Shelby ‘Black Hornet,’ Once Driven by Carroll, Now Up for Auction
Iconic 428 Cobra Jet-powered 1968 Mustang EXP500 CSS comes signed by Carroll Shelby himself and has only 558 original miles on it.
This is one of those times where words don’t convey how crazy this opportunity is. Carroll Shelby did not just own this Mustang; it was built by him. This is a car from his personal collection, and it only has 558 miles on it. There is a great chance this car will not be sold again for a very long time. Maybe even never again. The price is reflective of that, though, and most of us common folk can not afford it.
The ‘Black Hornet’ is available for sale on the Classic Cars website. The legendary Mustang has a 428 Cobra Jet V8 outputting 355 horsepower. It has a host of performance parts including a Holley high output fuel pump, Cobra Jet manifold exhaust system, power steering, a 68′ Cobra steering wheel, and of course, a Shelby intake manifold. While it isn’t the most powerful Mustang out there, it has a story worth its weight in gold.
Restoration Hardware ran a promotional feature in their magazine highlighting the car because Shelby was using it to promote his children’s charity. The magazine article shows the man himself standing with his creation before sending it to auction in 2008. The sale price went to The Carroll Shelby foundation, which donates money to help children in need of transplants.
Is it the fastest 1968 Mustang? No, probably far from it. However, we have no problem believing it will fetch a number near the asking price. This is a piece of Ford and Shelby history. There’s not a GT500 fan out there that wouldn’t buy this car if they had the spare capital lying around.
If you would like to see the car regardless of your ability to purchase it, it’s currently on display at the Mustang Museum in Concord, North Carolina.
Overall, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only does the dashboard wear Shelby’s signature, but the title still holds his signature from the sale of it ten years ago. We hope whoever winds up getting it doesn’t put it in storage for the rest of its life.
Photos: Classic Cars