1968 Shelby GT350 VIN 8T02J188430 - 02794
Description prepared by Bill Collins and Chris Bolla on September 1, 2008

AUTHENTICITY: Genuine ’68 GT350 fastback, Shelby serial number 2794. The base vehicle was initially built semi complete by Ford, then delivered to Shelby Automotive for finishing. The Ford VIN was expanded at Shelby by addition of a suffix identifying their sequential build number for this vehicle. The original Ford dash VIN and door warranty tags were retained, supplemented by a Shelby unique VIN plate incorporating the suffix number. This plate is installed on the front driver’s side inner fender in the engine compartment.

All identification tags, including Shelby VIN, build or “body buck”, dash VIN and door warranty are original and present on this vehicle. Although the Ford VIN is believed to be stamped into both the left and right inner fender aprons, only the driver’s side has been physically checked and observed as of when this is written.

The original door warranty tag codes for this car are as follows: Body 63B: Fastback with deluxe interior. Color M: Wimbledon White Trim 5AA: Black comfort-weave vinyl. Date 25C: Scheduled build date of March 25, 1968. DSO 8D2769: Shelby Automotive. Axle 1: 3:89 ratio, Non locking. Trans 5: 4-speed manual.

The build or body buck tag codes are as follows:
328 - Rotation number (this vehicle's place on the assembly line for that particular build)
  13 - Welding bay number
19C - Actual build date (may vary from scheduled dates shown on door tags) March 19, 1968
63B - Fastback body style with deluxe interior
FDS – Fold down (rear) seat
5A  - Interior trim code - black comfort-weave deluxe 
8T02J188430  - Vehicle identification number
M White - Exterior color Wimbledon White - color code M
PS - Power steering
SHELBY - Shelby Automotive
PB - Power brakes
DE - Dual exhaust
IT – Intermittent taillights (sequential turn signals)
TC - Tilt column (steering)
RB – Rear bumperettes
FD - Front disc (brakes)
ST - Standard transmission (4 speed)

The original Ford build sheet has been located, which verifies the car’s color, equipment, trim and build status as a “Shelby Unit”. The factory copy of the original window price label also survives and is with the car. A “Marti Report” has also been secured. This report is sourced from original Ford computer records and likewise verifies this GT350’s color, trim, equipment and Shelby status

This GT350 is listed in the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) World Registry 1997 Edition, pages 885 and 965.

HISTORY: Produced at Ford’s Metuchen, NJ assembly plant on March 20, 1968 and shipped to Shelby Automotive / A. O. Smith in Ionia, Michigan for completion. Completed by Shelby and shipped April 19, 1968 to Robert H. Loud Ford in Pasadena, California. Copies of factory paperwork have been secured. Some of the ownership history is known. There are also various repair and maintenance invoices from 1975 onward, which recite ownership and odometer mileage on an ongoing basis.


Early history is minimal. #2794 was originally sold to Lloyd Miessenburg of Glendora, CA. The original owner’s manual survives with the car and identifies Mr. Miessenburg as the first warranty purchaser. The car later spent time in the Seattle, Washington area and returned to California in the late 1980’s. The last known California owner was Steven W. Back of Truckee, CA.

Chris Bolla of New Hudson, Michigan acquired #2794 in 1999. The car was still in its original factory paint at that time. After driving it for a year, Chris undertook a cosmetic restoration. The car was stripped to a rolling shell and professionally repainted. Various mechanical and appearance items were freshened or enhanced. Original components were retained wherever possible during this process. The detail of this work, performed between 2000 and 2003, is recited in the following sections.

Following completion of the restoration, #2794 was entered into a Mustang Club Of America (MCA) national show. The event was the Stampede To Dearborn II held in 2003. The car placed silver (second place) in the concours driven class. It has continued to win awards in various subsequent events where it has been entered, and always attracts substantial attention at cruise nights or driving around town.

