1968 GT350
VIN 8T02J192420- 02103
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AUTHENTICITY: Genuine ’68 GT350 fastback, Shelby serial number 2103. The base vehicle was initially built semi complete by Ford, then delivered to Shelby Automotive for finishing. The Ford VIN was expanded at Shelby by addition of a suffix identifying their sequential build number for this vehicle. The original Ford dash VIN and door warranty tags were retained, supplemented by a Shelby unique VIN plate incorporating the suffix number. This plate is installed on the front driver’s side inner fender in the engine compartment.
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All identification tags, including Shelby VIN, build or "body buck", dash VIN and door warranty are present on this vehicle. The Ford VIN is believed to be stamped into both the left and right inner fender aprons, but have not been actually observed.
The door warranty tag codes for this car are as follows: Body 63B: Fastback with deluxe interior. Color R: Highland Green. Trim 6F: Black comfortweave vinyl. Date 02D: Scheduled January 5, 1968 build date. DSO 8D2816: Shelby Automotive. Trans 5: 4-speed manual.
The build or body buck tag codes are as follows:
319 - Rotation number (this vehicle's place on the assembly line for that particular build)
5 - Welding bay number
04C - Actual build date (may vary from scheduled date shown on door tag) April 3, 1968
63B - Fastback body style with deluxe interior
FDS – Fold down rear seat
5A - Interior trim code – black comfort weave
8T02J192420 - Vehicle identification number
R GREEN - Exterior Color Highland Green - color code R metallic
SA - Shelby Automotive
PS - Power steering
DE - Dual exhaust
PB - Power brakes
TC - Tilt column
RB – Rear bumperettes
ST - Standard transmission
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The original Ford build sheet, which verifies the car’s color, equipment, trim and build status as a "Shelby Unit" has been located. A "Marti Report" is also included. This report is sourced from original Ford computer records and likewise verifies this as a genuine Shelby VIN, together with the vehicle’s original color, trim and equipment. The original owner’s manual survives with the car and displays the first owner’s name, that of the selling dealer, and various related information. A partial build sheet has also been located in the passengers inner wheel well.
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This GT350 is listed in the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) World Registry 2014 Edition
8T02J192420-02103 Shipped to Wilmington Ford (Wilmington, MA) 4/26/68. On 5/10/68 the car was purchased by Kenneth Reynolds (Wellesley, MA). On 6/21/68 the car was running rough at high speeds and the rear taillights were not working. Mileage was 2,466. On 7/12/68 the car was brought to Downey Auto Center (Downey, CA) for replacement of a California emissions part. Mileage was 7,199. On 8/19/68 there was a short in the door lights. Mileage was 11,991. Subsequent dealer history not known. Advertised for sale in the Snakebite Bulletin #50 (see attachment) 9/94; previous owners: Lee Telke (Plantsville, CT) Brent Bishop (Howell, MI) ’04.
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HISTORY: Produced at Ford’s Metuchen, NJ assembly plant on April 5, 1968 and shipped to Shelby Automotive / A. O. Smith in Ionia, Michigan for completion. Completed by Shelby and shipped April 26, 1968 to Wilmington Sales Inc in Wilmington, Mass.
Purchased from Willington Sales Inc. by the first owner, Kenneth Reynolds of Wesley, Mass, May 10th, 1968. Reynolds kept the car until the early 1990’s, whereupon it was sold to Rick Rowles in California.
Other owners include Lee Telke (1994), David Boyer, (2013), and Brent Bishop (Present)
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CONFIGURATION/CONDITION: Odometer displays 44851 miles as of July 15, 2016. This is believed to be the actual mileage. It is supported by available records.
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The exterior paint is approximately 85% original, with the rear deck lid and side air extractors being repainted at some time. The Black comfortweave interior color is original and is excellent condition. This Shelby is equipped with its original wheels and hub caps. Other equipment includes four speed transmission, 3:50 non-locking differential and tilt / flip away steering wheel. The original AM radio is still in the car, but the tuner needs a new rubber band.
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ENGINE / DRIVELINE: The engine is the 302 High Output originally factory installed into this vehicle and has the VIN stamped on the rear of the block. The casting date in the block is 8DF3. The cylinder head casting dates are 8C27. The exhaust manifolds are the factory original. The cooling fan and clutch are also original to the car.
The engine compartment is showing patina. Hoses, belts and electrical components are period correct Marti replacements.
The factory original Cobra oval air cleaner unit with cast aluminum lid and stamped steel bottom is in place. The intake manifold is an aluminum “S2MS” 4 barrel 302. The carburetor was a Holley S8MS of the correct vintage and is original to the vehicle. The original Cobra Lemans lettered aluminum valve covers are in place. The original Ford distributor is present and has an electronic ignition module installed.
