SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1968 Shelby GT350/500/500KR => Topic started by: deathsled on October 19, 2025, 09:31:56 PM

Title: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: deathsled on October 19, 2025, 09:31:56 PM
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQAYv-0kSmT/?igsh=MTR4ZXRsNG9pcHN4NA==

Yes, it's Instagram but there is no other media reporting it. (For anyone thinking to assert that I somehow invaded privacy, allow me to preempt you right now. This Instagram account is a public posting with over 2,993 followers and 3,000 plus posts.)  There is some way to log on if one does not have an account.
"Directly search for a public profile: Open a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) and type instagram.com/username, replacing "username" with the person's actual username. This works for public profiles but may be blocked if you scroll too much."

To sum it up, some guy in plastic sandals and a long beard ran a stop sign thereby striking the Shelby who did not, in fact, have a stop sign or any other traffic control device at that intersection.

 Hoping the owner and his wife recover fully from their injuries.

As a further addendum, the car is described as #1759 a matching numbers 1 of 402 made in 1968 and 1 of 18 with dealer ordered options as described in the Instagram post.  Maybe it can be saved.  I don't know.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: tesgt350 on October 20, 2025, 07:22:42 AM
Yes, easy fix.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Coralsnake on October 20, 2025, 07:46:13 AM
I wouldnt say "easy"
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on October 20, 2025, 08:35:14 AM
the belongs to our friend and neighbors, it belongs to his wife, he has a later model Mustang. We had planned to go together to the Rockville Classic Car show and this happened on the way home. I didn't go because of an issue with my car. He had recommended to me to get an in car video camera several years ago and I did based  upon his recommendation.  The quickness of the accident gave him almost no time to react. They say that they are OK but I can't imagine that they aren't a lot more injured then they initially thought.
I hope the car isn't totaled as it is a great car and they love driving it and showing it. They usually drive in many of the National Parades in Washington DC
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Coralsnake on October 20, 2025, 08:41:03 AM
Well there is easily $100k there in damages...
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: FL SAAC on October 20, 2025, 09:28:06 AM
A sad state of affairs

Hopefully all involved are well
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Krelboyne on October 20, 2025, 09:50:26 AM
Quote from: Coralsnake on October 20, 2025, 08:41:03 AMWell there is easily $100k there in damages...

Including, or not including DV? Diminished value.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Coralsnake on October 20, 2025, 10:23:09 AM
Im not an insurance agent 🙄 

Parts and labor to fix the damage I can see. If the frame is damaged a lot more
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Bill on October 20, 2025, 10:49:56 AM
Our prayers go out to both of them. The car can be repaired/replaced, their lives cannot.


Bill & family
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: roddster on October 20, 2025, 11:13:21 AM
I know that was a front hit and spin. But this is why I have rear view mirror paranoia.
 Hope for speedy recovery for the driver, passenger, and the car.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: deathsled on October 20, 2025, 12:08:41 PM
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on October 20, 2025, 08:35:14 AMthe belongs to our friend and neighbors, it belongs to his wife, he has a later model Mustang. We had planned to go together to the Rockville Classic Car show and this happened on the way home. I didn't go because of an issue with my car. He had recommended to me to get an in car video camera several years ago and I did based  upon his recommendation.  The quickness of the accident gave him almost no time to react. They say that they are OK but I can't imagine that they aren't a lot more injured then they initially thought.
I hope the car isn't totaled as it is a great car and they love driving it and showing it. They usually drive in many of the National Parades in Washington DC
As a suggestion, tell your friends to follow up medically. Brain bleeds are a thing and one might think they are okay when in fact they are not. Look at Ace Frehley of the group Kiss. Also, I had a friend who had a closed head injury for over a month and he went in after complaining of headaches and a brain bleed was shown on the scan. He had to undergo immediate surgery to drain it. He was same age as me, 62. What one easily can survive and walk it off at 20 years of age is sometimes not so survivable at 60, 70 or 80 unless you get fully examined.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Corey Bowcutt on October 20, 2025, 12:31:12 PM
Oh no!!! That is Dave and his wife.  That is so horrible.  Those two have more fun with their cars than any other human beings.  Very fun couple.  They are in my prayers.

Corey
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Road Reptile on October 20, 2025, 02:35:15 PM
WOW !!
That is not pleasant to view. Can't imagine the emotional shock and loss they must feel, and also agree they need to follow up with the medical folks sooner than later.
The car looks like it absorbed quite a bit....and entire left side is badly hurt.
Will take a much more detailed look to really know the full impact.
Please know thoughts and prayers are with you both.
R.R.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Coralsnake on October 20, 2025, 07:07:41 PM
Just watched this video

Terrible, best wishes to them both.

Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: propayne on October 20, 2025, 08:38:50 PM
This is very upsetting. Something we all dread may happen every time we head out in our old cars to a show or cruise-in.

To have that car repaired by a qualified expert will be incredibly expensive.

Best of luck to the owners...

- Phillip
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Kent on October 21, 2025, 03:39:32 AM
Prayers send out that everybody is ok. It looks brutal.

The damage is easily way over 100.000k I would say if you make it right more close to 175.000-200.000$ depending on which parts are damaged. I had a similar repair going on here on a 68 GT350 and the front end in original/ NOS or perfect repros was really hard to find and very expensive. It good that the car has a roll cage if you see the pictures it helped.

Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: chipsdad56 on October 21, 2025, 08:35:21 AM
So sorry to see this news and for the two people that enjoyed their car so much.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: rhjanes on October 21, 2025, 10:11:02 AM
Very Sorry this happened.
Hope the occupants are OK.  I'd suggest getting an accident attorney and get a complete physical.   All four corners of the car appear to have damage.  Ouch. 
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: deathsled on October 21, 2025, 12:09:58 PM
Quote from: rhjanes on October 21, 2025, 10:11:02 AMVery Sorry this happened.
Hope the occupants are OK.  I'd suggest getting an accident attorney and get a complete physical.   All four corners of the car appear to have damage.  Ouch. 
Agreed.  It would not be surprising if the putative defendant had no insurance. (He certainly drives like it.)  Then it becomes an uninsured motorist claim against their own carrier.  Get a lawyer onboard asap I say.  Statutes of limitation vary from state to state.  There may also be limitations for filing an uninsured motorist claim.  Beware.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: fstbck2664 on October 22, 2025, 01:12:16 PM
What a sickening sight. I spoke with Dave and Kathleen for quite a while at Carlisle about the accident mine was in. Great great people. I hope they fully recover quickly and something can be done with the car. It's a beautiful one.

Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: MustangDave302 on October 22, 2025, 02:27:35 PM
Hey, everyone, thanks for the thoughts, Prayers, kind words, and positive advice. This is a much safer space than IG for comments. As much as we love this car, it's a miracle we are alive, and I would trade for this outcome every time.  I am so happy we are not in worse shape. I've been in a few accidents and even died from one only to come back.  This was the first time I thought it was going to end instantly. I literally had a half-second notice before the car came into view, blowing the stop sign and hitting us at 40-50 mph never hitting the brakes.  We're bruised up pretty bad, but I am hopeful we will heal. It's hard to move around or sleep, but we are alive.  I consider us the luckiest Unlucky people you will ever meet. Meeting everyone and making friends with everyone in the Shelby community over the last 5 years has been awesome. Sharing stories, knowledge, and advice has been amazing. We loved learning about everything and enjoyed the endless scavenger hunt for hard-to-find vintage Shelby stuff.  I have good insurance (Hagerty) and the car is insured with an agreed guaranteed value.  It is getting evaluated at the shop now. I plan on getting additional specialists for evaluations before I decide what direction to go. I want to try to stay positive. My IG name is Mustang_Dave302 Feel free to follow or contact me on IG.  We can take bets or find out together who will heal quicker,  My Wife, myself or the car. I am happy to share details and hear advice.  I might be reaching out for info and leads for original replacement parts. This car was special to us, we spent 3 years looking for it.  I found 1759 and surprised my wife with it for our 23rd wedding anniversary.  We were celebrating our 28th with a cruise and a car show when this happened. Besides not hooking up with Steve McDonald and his wife, it was the perfect day up to this point.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Coralsnake on October 22, 2025, 02:50:28 PM
Dave,

Glad you are ok.

Already sent you a link for a forum member that has some fiberglass. Grab it while you can. You can always sell it or upgrade as you go. Some of those pieces will be a challenge
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: greekz on October 22, 2025, 03:17:30 PM
Wishing you and your wife a speedy recovery.

Greek
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: MustangDave302 on October 23, 2025, 04:23:58 PM
Quote from: Coralsnake on October 22, 2025, 02:50:28 PMDave,

Glad you are ok.