In November of 2003, Ford Motor Company recruited owner Chris Bolla to provide #2794 to a film production company for use in a video being produced to promote the newly redesigned 2005 Mustang. This video was shown at the press preview for the new car at the Detroit Auto Show in January of 2004. #2794 was included in three “Heritage shots”, appearing on Detroit streets where the new Mustang passes by. The final cut of this video was personally approved by Ford CEO Bill Ford, Jr and then styling chief J Mays. A copy of the video, together with a letter of authentication by the production company stating that # 2794 is the car in the film, will be provided to the new owner.

CONFIGURATION/CONDITION: Odometer displays approximate 9,155 miles as of September 1, 2008. Actual mileage is believed to be the 109,155 miles. Title and surviving repair records support this.

The exterior was repainted in 2001 to the original Wimbledon White color using a modern base/clear system. The black interior is original with exception of the carpet and front seat upholstery. The front seat belts have been replaced, but the originals remain with the car. This Shelby was originally built with standard wheel covers, four speed transmission, 3:89 ratio non locking differential, tilt / flip away steering wheel and AM radio.

ENGINE / DRIVELINE: The engine is the 302 original factory installed 302. (“Numbers matching”). The VIN stamping is in place at the proper location on top of the block between the back of the intake manifold and the bell housing. The stamping is poorly done, with only the upper half of the characters readable. It is in the correct font style and type size for this application and reads “8T188430”. The block assembly date is stamped “8B27L” (February 27,1968). The block casting date is not viewable due to interference by the exhaust headers and starter. The cylinder heads are the correct emission style with code “31” castings.

The factory single four barrel induction system has been replaced with a modern reproduction of the Ford factory accessory 3 – 2 barrel system, utilizing three Holley carburetors beneath a plain aluminum oval air cleaner. A more aggressive camshaft has been installed to take advantage of this carburetion setup. The intake manifold is also aluminum, Cobra lettered. The original Cobra lettered aluminum valve covers are in place. The distributor is the original Autolite unit with dual vacuum diaphragm. The engine also retains its complete, functioning, original emission control system. Tubular steel exhaust headers were installed in 1978 and remain in good condition, with new paint. The OEM Style transverse muffler exhaust system was replaced at the same time with a dual muffler system. It remains in good condition and produces a pleasingly aggressive exhaust tone.

The engine was professionally rebuilt in 1983, and has accumulated only about 10,000 miles since. The oil pump was replaced as a precaution during the 2000 restoration and an accessory Cobra lettered aluminum oil pan was added.

The driveline components are believed to all be factory installed original to this vehicle. The transmission tag is RUG-N. The transmission was rebuilt at restoration with new internals costing over $1000. A new Centerforce brand clutch was also installed. The factory shifter mechanism remains in place. The rear axle is the original nine inch unit with the correct 3:89 gear ratio. The center section is the proper nodular style. The differential ID tag properly identifies it as a C8ZX-A unit with an 8CB date code, or second week March, 1968. A Traction Lock locking differential was installed during the restoration in place of the original “open” unit.

Tires are Goodyear Eagle GT raised white letter radials. Although showing minimal tread wear and are smooth driving, the tires are over 20 years old and should be replaced for safest performance. The ten spoke wheels are early 1980’s reproductions. A correctly dated jack is intact, with lug wrench. The spare is mounted on an original ten spoke wheel. These are presently being stored off the vehicle.

Koni shock absorbers are installed all around. These were rebuilt at restoration and greatly enhance the car’s handling qualities. The brake system was refreshed at restoration with a rebuild of the original booster, installation of a new master cylinder and replacement of the various hoses and rubber items. The power steering pump was also rebuilt.

BODY: The exterior paint is of good quality. The finish is even and presents good gloss. A small amount of “orange peel” texture has been purposely left in the finish so as to replicate the factory quality paint.

