Ford’s second redesign of the Mustang provided Carroll Shelby and his team with the opportunity to blend luxury and performance seamlessly. Drawing inspiration from the new V-8, the alterations commenced at the firewall with the creation of a fiberglass front end. Extending the fenders and hood forward aimed to slice through the air, while relocating fog lights below the bumper enhanced cooling.
To enhance cornering rotation, the trunk lid and tail panel were shortened, shifting the center of downforce closer to the car’s center of gravity for increased stability at high speeds. A striking side stripe connects both ends, rising in anticipation of a flawless launch.
Under the hood of the 1969 Shelby GT350 lies the potent 351 CI Windsor V-8, enabling impressive launches. The Windsor, boasting a rating of 290 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque, is equipped with a correct Cobra dress-up kit and Ram Air induction. Featuring a 4-inch bore and 3.5-inch stroke, the Windsor is eager to rev, and in this GT350, the optional close-ratio, 4-speed Toploader transmission ensures the car stays in the powerband, complemented by a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear for comfortable highway cruising.
This engine was also available for the standard 1969 Mustang, which offered options like SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic, air conditioning, tinted glass, a tilt steering wheel, and a choice between AM or AM/FM radios and a tape player. Production for 1969 included 1,085 coupes and 194 convertibles.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
