Coyote-powered Shelby to Fetch Big Bucks at Mecum’s Auction
This is one unique mix of go-fast Mustangs from old school to new, and this Shelby restomod is California-bound.
Is there anything better than having unlimited funds to build the car of your dreams? The possibilities are endless; you can create a car that’s completely you. Even if that car never quite existed before, you can bring it into the world.
That’s what one owner did to this 1968 Mustang convertible. Combining elements of the classic ’68 Shelby GT500, Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds, and the 2000s-era Shelby-licensed GT500E cars, this car is truly one of a kind. But will one person’s very specific dream car find a loving new owner? We’ll find out at Mecum’s Monterey auction this week.
From its auction listing, the Mustang appears to be finished to a very high standard. Interestingly, there’s no info on who built the car or when. But presuming the car was built in a short timeframe (and if you have the budget, why not?) we’d guess was around 2011 or so. That would explain the crate 5.0 Coyote V8 under the hood (introduced that year), and Carroll Shelby’s signature on the dash (he died in 2012.)
Amateur theories aside, this car seems to back up its bold looks with plenty of firepower. That 5.0 has a Whipple supercharger bolted onto it, resulting in a bump to 624 horsepower. A six-speed Tremec manual transmission directs power. An upgraded drivetrain and suspension support the added oomph, and Wilwood discs bring the car to a stop.
You won’t find any fiberglass on the car (another testament to that spare-no-expense build), and its updated interior is more 21st-century grand tourer than vintage pony car. Still, we can’t help but wonder: Will it meet its presale estimate of $100,000 to $125,000?
Yes, it looks like whoever commissioned this build had deep pockets. But if we’re being honest, the GT500E-style hood is a bit awkward, and the routed side pipes make the car look a little too much for the classic Mustang crowd. Still, we’d be shocked if you can build a similar car for less than the asking. Will this ragtop’s little-bit-of-everything looks generate a bidding war? We’re interested to see where the gavel falls on this one.
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