https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0522-503027/1968-shelby-gt500kr-convertible/
" Original born with drivetrain (engine, transmission, heads, rear end)
Matching numbers 428 CI Cobra Jet V-8 engine
Matching numbers 4-speed manual transmission"
There was only car that meets the auction description, sent to JD Ball. Shelby # 4084
Here is # 4084 in 1997. That's a 302 2 barrel engine. The original engine had not been seen for decades when this photograph was taken.
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-280322171515.jpeg)
The original transmission was also missing. The car had and automatic.
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-280322171541.png)
...and the rear axle was a 28 spline. So, I can't wait to hear this story!
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-280322174809.jpeg)
Just so there is no confusion. Here is the VIN
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-280322174750.png)
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 28, 2022, 05:20:31 PM
...and the rear axle was a 28 spline. So, I can't wait to hear this story!
Inspector Clouseau, why would it have only 28 spline axles? So it wasn't even originally red either?
It was originally a red, 4spd, AC convertible. That's a very desirable 1 of 9 in that combo and probably one of the more desirable 1968s
Unfortunately in 1997, it had the original driveline missing and a least six bad paint jobs.
Good job Pete....
Pete you should contact Mecum. They have been very good about pulling cars based on the documentation - you just need to email them.
It has been done. I don't think they need to pull it out, just change the description.
Thanks for setting the record straight.History matters.
Good job pete.
Yes, good sleuthing, Pete.
Obviously "born with" has different meaning to different people/auction houses.
So: Was it even "born as" a Shelby?
As stated above the car is an original red 4spd AC convertible Shelby. The numbers and tags are correct based on my experience.
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 06:01:29 AM
As stated above the car is an original red 4spd AC convertible Shelby. The numbers and tags are correct based on my experience.
So Rick Parker did the resto. Being in that he has a wealth of experience with Mustangs is it possible the original engine and trans were found? It is possible(could never prove the rear end though). They should of had numbers on them as we all know. It reminds me of my friends numbers matching 4K mile 69 Boss 302. Was a drag car before the 4th owner restored it. An uncut drag car. Second owner blew up the original engine. Needed a sleeve. He put a different block in it. During the resto the 4th owner who had a list of all prior owners and found the original block still with the second owner. He got it sleeved and the car is now matching numbers. Almost the same scenario with another friend's 66 K-code SJ Coupe. The original engine was found with a prior owner but looked really rough rust wise from sitting. My friend sold the car with a 331 stroker in it along with the original block. BTS65Shelby verified when I sent him the vin that it is a real 66 stamp for a SJ car so not a restamp.
So I'd say there should be some proof the original drivetrain was found and how it was found.
I am not accusing anyone but, I would say the odds of winning the powerball are probably greater.
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 09:36:49 AM
I am not accusing anyone but, I would say the odds of winning the powerball are probably greater.
Well I know of 2 cars that the original engine found it's way back to the car. I agree the odds are not good but not powerball odds. It gets down to now prove how you found the engine and trans to prove they are indeed original. I am also suspect of it happening because the odds are not good. Documentation is the key or it just another restamped car. Any serious buyer should contact Rick Parker for details.
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on March 29, 2022, 09:48:33 AM
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 09:36:49 AM
I am not accusing anyone but, I would say the odds of winning the powerball are probably greater.
Well I know of 2 cars that the original engine found it's way back to the car. I agree the odds are not good but not powerball odds. It gets down to now prove how you found the engine and trans to prove they are indeed original. I am also suspect of it happening because the odds are not good. Documentation is the key or it just another restamped car. Any serious buyer should contact Rick Parker for details.
It could happen
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 09:36:49 AM
I am not accusing anyone but, I would say the odds of winning the powerball are probably greater.
Maybe better? Especially with only partials on the significant s.
The way I look at these cars are the purpose of them. My 69 SCJ 4 speed non PS Mach1 had a purpose and that was drag racing. The original engine is gone. So in that case likely a rod through the block or something that made the block go bye bye. Now on a CJ 4 speed air vert with 3.00 gears I wouldn't expect this car to get a rod through the block. Maybe some older than me(and i'm old LOL) can shed light on people pulling BBs out of their cars during the gas crisis of the 70s and putting in more fuel efficient engines. So if this happened to be one of those then possibly the original engine and trans survived. I say this because of the combo. The trans and engine both being destroyed to warrant a SB and auto would be long odds also(seen enough replacement 390s and such in 428 cars back in the 70s/80s). Again, there has to be a back drop story that needs to be found as how the original drivetrain got back into this car when it wasn't in it in the 90s.
