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(click on any picture for a larger view)
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1970 GT500 Convertible VIN 0F03R482519
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Description prepared by Bill Collins in 2002, updated in July 2011
AUTHENTICITY: Genuine ’70 Shelby GT500 convertible serial number 2519. Being a 1970 model, this Shelby was originally built during 1969 model production and assigned 1969 identification. Shelby Automotive later converted it under Federal supervision to 1970 identification. The dash warranty plate is therefore the plain black 1970 style with reverse die stamped characters. The door warranty information is printed on a paper label. The VIN numbers stamped into the inner fender aprons remain 9F03R482519. This GT500 is listed in the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) World Registry 1997 Edition, pages 1105 and 1202.
Ford built the base vehicle to deluxe interior convertible specifications for conversion by Shelby Automotive. The door warranty label codes for this car are as follows: Body 76B – Convertible with deluxe bucket seat interior, Color S4 – Shelby Grabber Yellow, Trim FAA - Black convertible (late production), Axle S – 3:50 Ratio Traction-Lok, Trans 6 – C6 Automatic, DSO 842682 – Shelby Automotive.
A build sheet was discovered beneath the carpet during the restoration process. The sheet could not be detached from the floor pan without destroying it. Photographs were taken of the sheet and all of the data displayed on it have been copied and decoded. The dealer order form and factory copy of the window price label are intact. Other documents include a copy of an April 1, 1970 Shelby Automotive intra-company memo regarding the sale of the vehicle, the bill of sale to Rita Fagan dated July 18, 1970, a Florida 1976 DMV registration certificate, and copies of titles for owners subsequent to Fagan.
HISTORY: Ordered April 8, 1969 by Shelby Automotive for use by the marketing department. Order form is marked “Zone IV May Res 86S100 for Mktg”. Scheduled for build by Ford assembly in Dearborn on May 26, 1969. Completed by Shelby Automotive and delivered on September 23, 1969 to Ray Whitfield Ford in Taylor, Michigan for pre-delivery service. Assigned to Mr. Reynolds at Shelby Automotive in Livonia, Michigan.
Retained by Shelby Automotive until March 31, 1970 when it was sold at cost ($4162.50) to Ford Motor Company. Delivered to Luke Bolton Motor Company in Plantation, Florida. Subsequently sold on July 18, 1970 by King Motor Company (an Oldsmobile dealership) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Rita Fagan of Dania, Florida. It is believed that Rita Fagan was actually nominee for her son, for or by whom the car was actually purchased. The son’s name is unknown. #2519 remained in Florida through at least April of 1976, according to a surviving Florida DMV registration.
By March of 1978, Rita Fagan’s son had relocated to Texas and taken #2519 with him. A Texas safety inspection sticker dated from that time remains on the windshield. The son was subsequently killed in an automobile accident not involving the Shelby. Rita Fagan thereupon had #2519 returned to Florida, and stored it there in the carport of her home for the next twenty years in memory of her son.
Rita Fagan decided in 1998 to sell her late son’s Shelby. An ad was reportedly placed into the local Florida publication. It came to the attention of Robert J. Burnett of Rahway, New Jersey. Barnett contacted Rita Fagan and immediately booked a flight to Florida. Once there, he inspected and purchased # 2519. A New Jersey title was issued to him on November 12, 1998. Burnett subsequently sold the Shelby on April 24, 1999 to Gary M Traverso, then of Channahon, Illinois. It remained in an unrestored state at that time. Traverso immediately initiated a restoration, which was completed by the fall of 1999.
Gary Traverso relocated to Cranberry, New Jersey in 2001. A New Jersey title for # 2519 was issued to him on June 8, 2001. He retained the car until April 15, 2002 when it was sold to Bill Collins Collector Fords. The car was acquired from BC Fords in 2003 by Mason Jones of Kansas.
CONFIGURATION/CONDITION: Odometer displayed 78,300 miles as of 2002, which is believed to be the actual mileage. The exterior was repainted to the original Shelby Grabber Yellow as part of the 1999 restoration. Shelby Grabber yellow was actually a Ford Fleet color and differs from the Grabber Yellow found on the Boss 302. This is one of only seven 1970 GT500 convertibles produced in this color, according to Ford Motor Company records as researched by the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC).
Optional equipment includes Tilt-away steering wheel, AM radio and tinted glass. The engine is the original 428CJ with a casting date of 9E3 (May 3, 1969). The VIN “482519” is stamped into the back of the driver’s side of the block. Original ram air cleaner and snorkel are intact but lack the heat shield and S-tube. Original C9AF-N Holley carburetor with ’70 Shelby rework for manual choke. Original rework Shelby distributor with D0ZF-G engineering number and 9J18 (Sept 18, 1969) production date. The emission control system has been removed.
Original C6 automatic trans with ID tag “PGB-AF1 018275” . Original nodular center traction-lok rear axle with optional 3:50 ratio and 31 spline axles. New reproduction OEM style transverse muffler exhaust system. New Shelby wheels on Goodrich Comp T/A radial tires. All Shelby exterior equipment including fog lights, unique identification and trim is intact.
The condition of this Shelby prior to restoration was complete and essentially sound. Pre-restoration photographs are available. The outer body metal is original except for the taillight panel, which was replaced due to minor rust out, and the lower rear valence. Underbody metal is original except for the outer half of the passenger side front floor pan, which was replaced. Both doors show evidence of some repair to the bottoms of their outer skins. All fiberglass is original. The exterior trim is new except for the front bumper, which is a quality replated original
The engine compartment is moderately detailed. Various enhancements to the under hood detail are being performed, please contact me for an up to date description.
The interior is restored with new dash pad, seat upholstery, door panels and carpet. All gauges and accessories are in working order, including the clock. The glove box door displays Carroll Shelby’s autograph. A new high quality top with glass rear window was installed at restoration, together with a new top boot. The boot bag is original. The top operates smoothly.
The trunk is fully finished and contains the proper inflatable spare tire and inflation canister, jack and handle. A new high quality reproduction mat has been ordered to replace the economy version shown in the photographs.
The car starts readily and runs and drives well. All lights and signals are operational, including the sequential rear taillights. Steering, handling and braking are good. Apart from the usual cowl shake periodically encountered on all big block convertibles, the car has a tight overall feel.
OBSERVATIONS: If you want to be noticed, this “screamin’ yellow zonker” will do it! As one of only seven ’70 GT500 convertibles in this color, exclusivity is assured. This car draws a crowd wherever I park it.
This GT500 is presently undergoing a professional upgrade by a nationally known SAAC/MCA concours judge and authenticator. This will correct various detail shortcomings and workmanship issues of the previous 2002 hobbyist restoration, and bring the car to current standards. The photos depict the car prior to this upgrade, which is ongoing as of August 2011. An updated description will be posted upon its completion.
PRICE – As completed $174,900 |
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