Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

I am selling an incredible car to make a new purchase. I never thoght I would sell this car, as many Shelby enthusiats will testify that it is the best, most desirable Shelby GT 500 in existence. Many people may make similar claims, but I will supply documentation and references, like a 3 time past president of the Shelby American Automobile Club, to justify this claim.

The car is one of 335 1969 Shelby GT-500 convertibles built in 1969. More importantly, this Shelby is rare and unique for several reasons. First, this car has been rated Thoroughbred by the Mustang Club of America and Premiere (scoring 444/450) by the Shelby American Auto, the highest level achievable in both cases. This is quite an accomplishment because it requires that no reproduction or after-market parts be used, otherwise points are deducted (even the tires are original 1969 tires). Second, Senior Shelby judges have indicated that this car is the highest scoring 1969 Shelby to date. Third, this car is a 4 speed convertible equipped with the Super Cobra Jet and “Drag-Pak” option. It represents one of only 13 drag-pak, 4 speed convertibles built and only eight are known to exist today. Forth, it is a 24,000 mile car. Finally, this color combination is the only “triple black” drag-pak, 4 speed Shelby GT-500 made in 1969. In short, the car is essentially one of one made!

For pictures, go to www.atlantamusclecars.com.
This car cannot be duplicated, it is that rare and that correct. Whoever ownes this car can truthfully say they have the single most desirable 69-70 Shelbys in existence.

Price is $375,000. I know its a lot, but find another one.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

[ QUOTE ]
Price is $375,000. I know its a lot, but find another one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Finding $375,000 is also difficult. Nice looking Shelby.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Chip,
Isn't this a Black Jade car (green) and not a "black" black? I remember the car from a few years ago. Don't think I have ever seen a true black car.Off the top of my head, I don't think they ever made a real black one? Very nice, however.
Colin

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Although I can't afford the Shelby, heck I couldn't afford the air in the tires, I did cruise around the website and checked out some of the cars. Very nice selection I might add. But...

I found some things interesting like how can a "restored" 1967 Camaro RS that is totally unoriginal score 998 out of 1000 points? What type of class did it score in? Obviously it wasn't like the Bowtie class used at Carlisle. Maybe it lost the 2 points for the non-original rear spoiler. And this car is priced at $64,995???? WOW what is mine worth? I'd sell my 67 RS for that anyday.

Also, can someone explain to me how you can restore to concourse level but changed the color to non original color? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Maybe it's just me but some things I read kind of bothered me. No offense to the original poster.

Rick H.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Colin, you are correct it is Black Jade or Jade Black, I just don't remember how Ford labeled it and I am not in the same location as the car. When I called it triple black, that is just the moniker I have heard and seen used with descriptions of this car so thats why I used the term.

Regarding the comments someone made related to the 67 RS Camaro. It scored that high in a non-stock class, and it is a very well done car as you can tell by the list of shows it has won. As for the price, I would pay more for an original 67 RS car in this condition, but there is no way someone could build a car this nice for anywhere near the asking price. By the way, if you like 67 Camaros, there are two original 67 Z28s that are pretty nice on the site that remain in a private collection.

If anyone is interested in the Shelby contact Chip Wright through this site or at 770-365-1872

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

[ QUOTE ]
As for the price, I would pay more for an original 67 RS car in this condition, but there is no way someone could build a car this nice for anywhere near the asking price.

[/ QUOTE ]

Really? You would pay that much? Hmmmm..

Engine shot of just such a car. Still has the original T3 headlights behind the doors.

http://home.rochester.rr.com/drhoff/...old/gold16.jpg

First place Stock class Carlisle 2004.

http://home.rochester.rr.com/drhoff/.../winner02b.jpg

You have a lot of nice cars on your site and like you said couldn't build one for the price.

Sorry for stealing the thread.

Rick H.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

I like the F Bird !

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

[ QUOTE ]
...By the way, if you like 67 Camaros, there are two original 67 Z28s that are pretty nice on the site that remain in a private collection...

[/ QUOTE ]

You mean these two?

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...hite/20022.jpg

I was wondering where those two Mcguire cars ended up!