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 09:36:49 AM
I am not accusing anyone but, I would say the odds of winning the powerball are probably greater.
I did sell a Boss 429 once without a engine.
Coral with white interior. Very rare.....Maybe one of 11 I think...
And the buyer found the original engine...
I own 67 GT 350 # 11...
It's original engine was found years later at a swap meet.
Imagine that...
So it could happen...
But the odds are not with you....
Just my .02
Like I said in post 3 : I would love to hear the story. Especially in light of the fact the original and previous owners were not known prior to 1987.
I also make a distinction between finding a stamped block and an entire, original, numbers matching drivetrain.
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 11:10:14 AM
Like I said in post 3 : I would love to hear the story. Especially in light of the fact the original and previous owners were not known.
+1
If there isn't some sort of a "paper trail" it's all hearsay,so...
car is from a high end Ford collector.....THE DR. J. CHRISTIAN AND JENNIFER MCCARTER COLLECTION....has several cars going thru the auction....couple Cobras, B429 etc....
wonder if he knows the cars past history.....
The Ford guys have been a little slow on the subject of "Restored" engine executions in the overall restoration of a vehicle; one should reference the Corvette crowd, as they're down to studying the striations in the surfaces left from the O.E.'s original machining of the block's deck surface where the numbers are stamped, this as the 'fakers' (I mean "Restorers" ::) ) have acquired the ability to create ideal representations of the original O.E.'s stampings but still working on duplicating the factory machining marks! :o
And shazam!............it's "ALL MATCHING"! ::)
Scott.
Mecum has revised the listing. It now excludes the "born with drivetrain" statement.
The casting date photos were posted and they pre-date the build of the car.
QuoteThe Ford guys have been a little slow on the subject of "Restored" engine executions in the overall restoration of a vehicle; one should reference the Corvette crowd, as they're down to studying the striations in the surfaces left from the O.E.'s original machining of the block's deck surface where the numbers are stamped, this as the 'fakers' (I mean "Restorers" ::) ) have acquired the ability to create ideal representations of the original O.E.'s stampings but still working on duplicating the factory machining marks!
Exactly why without extensive history, I don't put a lot stock in the statement "numbers matching" Especially on the Fords.
There will always be the doubters and naysayers. A few years ago I offered up the ORIGINAL drivetrain to my 66 GT 350 on here to find, at the time the current owner... He said he wasnt interested and thats just the way it goes sometimes. A very prominent collector purchased it and installed it in another 66 that needed the heart transplant. All parties were happy. Back story was I removed it installed a much more powerful Boss 302 in and stored the engine under my bench for many Years. They are out there I know of a few that should be mated back together but probably never will because a few feel its not worth it. I have to laugh looking back at the story... people scoffed and said the engine was painted black, ran a Fram filter, and ran a dual quad Cobra intake OH what I bet he feels about it now.
Quote from: Coralsnake on March 29, 2022, 01:21:33 PM
Mecum has revised the listing. It now excludes the "born with drivetrain" statement.
The casting date photos were posted and they pre-date the build of the car.
At-a-boy, Pete; thumbs up!
Quote from: 427heaven on March 29, 2022, 01:43:06 PM
There will always be the doubters and naysayers. A few years ago I offered up the ORIGINAL drivetrain to my 66 GT 350 on here to find, at the time the current owner... He said he wasnt interested and thats just the way it goes sometimes. A very prominent collector purchased it and installed it in another 66 that needed the heart transplant. All parties were happy. Back story was I removed it installed a much more powerful Boss 302 in and stored the engine under my bench for many Years. They are out there I know of a few that should be mated back together but probably never will because a few feel its not worth it. I have to laugh looking back at the story... people scoffed and said the engine was painted black, ran a Fram filter, and ran a dual quad Cobra intake OH what I bet he feels about it now.
That was a very gracious gesture on your part