Shelby GT500 Convertible – A Timeless American Muscle Icon

Power Legacy - Some cars are just machines. Others are stories on wheels — carrying history, engineering ambition, and a touch of myth every time the engine turns over. The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible belongs to that rare second category. Born during the height of the American muscle car era, it wasn’t just another Mustang with extra horsepower; it was Carroll Shelby’s statement that style and speed could coexist in one uncompromising package. And today, over five decades later, this Lime Gold icon still turns heads and sparks conversations wherever it appears.

The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible born during the height of the American muscle car era, it wasn’t just another Mustang with extra horsepower; it was Carroll Shelby’s statement that style and speed could coexist in one uncompromising package. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

One of only 402 GT500 convertibles built in 1968, this particular car had a life that combined everyday road use with a series of careful restorations to keep it true to its original spirit. Delivered new by Carey Paul Ford in Decatur, Georgia, it later underwent a full refurbishment before passing into the hands of its current owner. In 2021, its heart — a 428 cubic-inch V8 — was rebuilt with precision work that included custom pistons, a Crower camshaft, and reconditioned internals, ensuring the car not only looks like it belongs in a museum but also performs with the authority Shelby intended. The power routes through a C6 three-speed automatic to a 3.50:1 rear end, a setup that blends raw torque with relaxed cruising.

The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible wore Lime Gold paint — one of only 197 convertibles finished in that color — accented now by white rocker panel stripes. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Visually, this GT500 strikes a perfect balance between elegance and aggression. From the factory, it wore Lime Gold paint — one of only 197 convertibles finished in that color — accented now by white rocker panel stripes. The black soft top is a replacement but keeps the period-correct appearance. Shelby’s signature styling upgrades are all here: the fiberglass front clip, quarter panel extensions, side scoops, deck lid spoiler, and those unmistakable Thunderbird-sourced sequential taillights. 

The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible features black vinyl bucket seats, a contoured rear bench, and center armrest for a cozy cabin, accented with woodgrain trim, Stewart-Warner gauges, lap belts with shoulder harnesses, and an AM radio that reflect both its racing pedigree and classic era charm. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Beneath the skin, the GT500 carried a revised suspension with heavy-duty coil springs and an anti-roll bar up front, complemented by sturdy leaf springs at the rear, all working with power steering and front disc brakes for better control than the average late-’60s pony car. 

The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible powered by a 428 cubic-inch V8 — was rebuilt with precision work that included custom pistons, a Crower camshaft, and reconditioned internals, ensuring the car not only looks like it belongs in a museum but also performs with the authority Shelby intended. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Rolling on 15-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, it’s a car that looks ready to pounce. Inside, the black vinyl bucket seats, contoured rear bench, and center armrest give the cabin a snug but comfortable feel. Woodgrain trim and Stewart-Warner instrumentation hint at its racing pedigree, while details like the lap belts with front shoulder harnesses and AM radio keep it grounded in its era. Even the factory roll bar remains in place, a subtle reminder that this convertible wasn’t built solely for Sunday drives.

The 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible retains its factory roll bar, subtly reminding that it was engineered for more than just leisurely Sunday drives. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Its trophy case speaks for itself — three Concours Gold awards from Shelby and Mustang events prove the quality of its restoration and upkeep. But perhaps more than the accolades, it’s the way this GT500 connects past and present that makes it special. The sound of its rebuilt V8, the tactile click of the classic shifter, the sweep of the 140-mph speedometer — all are sensory links to a time when performance cars were as much about personality as they were about numbers. | 3WnovSRE5ew |

More than fifty years after it left the factory, this 1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible stands as a rolling reminder of Carroll Shelby’s vision: take a great car, push it further, and never apologize for making it beautiful. It’s not just preserved history — it’s living history, still ready to leave a trail of rubber and smiles in its wake. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRINGATRAILER | VIVIDCLOUDOFWAR IN X ]

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