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

I think I may have seen this Shelby at B-J about 3-4 years ago. It was in the special roped off section next to the auction stage. That has to be the nicest Shelby drop top I've seen...period. The lucky guy that gets this car will truly be one happy Mo-Fo.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

IF that's the same black jade drag pack GT 500 Shelby convertible I have been following since it sold at Russo and Steele in August of 2001 with VIN number 9F03R482667 for 103K and later sold to a private party from a dealer down south for 150K a year later it doesn't have an original engine or any of the expensive original parts left on it from when it won the Thoroughbred award. The Shelby sold at Russo was also represented as a show car winning 445 out of 450 possible points and one of one.

Through several owners all the hard to find irreplaceable parts fell off and were sold. I know people who bought some of the parts off the car and know people who almost bought the car(including myself)until they had an expert look at the car and determined it is no longer a throughbred level car due to the missing parts.

Hopefully Chip's Shelby is not 9F03R482667 because every senior head MCA judge I have spoke to recently about 9F03R482667 does not consider it to be a throughbred any longer?

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Great info Les. Hope to see you in Vegas some day. I have #76 now, you going to the show in Vegas early next year?

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Stuart,

Are you referring to 5S076? If so you got one fantastic car. I missed owning it by a day because I am an idiot.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Yes.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

WOW !!! Now thats real information, need to know information.What would make someone sell parts off a concours car! My mouth hit the floor on this information on a car of this caliber.Great car gone Bad !!
I have learn you still need to check even the Best of the Best car.
Sold a Boss 429 a few years back that was a concours car with NO fluids from a very well known restorer and when fluids were put in the car, it just poured out of the block.What a lesson learned !!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

I have been offered 20K for the NOS exhaust on my 70 Boss 9 as well as 6K for the shocks. We have calculated the parts alone on my 70 Boss 9 are worth over 225K right now as it is a Thoroughbred gold and MCA authenticity award winner the only Boss 9 in MCA history to have won both awards. In the Ford world original NOS parts are like gold similiar to the Bloomington Gold Corvette original cars the Ford MCA guys place great value and prestige on their Thoroughbred class so the parts sell for stupid money. (Rich I realize you know all of this already anyway but I did this post for some that possibly didn't know).

As a result most Thoroughbred cars have their parts sold as they go from owner to owner over the years. There is a dealer down south who specilaizes in buying Thoroughbreds and stripping the parts then reselling the cars as a Thoroughbred. I know of three Thoroughbreds this dealer has stripped and resold. So it is important IMHO to realize that a Thoroughbred award is a moment in time and while the restoration may endure and the car will ALWAYS be a MCA Gold concours car which is still quite an accomplishment the same car may not have the parts still on it that made it a Thorougbred any longer.

For example at the last MCA Grand National this past labor day in Ohio I entered my 65 Shelby GT 350 and it won a Thoroughbred Gold and was the second 65 GT 350 to do so in MCA history (Stuart's #76 being the first). It then was rejudged for a total of about four hours of review by four judges and won an authenticity award the first 65 GT 350 in MCA history to win the authenticity award along with a Thoroughbred. In order to win an Authenticity award I needed 5 original Goodyear Blue Dots. Blue Dots are next to impossible to find so I own some and borrowed some. I have to give the Blue Dots I borrowed back unless I can convince my friend to sell them to me. The point is many times the parts are impossible to find and friends loan parts to friends to get the Thoroughbred award then they leave the car and that car is no longer at the Thoroughbred level. It is also virtually impossible to drive a true Thoroughbred because the parts get worn out and then the car again is not a Thoroughbred level car any longer.

Another example we are preparing a 1969 Mustang CV with the 428 Cobra Jet engine and the shaker hood option with a 4 speed trans for next years MCA show circuit. It was already restored to an incredible high level and is an MCA concours Gold winner. But in order to get it to Thoroughbred authentic level we are borrowing a few original parts from my other 69 428 shaker hood 4 speed mustang CV which already won an MCA concours Gold and has a bunch of original and NOS parts so that one can win all the marbles.

