

Ford handled the redesign work of the 1969 GT350 themselves, giving Carroll Shelby little input. As a result, Shelby pulled his contract with Ford in the summer of 1969. With this in mind, Ford wanted to keep consumer interest in the GT350 alive, leading to some corporate mischief. Ford sent the 788 unsold 1969 Shelbys to Kar Kraft, the aftermarket shop that assembled the Boss 429 in Dearborn, Michigan, to outfit them with hood stripes and a chin spoiler. Ford made these modifications in 1969 in order to avoid an upcoming federal law that required the installation of an anti-theft locking steering column in 1970. Upon leaving factory grounds for a third time, these unsold 1969 Shelbys were given new VIN numbers and data plates for 1970, since the FBI destroyed the 1969 data plates. The GT350 in question, 0F02M483294, started its life on June 19, 1969, as the only GT350 Fastback ordered with an automatic transmission, Grabber Yellow paint, black bucket seats, and an AM/8 Track stereo radio, among many other options, according to its Marti Report. Most importantly, it was the final GT350 to come off the production line; therefore, it was the final 1969/70 Shelby Mustang built.

After leaving Kar Kraft, this GT350 was delivered to Luke Bolton Ford, in Plantation, Florida, the state in which it has spent the entirety of its life, reveling in a car-friendly climate. It was purchased by its third and current owner in 1980, who has pampered the car in every possible respect and driven it less than 200 miles since its acquisition.

The current owner commissioned Ed Meyer, national concours judge and Shelby authority, to go over 0F02M483294 and complete a light restoration in 2006, in order to make the car as original as possible. Meyer described the car as "the finest GT350 he'd ever seen." Thus, Meyer only installed minor items, such as a correct radio antenna and driver's lights. This car comes complete with its original window sticker, build sheet, pink dealer order sheet, warranty papers, invoice from Shelby Automotive, individual transportation invoices from Ford, A.O Smith, Kar Kraft, and Luke Bolton Ford, and letters from the Shelby American Automobile Club, further certifying its originality and provenance.

Showing just over 27,000 miles, this Shelby GT350 is possibly one of the most well-documented, unique, and unmolested 1970 GT350s offered for sale. As the last Shelby GT350 to roll off the line, 0F02M483294 represents the end of an era for Shelby, and for the Mustang. This car presents a fantastic opportunity for the discerning collector that is looking for a chance to buy a top-quality, one-of-a-kind car with a unique place in Mustang history.

Robert Myrick Photography