By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives, Motor Authority Auction, CT Pony Parts, Mecum Auctions
Published 5.21.2025
Carroll Shelby with the Mustang Shelby GT in a print ad (Ford Motor Company Archives)
One of the most popular names in automotive history is Carroll Shelby. In 1960, he retired from automotive racing and became involved with specialty cars, which included many performance cars for the Ford Motor Company.
The1969 Mustang Shelby GT 350/500 models were great-looking, high-performance vehicles when they were introduced to the public in 1968. They came equipped with a 351 Windsor V8 engine with 290 horsepower. The convertible sold for $4,594 and the fastback sold for $4,473.
Mustang Shelbys on the assembly line (Ford Motor Company Archives)
The first Shelby model was introduced in 1965 and started a history that created a huge following that continues to this day among the many Mustang clubs and automotive enthusiasts around the world.
The 1969 Shelby Brochure (Ford Motor Company Archives)
The print advertising for the 1969 Shelby GT 350/500 models featured headlines like “Fire & Refinement” or “People Will Talk...,” which were introduced in Car Life magazine in May 1969. It was a magnificent model year overall for Ford, with an outstanding assortment of muscle car advertising that dazzled younger consumers.
More 1969 Shelby advertising (Ford Motor Company Archives)
The 1969 Shelbys offered a new grille design with aluminum cast wheels and exclusive striping and badging. The 1969 Mustang Shelby GT 350 models featured a number of design changes from the prior year. The GT 350’s front end was again extended, and a longer fiberglass hood with three functional air scoops was introduced. The GT 350 grille was also re-designed, and its rectangular driving lights were relocated beneath the front bumper. Most drivers enjoyed the performance whether they drove the convertible or fastback models.
A 1969 Shelby GT 500 owned by Carroll Shelby (Mecum Auctions)
The production for the 1969 Shelby models totaled 1,085 units for the fastback and 194 for the convertibles. The Boss 302s and the Boss 429s models were introduced midyear in 1969. The 1969 Shelbys sold very well because of Carroll’s well-respected name, which is still admired decades later.
The front end of the 1969 Shelby GT 500 owned by Carroll Shelby (Mecum Auctions)
Some automotive historians have said that the 1969 Shelby GT models were the last original Shelby Mustangs manufactured for the consumer market. In 1970, there was still an inventory of Shelby parts and some unsold Shelby cars, so Ford quietly purchased the remaining inventory. A total of 601 units were produced as 1970 models with a different front spoiler design and new hood stripes.
The 1969 Shelby GT in white (CJ Pony Parts Auction)
In the summer of 1969, Carroll Shelby terminated his contract with Ford, looking to do other automotive projects. According to automotive historians, Shelby’s involvement with design and development of the 1969 models had declined.
A 1969 Shelby GT 500 (Mecum Auctions)
In conclusion, the 1969 Shelby GT350/500 models were great- looking performance cars. The public admired their great styling, and Ford Motor Company added, “The Shelby could burn up the Ford test tracks at Dearborn.” Finally, the most popular colors for the 1969 Shelbys were Competition Red and Grabber Yellow.
Bibliography
Frumkin, MJ. “Classic Muscle Car Advertising: The Art of Selling Horsepower.” Krause Publications, 2002.
Kowalke, Ron. “Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars, Second Edition.” Krause Publications, 1996.
Damman, George H. “Illustrated History of Ford 1903-1970.” Crestline Publishing, (Revised Edition) 1971.
Mustang Specs. “1969 Shelby GT350: Ultimate Guide.” 2023.