My point is that it is going to take two MCA concours Gold mustangs to win possibly one Thoroughbred authentic award. That's how tough it is to find all the correct parts and is why parts get sold.

I recently asked the senior MCA judge for authenticity how many actual and true Thoroughbred cars exist today and he thinks less than 12. The MCA is in the process of compliling a Thoroughbred registry to help with this.

In fact only three cars exist today that have been awarded an MCA Thoroughbred and an Authenticity award. There have been four awards but one car a 66 mustang Cv has won twice. One Mustang restorer has two cars that would qualify but have not been judged.

So while the term Thoroughbred is tossed around quite frequently true Thoroughbreds are actually pretty rare. Thoroughbreds that have also won the auhtenticity award are simply scarce and can be counted on one hand.

We don't know if Chip's car is the one I have been following and even if it is the same car it is still a MCA Gold concours car and SAAC concours Gold car and with an amazingly rare color combo to boot it is certainly a car that should sell for a world record price.

But the car I mentioned is well known in the Ford world to have had the good parts sold off.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

This is exactly the type of info I was hoping people would come forward with in the thread of certified cars that has drug on and on........

Great info, deserves to be shared to protect others.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Hey Les I dont understand the obsession on winning with a car with borrowed parts from another concours car.
Is that like the guy looking over someone's shoulder on exam day and copying his answers and being so proud that he got a A on the test ?? Did he really get an A ?

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif

WE are ALL just curators of these cars for the next owner ! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Rich,
I think my thought process was that I hope to buy the Blue Dots I borrowed from my friend or find some more in the future.

I am making one 69 428 Shaker CV a Thoroughbred and one a driver. Which is a big factor in owning a Thoroughbred the limited amount (if any) of driving.

Most of these Thoroughbreds are restored and never started at all. The MCA allows you to push it from the trailer to it's assigned spot. I disagree strongly with this MCA rule. IMHO they all must be able to be driven.

But the MCAs thought process is that some of the parts are so expensive now that starting a car with a 20K exhaust system and blowing a hole in the muffler when the carb backfires means you may never find another NOS exhaust system. So they are stuck in this quandry right now in that some cars are restored using NOS parts that are also date code correct meaning they are the correct year AND some restorations even have all parts with the correct year and dates built before the car was built for absolute correctness as if it just came off the assembly line. So finding correct parts to meet this obsessive criteria means the parts sometimes are more valuable then the car as a whole. So MCA allows restorers to push their cars at shows and not damage the impossible to find parts. I am not sure how the other makes of cars handle OE type restos?

Does anyone know how the original equipment corvettes are handled and if Chevy and Pontiac guys obsess to this level as the Ford guys do?

And yeah it's like cheating on an exam how do you think I got through school? LOL

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Now that was funny [ And yeah it's like cheating on an exam how do you think I got through school? LOL]

I found out a long time ago that restamp and blank pads go threw the judging process, as if nothing is wrong.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

It happens a lot more than you think. In the Chevy world too. I have borrowed wheels and tires for shows when the original knock off wheels were not finished with restoration. I know of a highly document/ '66 COPO Corvette (bc of interior/exterior color cobination) that has a near NOS off road (under car) exhaust system from a 1967 427/390 Vette. The owner of the '67 wanted some money back from the restoration fees and sold the exhaust system. It still had the original pipes, and even an ink stamp that says "Off Assembly" on the original mufflers. With all hardware and main dressing items like the chrome tail pipes with the mold seem on the bottom, he paid $2500 (and that was 3 years ago). I know of guys that exchange RC15 radiator caps and "VEN-TED" original gas caps for show cars all day long. To me this is NO different than buying an NOS original dual snorkle air cleaner assembly off ebay for $6500 or spending $500 on an original Delco oil filter. So what if the parts were once on a show car or not... same difference... after all when owners are done showcasing the restoration shop's job on the car you would think the owner would want to make it more streetable again... (but thats another thread)...

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Les,

I have been out of town and unable to respond until now.
I think there is both confusion and some mis-information about my car.