Overall body integrity is excellent. All body metal is factory original. The factory paint was stripped off in 2001 and revealed no evidence of any rust or accident damage other than a few minor dents. Panel fit, straightness and alignment are all very good, and the opening gaps around the hood, doors and trunk are very even. The floor pans and structural underbody are original and undisturbed except for some minor jacking damage. The underneath of the car is clean and painted black

Windshield, side window and rear glass is all in good condition with no cracks or substantial scratches. All weatherstrip has been replaced. The exterior trim was replaced at restoration and is in new or excellent condition. The fiberglass is all original. All Shelby exterior equipment, unique identification and trim are intact. The grille fog lights are the correct Lucas Square Eight model. The rear taillight turn signal sequencers were replaced at restoration and function properly.

The engine compartment was detailed as part of the restoration and appears as new. Correct reproduction hoses, belts and electrical components are installed, all bearing appropriate OEM style manufacturers’ markings and brands as used in the original production of the vehicle. The Shelby unique export brace is intact. The windshield washer system is intact and operational, with proper molded plastic reservoir. The power steering cooler is in place at the front of the radiator support.

INTERIOR: The interior has an original dash pad in good condition. The dash gauge bezel and other dash trim components are in very good condition. The speedometer / tach are the correct 140mph/8K calibrations. The steering wheel is intact with correct Shelby Cobra center identification plate. There is some wear on the wheel’s woodgrain outer rim. The radio and all gauges and accessories are in working order. The combination tilt and flip-away features on the steering wheel are both functioning properly.

The original Shelby unique console is in place with embossed snake logo armrest. The armrest stitching is separating. The console gauges are the original Stewart – Warner units, properly labeled “oil pressure” and “alternator”. The shifter handle is the correct OEM style with the pull up ring for reverse, and is topped with the proper blue stripe knob. The original radio has been replaced with a vintage AM/8-track tape player unit that is in working order. The original AM radio is also available.

The door panels are in good condition; the attendant armrests are showing some wear, particularly on the driver’s side. The correct metal grilles are in place on the lower door, with integrated courtesy lights. The doorsill plates are in average condition. The fold down seat assembly is intact, operates smoothly, and its chrome trim is in good condition. The rear interior panels are intact and uncut. The roll bar, inertia reels, shoulder harnesses and all seat
belts are in place The rear belts have correct “Shelby Cobra” logos and fronts have belt retractors. The headliner is in good condition.

The trunk interior is painted Wimbledon White to match the exterior. There is a new concours quality burtex type mat. The Shelby unique cardboard tail light protectors are in place. An original Ford accessory power antenna has been installed beneath the left quarter panel. The trunk lid can be remotely opened by an original Ford accessory power release.

OPERATIONAL: This GT350 runs and drives exceptionally well, with strong power. To put it bluntly – It’s fast! Stomping the throttle produces a sudden “Whooomph” as the three carbs open up, followed immediately by a snarl from the exhaust as you get down the road in a hurry! This GT350 will keep up with many stock GT500’s I’ve driven.

The engine is well set up to get the most out of the modifications, but is not overly radical, thus preserving all around drivability as an enjoyable experience. The clutch is a Centerforce brand unit and engages smoothly. The transmission is shifted easily. The rear differential is quiet. Handling and road manners are good with stable steering and suspension. Handling is improved substantially by the addition of the Koni shocks. The car exhibits an overall tight driving “feel”, which is a testament to its high body integrity.

The power assist to the braking is working properly and the car stops straight. The parking brake mechanism operates and holds the car properly. Brake and fuel fluid lines are in good condition, as are the front brake rotors and remainder of the brake system. All brake and power steering hoses were replaced around 2003. No fluid leaks are evident from the engine or any system.

All of the interior and exterior lights, including the sequential rear brake lights/turn signals and four way flashers, are in working order. All accessories, including radio, heater, windshield washers, horns, clock, parking brake warning light and tilt away steering mechanism are in working order. All of the gauges function accurately, including the tachometer and speedometer.


OBSERVATIONS: This is one of the more desirable examples of a ‘68 GT350 fastback, owing to its color and 4-speed transmission. This Shelby is fully sorted out for road duty and is ready to provide a pleasurable driving experience. The documentation and history add to its appeal.

PRICE: $79,500


Description prepared by Bill Collins and Chris Bolla on September 1, 2008