Already sent you a link for a forum member that has some fiberglass. Grab it while you can. You can always sell it or upgrade as you go. Some of those pieces will be a challenge

Got it and got it.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on October 23, 2025, 06:47:14 PM
Quote from: MustangDave302 on October 22, 2025, 02:27:35 PMHey, everyone, thanks for the thoughts, Prayers, kind words, and positive advice. This is a much safer space than IG for comments. As much as we love this car, it's a miracle we are alive, and I would trade for this outcome every time.  I am so happy we are not in worse shape. I've been in a few accidents and even died from one only to come back.  This was the first time I thought it was going to end instantly. I literally had a half-second notice before the car came into view, blowing the stop sign and hitting us at 40-50 mph never hitting the brakes.  We're bruised up pretty bad, but I am hopeful we will heal. It's hard to move around or sleep, but we are alive.  I consider us the luckiest Unlucky people you will ever meet. Meeting everyone and making friends with everyone in the Shelby community over the last 5 years has been awesome. Sharing stories, knowledge, and advice has been amazing. We loved learning about everything and enjoyed the endless scavenger hunt for hard-to-find vintage Shelby stuff.  I have good insurance (Hagerty) and the car is insured with an agreed guaranteed value.  It is getting evaluated at the shop now. I plan on getting additional specialists for evaluations before I decide what direction to go. I want to try to stay positive. My IG name is Mustang_Dave302 Feel free to follow or contact me on IG.  We can take bets or find out together who will heal quicker,  My Wife, myself or the car. I am happy to share details and hear advice.  I might be reaching out for info and leads for original replacement parts. This car was special to us, we spent 3 years looking for it.  I found 1759 and surprised my wife with it for our 23rd wedding anniversary.  We were celebrating our 28th with a cruise and a car show when this happened. Besides not hooking up with Steve McDonald and his wife, it was the perfect day up to this point.

So if you'd hooked with Dorrie and me the day would have been worse?  ;D
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Kent on October 26, 2025, 04:35:46 AM
Very nice to hear that under the circumstances everything is ok with both of you. I like your way to look forward. Thats a very good thing. I wish you all the best.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Coralsnake on October 26, 2025, 06:25:17 AM
Heres a piece you dont see often

And it will take a day of prep to be reused

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/204162488415?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D264184%26meid%3D269b84455f994aa99f6f0d1881c6e7d8%26pid%3D101429%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D286674357016%26itm%3D204162488415%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithRevOptLambda85KnnRecallV1FitmentPromotionM2CPCAutoManual%26brand%3DFord&_trksid=p2332490.c101429.m2460&itmprp=cksum%3A204162488415269b84455f994aa99f6f0d1881c6e7d8%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABQKxsCgy5i7ztWhjg%252FVuODCCxEiVC4hAKb3EhmC7TdtsQYCngvZ4CNrrT4NKSB8OSoKf8V1KFOBsw4QmfcpuOAGlLcEpuGRX1BovJO7c%252B%252Bez%252FDLiN8Pt5nLeXcAdeUKqmYxcNk%252BNm7aXCP6NnAhAq%252FQK6sr5hia5nYSFPVOCz7nJM01g5GSkIim5qFowK2ALYYOAFq1XFnBDICBe7v8lLMohmSKrqfw7Xtk9aNiGuqA53qD1MrcVjWiStds0PkfhU0zeqAw%252BTQPDsFxAuox0pyORpqQJmYpxNkpEPaLFMFlU2zl0BJbhTtzvxUFIMoxoaN9HRhDAxIRqg%252FZY60Y2AvMsHKKM5%252FjXJgZqLfX7Oq8TvkYPNzFPl4SbaSfVQPUwonNueSmXzEA4cXEOP0FagkpnJVN%252BfqTXRXDGVagPcov1H%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01K8G0MG5C8BPWEE95CTVQ8WHV
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 26, 2025, 12:21:20 PM
Quote from: Coralsnake on October 26, 2025, 06:25:17 AMHeres a piece you dont see often

And it will take a day of prep to be reused

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/204162488415
And a early marker light version at that.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Krelboyne on October 26, 2025, 05:09:26 PM
Can answer questions on that quarter panel. It is being sold by West Coast Classic Cougar.
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Special Ed on October 27, 2025, 10:45:53 AM
I got a original lh rustfree fender if needed as its my last 68 metal i got here but got mostly 69 now
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: Special Ed on October 28, 2025, 07:04:36 PM
got a pair 68 nice fenders
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: MustangDave302 on October 29, 2025, 10:47:57 AM
Quote from: Coralsnake on October 26, 2025, 06:25:17 AMHeres a piece you dont see often

And it will take a day of prep to be reused

Thanks
Title: Re: Disaster strikes owner of 68 G.T. 500 convertible
Post by: MustangDave302 on November 16, 2025, 01:05:50 PM
Quote from: Krelboyne on October 26, 2025, 05:09:26 PMCan answer questions on that quarter panel. It is being sold by West Coast Classic Cougar.
Quote from: Krelboyne on October 26, 2025, 05:09:26 PMCan answer questions on that quarter panel. It is being sold by West Coast Classic Cougar.

You wouldn't happen to have a drivers side qtr?