First, while the VIN number is the one Mr. Quam mentions, my car was never sold at Russo-Steele.
Second, my car has its original, matching numbers engine. The VIN is on the block, drivers side, just below the head on a rough cast surface.
Third, I also had heard rumors that parts had been removed, but that too is not true. I believe what happened is that Worldwide Musclecars owned my 69 Shelby and a record setting 66 Shelby. It is a fact that there were parts removed from the 66 Shelby before Worlwide picked it up. I would venture that the rumor of parts being removed is a mix up between these two cars. I would also have to wonder what parts one would remove from a 69 Shelby? My tires are still 69 tires, I would have to look again, but I believe all the belts and hoses are still the original Ford NOS stuff. At any rate, since the Russo-Steele comment and wrong engine comment were both incorrect, then I would suggest that this parts missing comment is also wrong.

However Les, I would appreciate you contacting me at the phone numbers below if my information is incorrect. Les, I would like some proof that parts were removed from my car. I would also like the names and phone numbers of the MCA senior judges who you indicated would no longer judge this a thoroughbred car. The reason I would like this information Les, is that I have enough money, time and lawyers to make life miserable for the people who sold me my 69 Shelby if you can provide me proof that my car was not as represented to me when I purchased it, i.e. that it doesn't have its original engine or that parts were scavenged off the car.

I appreciate your help with correcting any mis-information about my car,

Chip Wright
Call anytime and I will be glad to talk about this.
cell 770-365-1872
home 678-305-0756
office 770-956-1225

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Chip,
A 1969 Shelby CV black jade with the VIN number 9F03R482667 sold at Russo and Steel on August 17, 2001 lot number 310 for 103,400 dollars. Mileage according to the auction listing was 21,474 in August of 2001. This transaction can be found on several different websites for your immediate review including RS as well as Sports car Market and others .

If you look up 9F03R482667 in the Shelby registry you might note that the mileage is referenced at 24,000 in 1988. You might also note that the block was replaced according to Shelby records posibly twice.

There are a number of different ways to determine if your car still has it's original parts. One of which is to retain an expert to examine the car for you another is to put the car on a lift and simply get the part numbers and date codes off the parts. Every part on that car will have a date code and part number including the fan belts where the date is embossed onto the belts. As will the exhaust etc.

I have no idea what world wide did or didn't do in regard to your car nor am I making any representation connected to world wide nor was I aware that they removed parts from a 66 as you claim?

Every old muscle car requires generous amounts of time in regard to performing due diligence and research prior to a purchase I have over 30 cars of my own and don't have the extra time to help you with your car. Sorry I have enough projects and parts to round up for next years MCA circuit and will struggle to meet my deadlines.

There are a couple of MCA National shows very close to you next year. I will be there as a judge like I was at the MCA grand national( yes they are scraping the bottom of the barrel when they need me) and I will be bringing cars for the show. I would enjoy meeting you and if you enter your car there will be several senior head judges doing the Thoroughbred class to examine your car for you. If it is still a Thoroughbred it will be awarded as such. The quality of workmenship on the car is outstanding and the car is ultra rare and will always bring a world record price when it sells.

Hope to see you and your fantastic car at an MCA show! I certainly mean't no disrespect toward your car and like I said think it will bring a world record for a 69 Shelby if you decide to sell it. A seller really can't hope for more than a world record I would think when they sell there car.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Benchmark demands that everything be done on the same weekend, Survivor one day and Gold judging the next day.
Judging sheets are good, but you best look and verify all the parts are there. Heck, a correct distributor cap is $300 now. I wouldn't want to get home and remove the distributor shielding only to see a service replacement cap.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

(Mosp)How about what it really comes down to it !! When the car is for sale and has a Gold certificate saying so. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$ or without $$$$$$$$. Not saying this is you Les !!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Les
Just three points. First, the car was at the Barrett Jackson auction, not Russo Steele. I go to both and there is quite a difference. Thus, when you indicated with such certainty that you had been tracking this car for some time and you were so certain about the Russo Steele auction, I just assumed you must have had the car confused with another Shelby.

Second, I did not say that Worldwide removed parts, but that they were removed from a world-beating 66 Shelby before Worldwide took possesion. Worldwide had possesion of both my 69 Shelby and that 66 Shelby at the same time. Thus it seemed reasonable to me that folks had confused which car had parts removed.