The Shelby GT350 / 4 speed was originally equipped with a Thermactor pollution control system. This system appears to have been replaced with a 1967 Ford emissions system very early in the car’s history. No explanation for this change is available at this time.
The engine has been rebuilt and the current owner has documentation proving this. The engine exterior has been painted but is now showing wear
The driveline is all the factory-installed components original to this vehicle. The vehicle VIN may appear on the top of the transmission case, but this has not been observed.
The factory cast iron exhaust manifolds connect through a factory style "H" pipe to a reproduction concours style exhaust, with the original Exhaust tail pipes welded on. to the original single transverse type.
The wheels and hub caps are original to the car. Tires are BF Goodrich T/A radials, size 225/70-R15. The spare tire is non-matching on an original plain steel wheel.
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BODY: All Shelby exterior equipment, unique identification and trim are intact. The grille fog lights are the Lucas brand used late in 1968 Shelby production, and are believed original to this car.
Overall body integrity is good. There is no accident damage or evidence of accident repair. The outer metal is all OEM Ford. The fiberglass is all factory original. Panel fit, straightness and alignment are all very good, and the opening gaps around the hood, doors and trunk are generally even. Windshield, side window and rear glass is all the original Carlite, in good condition with one minor crack that has been repaired. All weather stripping is original. The exterior trim is in good condition.
The overall appearance is nice, with minor flaws from setting uncovered for a number of years The paint is shiny and high gloss. The color is accurate with the correct over spray in all areas. There a few small areas were the paint was touched up, but these do not significantly detract from the vehicle. The rear deck lid and the rear end caps were repainted from a previous collision. These flaws are not immediately evident upon casual observation, so upon first impression, the car presents itself well overall. The underbody is sound and in excellent condition. It matches the west coast history of the vehicle and shows no signs of repair.
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INTERIOR: The interior of the vehicle is a deluxe Mustang interior. The color of all plastic black parts is semi-gloss black. The seats are the proper “comfort weave” material and are original. They are in excellent condition. The rear, folding seat was intact and in very good shape.
The door panels are in excellent condition and appear to be originals. The door jambs show evidence of the holes for the deluxe wiring and tilt wiring. The weather-stripping is in good condition. The kick panels were in fair condition.
The metal dash was painted with the correct charcoal paint. The gauges were correct for a 1968 GT350. The dash pad was in good condition. The dash bezel and the panels across the dash were in fair shape.
The steering wheel is deluxe wood grain and is in excellent condition, with no cracks.
The original Shelby unique console is in place with embossed snake logo armrest. The console gauges are the original Stewart – Warner units, properly labeled "oil pressure" and "alternator". The shifter handle is the correct OEM style with the pull up ring for reverse, and is topped with the factory blue striped imitation walnut knob.
The door panels and armrests are original and in good condition condition. The correct metal grilles are in place on the lower door, with integrated courtesy lights. The driver’s side grille is showing some wear from repeated entries and contact with the seat belt. The doorsill plates are in average condition and have the proper Shelby Automotive logo plates.
The foldown seat assembly is intact, operates smoothly, and its chrome trim is in good condition. The rear interior panels and trunk access door are intact and uncut. The roll bar, inertia reels, shoulder harnesses and all seat belts are intact with correct "Shelby Cobra" logos. The headliner is in great condition.
The spare tire was present. The rim was a 15x6 inch rim with an aftermarket tire. The rim was dated significantly before the build of the car and may have been replaced.
The trunk mat was original to the car. The trunk mat is a speckled burtex. The trunk board on the left side of the trunk was present. The cardboard tail light covers were present.
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OPERATIONAL: This GT350 drives very well. The clutch engages smoothly, but has a little chatter, which leads me to believe it needs to be adjusted. The transmission shifts easily. The rear differential is quiet. Handling and road manners are good with stable steering and suspension. Handling is improved by the installation of Koni aftermarket shock absorbers.
The power brake booster and master cylinder are working properly; the car stops straight. Brake and fuel fluid lines are in good condition, as are the front brake rotors and remainder of the brake system. No fluid leaks are evident from the engine or any system. The parking brake mechanism does work.
The radio, heater and all gauges including the tachometer and speedometer are in working order, except the clock. The automatic flip-away combination feature on the tilt steering wheel is functional. The manual tilt feature is functional.
All of the interior and exterior lights, including the sequential rear brake lights, turn signals and four way flashers, are in working order.
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OBSERVATIONS: This is considered a low mileage survivor car and would be considered a driver example of the ‘68 GT350 fastback. The color and 4-speed transmission enhance its desirability. The original engine and driveline, documentation and largely known history add to its integrity. The present owner has a wealth of original paperwork supporting its history, including the original bill of sale, vehicle registration and owner’s manual with the original owner’s name listed. This Shelby is recommended for the enthusiast who can drive and enjoy it while enhancing its condition on an ongoing basis.
PRICE: $89,500