GAA Classic Cars Shelby Mustang Preview
This November, GAA Classic Cars is rolling out the blue-and-white carpet for snake charmers. The auction house’s massive November 6 – 8 auction in Greensboro is stacked with prime American muscle, but the clear superstars are the legendary Shelby Mustangs. With iconic examples from the late ’60s and 1970 set to cross the block – including a documented 1967 GT500 – this is a preview of five high horsepower classics that will have collectors fighting for their own piece of the Shelby legacy.
The 1970 Shelby GT500 marks the final chapter of the original Shelby Mustangs, built as a collaboration between Ford and Carroll Shelby but with limited direct involvement from Shelby himself during this last run. Beneath its elongated fastback or convertible bodywork, the GT500 housed the formidable 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8, officially rated at 335 horsepower but widely believed to deliver much more torque and performance than advertised, paired with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. All 1970 GT500s were actually produced in 1969 and then re-VINed as 1970 models due to federal regulations, making them a rare and collectible swan song before the Shelby name departed from classic Mustang production.
The example being offered by GAA Classic Cars at their November sale comes with an Elite Marti Report that shows it to be a one-of-one example as configured. It’s equipped with the Drag Pack and power front disc brakes and the V8 is paired with the C6 Cruise-O-Matic Transmission. It benefits from a concours-quality restoration and presents nicely in Wimbledon White.
The 1966 Shelby GT350H, affectionately known as the “Rent-A-Racer,” represents one of the most audacious marketing ventures in automotive history, born from a partnership between Carroll Shelby and the Hertz Corporation in the fall of 1965. Created specifically for Hertz’s rental fleet, approximately 1,000 of these high-performance Mustangs were produced, most featuring the now-iconic Raven Black paint with gold “LeMans” racing stripes, though a handful came in Wimbledon White, Candy Apple Red, Ivy Green, and Sapphire Blue.
Under the hood sat the potent K-code 289 cubic inch Cobra V8 engine rated at 306 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, allowing renters to experience genuine performance-car thrills for just $17 per day and 17 cents a mile. Performance enhancements included front disc brakes, upgraded suspension, fiberglass brake-cooling side scoops, and Plexiglas rear quarter windows, enabling 0-60 mph runs in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 117 mph. While the Rent-A-Racer program was deemed a success by Hertz, it was ultimately discontinued due to high repair costs and low profit margins, as enthusiastic renters frequently pushed the cars hard on both streets and racetracks.
This example, set to be offered by GAA Classic Cars at their November auction, benefits from a concours-level restoration that was completed in 2025 by Conover Racing & Restoration. It’s equipped with an automatic transmission, but a conversion to a manual transmission certainly isn’t out of the question for the enthusiast who really wants to push the car to its limits.
Introduced mid-year as the ultimate version of the Shelby Mustang, the GT500KR – with KR standing for “King of the Road” – was powered by Ford’s potent 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 officially rated at 335 horsepower but widely understood to make closer to 400. The GT500KR set itself apart with functional fiberglass hood and body panels, upgraded suspension, power disc brakes, and unique styling touches including hood and side scoops, Thunderbird taillights, and special badging.
The GT500KR was available in both fastback and convertible form, making it the fastest and most luxurious Shelby Mustang to date, and was intended to blend track capability with street-ready performance. With just 1,570 units built, the 1968 GT500KR remains a legendary muscle car and very collectible example of the best available from Ford for 1968.
The example that will be offered by GAA Classic Cars at their upcoming November auction benefits from a complete restoration and has won 5 Concours Gold Awards. It includes its build sheet as well as an Elite Marti Report and is equipped with the four-speed top loader transmission. It’s also equipped with power front disc brakes and air conditioning, making for an enjoyable way to experience the thrill of a 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8.
The 1969 Shelby GT350 marked the next to last production year for Shelby’s original Mustang line, transitioning to Ford’s restyled body that added increased length and aggressive styling cues. Unlike earlier GT350s, the 1969 model swapped out the 302 cubic inch engine for a more powerful 351 cubic inch Windsor V8, rated at 290 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. It offered greater comfort and refinement alongside its muscle car credentials.
Available as both a fastback and convertible, and painted in a wide array of vivid factory and “Grabber” colors, the 1969 GT350 was produced in limited numbers – just 1,085 fastbacks and 194 convertibles – making it a very desirable collector car today.
The example that will be offered by GAA Classic Cars at their November sale benefits from a rotisserie restoration completed with NOS parts and includes a Marti Report that indicates it is equipped with factory air conditioning. It features a four-speed manual transmission and is finished in a stunning Candy Apple Red over a black interior.
The 1967 Shelby GT500 debuted as the first big-block-powered model in the Shelby Mustang lineup, marking a major leap in performance and establishing itself as one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time. Powered by Ford’s formidable 428 cubic inch Police Interceptor V8 topped with dual 600-CFM Holley four-barrel carburetors on an aluminum mid-rise intake manifold, it was officially rated at 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, though true output was believed to be closer to 400 horsepower.
With aggressive styling featuring a fiberglass front end, hood, side scoops, distinctive Le Mans racing stripes, and a muscular stance, the GT500 exuded raw power and competition-bred pedigree. Available with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, the GT500 could run from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds and reach top speeds around 130 mph, making it a dominant force on both the street and the drag strip. Only 2,048 fastback and a small number of convertible GT500s were produced in 1967, making these rare and collectible examples of the pinnacle of Shelby’s involvement with the Mustang.
The GT500 that will be offered by GAA Classic Cars at their November auction is equipped with the four-speed manual transmission and features an all-original interior. It’s listed in the Shelby Registry and includes a Shelby Research Group report. The consignor states that the mileage shown is accurate – a little under 39,000.