Third, I know both the restorer and the gentleman who had my car restored. As I recall, both indicated it was the original drivetrain. This does not mean the Shelby registry is wrong. When the man purchased my car he may have found the original block sitting in the same garage. That happens. I simply don't know, nor can I explain how the VIN got on my engine in the correct spot and on a rough surface unless it is the original engine. However, I will call both tomorrow and report what I am told. I will never knowingly misrepresent a car.

Thanks for your help and guidance. Also, let me ask again, if you have any proof about parts being removed from my car, please let me know. I take such accusations very seriously, because I paid a lot for this car based on certain representations, and I expect those to be true.

Thanks again, I look forward to meetting you and seeing some of your incredible cars.
Chip Wright

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Chip,
The car sold in Monterray on the date I previously discussed and for the amount I discussed. BJ doesn't have an auction in Monterrey(how do you spell that anyway). As I said the transaction from August of 2001 is on several different sights that track auctions and can be viewed immediately. I don't know whether it went to BJ before or after August of 2001 or when it went to world wide. But I also remember the car being sold at Monterray that August as well as having the auction database as a resource.

In regard to the block consider getting the date code off the block and compare it with the cars build date. IMHO you should have the date codes and part numbers for the block,heads,intake,carb,dist.,water pump, plug wires,dist. cap, radiator,exhaust,wheels,on your database for a car of this caliber. Whomever you bought it from should also have this information as well as the person who restored it. IMHO people prepared to pay 375K for the car are going to require this information before they buy the car.

The blocks date code should precede within three months the cars build date. From my experience VIN numbers on the block are only the starting point. Most probative to me is when the block was cast, because cast dates are impossible to replicate. My first inquiry on whether a block is factory original to the car is the cast date, then I look to see if the numbers match. If both check out I am satisfied that either it is original to the car or that someone went to a lot of effort to find a date code correct block and restamp it. In either case I am happy.

The shelby registry is invaluable as a resource and the way I read the history of your car in the registry the block has been replaced under warranty. The 69 SAAC registrar has all the warranty receipts for your car and for a small fee he will copy them and send them to you. You should IMHO also have those copies for a car of this caliber. I think the registars name is Vinny Liska he is a nice guy.

Therefore if you check the casting dates on your car and read the registry and contact the registrar for your warranty information the issue of whether the block is original will be resolved. As will the parts issue.

It was never my intention to disparage you or the car I never implied that you knowingly misrepresented the car. The car could be taken to any show today and win a concours gold and possibly a Thoroughbred and sell for a world record price simply because of what it is and the great quality of the restoration.

All of this is simply the process an owner goes through when selling a high dollar muscle car. Except at BJ where drunken millionaires buy anything that sounds loud and looks shiny and has the word HEMI attached to it somewhere. LOL

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

No disrespect intended to Les, lord knows that my memory isn't what it used to be, (blame it on the medication https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif), but Chip is correct about the auction. This car crossed the block at BJ in 2001, lot #694. http://www.barrett-jackson.com/aucti....asp?id=165843
It sold for $93,960.00. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif
I could find no record of this car on the Russo and Steele website. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif
I would like to find a stock that can appreciate like this.
As for the link that Chip put into his original post in this thread, is this the same car? I'm confused because of the selling price listed on that link.
http://www.atlantamusclecars.com./1969%2...20500%20LMC.htm
This seems to be an awful big jump in price, not that I could buy the car at any of the amounts listed.
I regret that I do have too much time on my hands. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Here it is in Monterey at the RM sale in August, 2001 - sold again at 103k, information found at www.sportscarmarket.com in the auction results listings:


"1969 Shelby GT500 Drag Pack

Car Information
Year: 1969
Marque: Shelby
Model: GT500
Type: Drag Pack
Chassis #: 9Fo3R482667
Engine Cylinders: 8 CYL
HP: 335
Left Hand/Right Hand Drive: LHD
Body Type: Convertible
Exterior Color: dark green
Interior Color: black vinyl
Odometer Shows: 21474
Miles / Kilometers: Miles

