Barrett-Jackson To Auction 1968 Shelby GT350 Convertible To Benefit NTCC Automotive Technology Program For Carroll Shelby Foundation

BARRETT-JACKSON - Carroll Shelby’s grandson, Aaron Shelby, will drive a 1968 Shelby GT350 convertible (Lot #3001) onto the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction block on January 26 to be sold at No Reserve on behalf of the Carroll Shelby Foundation with one hundred percent of the proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program. The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction® will continue its tradition of raising money for charity with the sale of the Shelby at approximately 5:30 PM MST at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

“The Shelby and Barrett-Jackson relationship began with my grandfather, who loved the adrenaline rush of the auction block,” said Aaron Shelby, co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation and board member of Carroll Shelby International. “Over the years, together we’ve raised money for the charity that Carroll founded, unveiled new vehicles and even created an exclusive Barrett-Jackson edition Shelby GT in 2008. I’m excited to help sell this very special car, which will help young adults win the race for life by learning skills to thrive in the auto industry.”

This Continuation series Shelby GT350 was started as an original 1960s era Ford Mustang with factory VIN and original title. Legendary GT transformed the pony car into a Shelby GT350 under an agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing.

“Carroll Shelby was a close friend who spent a great deal of time at Barrett-Jackson,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s an honor to help raise money for his charity by giving someone the opportunity to own this beautiful convertible. I share Carroll’s drive to empower young people with the skills to succeed in the auto industry and look forward to welcoming Aaron Shelby to the auction block for what promises to be an historic moment.”

The convertible was built for and donated to the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program at Northeast Texas Community College by Barry Smith, owner of Legendary GT Continuation Cars. The body is finished in Wimbledon white with all new fiberglass panels including reinforced shock towers and Shelby specific parts. The engine is a 302 Ford small block with a 4-speed top loader manual transmission. New old stock, refurbished, original or remanufactured parts were used including the differential, brake system, suspension, fuel system, cooling and wiring harness.

Final assembly features Shelby unique parts including the original style wheels, tires, convertible top, windshields, side windows, window hardware, dash gauge cluster, console, taillight assembly, fog lights, grille, emblems, seats, carpeting, body seals, roll bar, steering column and bumpers. The car will be listed in the official Shelby Registry.

“Barrett-Jackson created an incredible platform that enables non-profit organizations to raise much needed funds and increase awareness,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We look forward to auctioning this amazing continuation Shelby GT350, which will fund the automotive technology education of a new generation of enthusiasts. It’s an honor for us to help the school that Carroll Shelby so passionately supported.”

One hundred percent of the hammer price will benefit Northeast Texas Community College Foundation by providing scholarships for students enrolled in the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program at NTCC. It is a school that Carroll Shelby supported near his East Texas birthplace.

When the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program enrolled its first class in 2008, Carroll Shelby said, “I want to help young people improve their lives through the industry that has been so good to me. By giving them valuable new skills, they can be proud, productive members of society.”

“We’re excited that Barrett-Jackson agreed to auction the Shelby gifted to us by Barry Smith and Legendary GT,” said Jon McCullough Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Northeast Texas Community College. “This beautiful car will help fuel studies by students who want a career in the automotive industry. Carroll Shelby would have been 101 years old in 2024. We’re continuing his rich legacy by teaming with Barrett-Jackson to raise money for the automotive technology program he approved.”

Located at the Northeast Texas Community College, the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center offers young people an opportunity to learn valuable skills in the automotive field.  The intensive, hands-on curriculum in a state-of-the-art facility is designed to train mechanics to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Current programs include the AAS degrees in Automotive Repair, a certificate in Auto Body Repair and a Diesel program.

Collectors interested in registering to bid on the Shelby GT350 and the entire Scottsdale Auction docket may do so here.

Hilton & Moss introduces an exceptionally rare-breed 1966 Shelby GT350 to its classic and prestige vehicle sales stable

THE HILTON GROUP - Hilton & Moss, the world-class specialists in the sales and servicing of classic and prestige vehicles, bring an octane-fuelled injection of race-primed muscle to their sales showroom with a stunning 1966 example of the Shelby GT350.

 

Fully converted from road-ruling muscle car to pure-blooded racer, this Shelby GT350 was created in the same year as Ford’s legendary win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans against the might of Ferrari – bringing the spirit, speed and sound of Carroll Shelby’s history-making racers from the track to the open road.

 

The ‘Candy Apple Red’ Shelby GT350 acquired by Hilton & Moss exudes a race-ready presence, proudly honouring the monumental achievement of its cousins at the Circuit de la Sarthe with its imposing ‘Le Mans’ stripes.

 

The impressive exterior only offers a small hint of its racing pedigree, however – upholding a particularly rare status as one of only 12 examples produced in 1966 that competed during the period, and making it a truly worthy standard-bearer for carrying Carroll Shelby’s name.

Destined from the start-line for racing, the Shelby GT350 was delivered from the Shelby team’s seasoned hands to Hayward Motors California, where it was prepared from the wheels-up to comprehensive racing specification.

Sold to a Mr Arthur Flores competing in SCCA California, Hayward Motors California supported Mr Flores with the Shelby GT350’s first racing venture, going on to compete extensively at Riverside and Laguna Seca until 1975.

Upholding its racing-inspired heritage, the Shelby GT350 continued to compete at top-flight circuits from Road Atlanta and Sebring, to Palm Beach and Watkins Glen. Following a meticulous restoration, it maintained its racing credentials in the hands of Mr James K Dobbs, a well-known collector, who competed in the storied example at Road Atlanta in 1985 and 1986.

The fourth owner ran the vehicle at the SAAC-19 1994, before transforming its eye-catching red paintwork to the iconic Wimbledon White synonymous with the ’65 generation of Shelby GT350s.

Receiving a full restoration in 1996 at the hands of Liebenberg and Kenworthy, the Shelby GT350 regained its head-turning red and white lustre, opening the next chapter of its journey in the UK in the careful storage of its new owner, who cherished the vehicle until its sale by RM Sotheby’s in 2017.

Undergoing a comprehensive mechanical rework in March 2022 worth over £8,300, the Mustang is fully primed and ready to roar onto the open road – proudly carrying its sporting heritage and the mantle of Carroll Shelby’s track-to-road philosophy.

 

The Hilton Group Founder, Peter Hilton, said: “Carroll Shelby’s achievements on the racetrack and the open road are part of a story every true petrolhead can fall in love with; it’s a tale of hard graft, passion for speed and performance, and giving normal drivers the opportunity to experience the world of motorsport. Offering someone the chance to experience that story with our Shelby GT350 is a truly exciting prospect, and we look forward to facilitating the next chapter of this amazing vehicle’s journey.”

 

Additional detail on the Shelby GT350 can be found on the listing page here, with further information on the Hilton & Moss business available here.