Auction Information
Auction Location: Monterey, CA, California, usa
Auction Lot Number: 310
High Bid/Sold Price: $103,400
Sale Status: Sold
Sale Date: 8/17/2001 (View all cars from this auction)
Event Name:
Auction Company: RM Auctions
Auction Data By: Sports Car Market Magazine
Condition Rating: 1-
SCM # 23191
Condition Description: Shelby Drag Pack convertible equipped with a rare list of options including extra heavy duty suspension, tilt steering wheel, 8-track stereo, tinted glass and 4-speed manual transmission. Scored 445 out of 450 at 1999 Shelby Concours.
Market Opinion: The 1960-70 cars were at one time dismissed by Shelby enthusiasts as not being "real" Shelbys. The $100k sale price on this unit will make some 1966 GT 350 owners sit up and take notice. Lots of money, but lots of car. "

Colin

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

RM not RS oops! Sorry I got my R's mixed up.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Les asked me to read the Shelby Registry entry on this car to make sure he was reading it correctly. I have to agree, from the info in the 1997 Registry, #2667 had a new block under warranty at 891 miles on 9/2/69...and then another new block after the #4 rod bearing spun at 6068 miles on 11/20/69.

Just my $.02, from written documented info on record with Ford and SAAC

Colin

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Who has been able to see/identify a complete Shelby vin with the hood installed and engine in the car. Not a very easy task IMO?

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Not at all easy! Plus, I have never seen a complete vin stamped in a CJ block. A few have had the vin on the cylinder head "tab", and one had the last 4 digits of the vin in the valley at the rear of the block, but, very faint.

I'd like to see a picture of #2667's vin on the block for my own education if possible.

Never say never, but judging by the Registry and speaking to past owners, I would have to say the odds of this car having the original motor are not good.

Like Les said, the car will still bring big $, but, I would be concerned about the NOS parts being gone as well. This car has been the subject of rumors for years about it getting stripped of all the "good stuff", making it a Gold car as it sits and not a "Thoroughbred". To get really big $, Chip should have an inspection done by an MCA or SAAC judge to confirm the parts are there, and the present state of the car. IMHO.

Colin

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Pretty crappy that people pass parts around just to win some kind of designation...sounds like a business someone should start...just rent parts to get a car to a certain level...

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Yeah, then they sell the car to someone who thinks it still has Thoroughbread status and it does not. Stinks.
Thank goodness there are guys like Colin around that are honest and know these cars.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Les,
It is interesting to see that my car has struck up such interest. Les, I could not figure out why you kept insisting the car was sold at the Russo Steele Auction. Now I see you have corrected this and said it was an RM auction. I was wondering what I was missing, because at your suggestion Les, I spent an hour on the Russo Steele webb site looking for my car, which obviously was not there.

I spoke to the restorer of my car, who is a well known and respected Shelby restorer and a very fine gentleman. He indicated several things.

First, the engine is not original but a date correct replacement block. Also, at the owners request, he stamped the VIN in the correct place. And yes, it is difficult to find and read. You have to be a three armed Chineese contortionist with good eyesight or reading glasses but it can be done. I will try and take a picture, but I recall being told it was the original drivetrain and had no reason to doubt this when I found this VIN, which unlike Chevys, is somewhat difficult to do while making it look original.

The restorer also indicated that the ownership trail went from the man he restored it for (call him J) to Barrett Jackson, where it was sold to a man from Phoenix. Then Worldwide bought it and then I bought it. This is the ownership trail that I recall. He never mentioned the RM auction, nor have I ever heard that it was sold there. I will try and find out what really happened at the RM auction, maybe the original owner bought it back, I simply don't. I was unsuccessful today, but I will try again tomorrow to contact Worldwide and confirm the ownership trail.

With regard to parts being taken off the car, the restorer assured me that Owner J never removed any parts and sold the car at Barrett Jackson. Les, you said you knew people who had bought parts off this car. Please contact me with information that will allow me to confirm or refute this claim. This is very important, first because I want to sell a car that is as advertised, and second, because I will endeavor to purchase any parts that were sold. Les, is is not enough for you to suggest that I hire some expert to look at the car, due to the fact that you have made a public claim of specific knowledge of people and parts that have been removed. So please, contact me by phone, email, this forum, or PM with whatever specific knowledge you have.

Finally, the restorer also indicated his belief that this car is likely the most original and probably most desireable 69 GT 500 in existence. I agree.

Chip Wright 770-365-1872 or 770-856-1225

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Hmmm..... not sure that Les has much of a burden to make any effort to help document your car/parts. I really shouldn't stick my nose in and give my .02, but the discussion is very important and has actually potentially kept you from quite a bit of grief? I understand your desire for information, and maybe Les will give you specific info......but not when demanded. The "sugar" approach may be more appropriate at this point. And, maybe in private. I doubt anyone is going to give you specific contact info of people who own this caliber of parts. Sorry, I am not taking sides or trying to pick a fight. Just sticking my nose in where it probably doesn't belong.

I feel as though I have to stick up for Les on some level because if we don't, then no one will come forward with this type of info again when someone else is either buying or selling a car. As I posted earlier, it is important that we share this info with each other without fear of being crucified. Les has been correct in many of his claims to this point, and has potentially saved a lot of potential legal headaches for both buyer and seller. Again, sorry just my thoughts.

BTW, Chip you have been an upstanding person to this point given the circumstances. Honestly, good luck with your car and if it was indeed misrepresented to you upon your purchase I hope you get the person who did that to you. Very nice car, I do believe it will and should go for record prices.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

It looks as if Les has done enough already.

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

Hey Racefan,
As the owner of the car in quetion I have no problem with Les correcting my engine info, because I would never knowingly misrepresent a car. Also, even though it is a replacement block, date correct, one has to wonder how many SCJ engines have actually survied in their original cars - I know I would have blown mine up. Obviously, the guy who purchased my car and had the block replced with around 1000 miles did not understand the concept of "break in period."

With regard to the statements by Les that he has specific knowledge of friends buying parts and MCA judges knowing of parts missing, this is another matter. I feel like the preacher who comes home and reads on the front page of the newspaper "Les Has friends Indicating That Preacher Was Seen Drunk At the Appolo Lounge." How does the accussed preacher defend himdelf from that? The most direct and easiest way is to address the specific allegation by contacting the "friends" and see what they actually saw. I have asked Les to contact me by PM, phone, or whatever means and I will try contacting him in private. Furthermore, I will always seek and appreciate guidance about any car I own.

In closing, all I want to do is to ensure the car is as good as it can be, or as good as it was when it was shown and last judged. If that requires me spending money to find NOS parts I will do so, as long as I own the car. But first I need to find out if parts were removed, and Les has indicatd he has specific knowledge that can help me determine that. In the meantime, I would also really like to know what happened between Barrett Jackson and when I bought the car.

Chip Wright 770-365-1872 or 770-956-1225

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

All I am saying is that it is difficult enough to find people that are willing to give this kind of info because they don't want to get in the middle of it. It would be fairly simple to find someone and give them whatever compensation is reasonable to put your car on a lift or whatever it takes to examine the "hard to find" parts of your Shelby and verify. Then, if some of the orignal parts are gone do some searching like the rest of us would have to do to find them. You sound like you are quite "in the know" about Mustangs and Shelbys, I would think you would have some connections that could review your car? There has to be a person like Ed C. for Fords who can look at and verify your car. See, I would have had that done before purchase especially with a high dollar car such as this. But, that is me. Again, I just felt as though I should put in my .02 since I commented and thanked Les for the information. We were just talking about whether or not someone would come forward with this type of info given the opportunity, and this was an example where someone did. That is pretty rare. Most people would have let you continue on with your sale and never let you know. You would not have found out until the lawsuit for misrepresenting the car (and I honestly can tell that you had no intentions of doing that-- you just didn't know). Which, it sounds like you may be able to do from the previous owner?

That is all I'm saying. If you want to view the thread I am talking about, go here https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show.../page/1#170302

Re: Unique Shelby Convertible for sale
 

I think its great that Les has provided the info....