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Here's my .02 cents for what it's worth...... Last July I bought a '69 GT500 after a year long search. During that time I looked at quite a few cars and did a lot of research. It's best to be prepared when an opportunity presents itself. Learn what is correct, date codes, part numbers,  have a registry-read the history of the car, have an expert lined up that can help you. know what missing parts are going for so you can figure that into the value. Really think about what you want with condition, options and know your limits on what you can do on your own and what it will cost for someone to fix on the car. Personally I avoid auctions and BAT. Why pay a 5-10% premium for the privilege of buying a car. Also there is the paper trail that goes to DMV for the added cost of registration and tax. A private sale on a 55 year old auto is much easier. I never really look at my cars as an investment, we never really know where the market will go. But going in well educated and avoiding all the extra hidden costs of commissions, buyer premiums, transportation, missing parts makes it easier to try and sell if you ever decide to do so.

Yes, this is exactly my thinking. Been working on this for about 6 months, talked with a lot of people, looked at 4 cars so far and gotten a LOT of help. Thanks!

Anyone remember when KR convertibles routinely sold for $350k and then dropped to $150k?

Or how about the guy that bought the car on BaT for a $100k and just sold it for $80k Warms my heart

Pete knows what he is talking about and Jeff does too. These cars are a terrible "investment" for the uninformed. If you know these cars and live and breathe them stuff can and will go wrong. Be sure you know what you are getting into before you do.

Yes

Anyone remember when KR convertibles routinely sold for $350k and then dropped to $150k?

Or how about the guy that bought the car on BaT for a $100k and just sold it for $80k Warms my heart

Indeed!

I'm torn. What do you all think? Do you see the 69 or the 70 as a better investment? I'm looking to buy either a 69 or 70, looked at 4 so far, I can see the minor differences between the 69 and 70, but is there a difference in long term value? I'm looking for one in red, calypso coral or grabber blue, anybody have one for sale? Let me know...

If you did not realize, there is a classified section here on the forum, specifically a wanted subforum:
https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?board=51.0

To get your wants and needs met, I suggest you stop and think, then write your ad so that others know exactly what you are looking for. GT350/GT500, fastback/convertible, options like AC, etc and so forth. The right car to meet you wants and needs is out there, it just needs to find you, and vice versa.

As for investment purposes, I'd suggest dropping that idea from the process, the car is not always an investment, and the market will fluctuate up and down over time. Instead, focus on the joy of having your wants and needs fulfilled and treat the car as the toy that it is. However, as Jeff has already stated, and as someone who has been on both sides of the spectrum, buy the best that you can afford. Finally, regardless of which direction your go, make certain that you get a pre-purchase inspection, no matter who you buy from.
If on facebook, there is a group specifically for the "1969-1970 Shelbys" that has a few active sellers.

Best of luck with your search, sometimes that in itself is half the fun

Bill

Thank you. Yes, I am aware of the cars for sale forum here, and I may post there soon...appreciate your input!

I hesitate to discuss "investments" since in general cars are not really great for that purpose. Lots of people loose money or do not get a return on their time ad related costs over time. You didn't mention if your thinking about purchasing a reburbished, really restored or a project. That will likely have one of the biggest impact on your bottom line over the whole ownership. Also r

Bottom line as I see it is that condition and originally is more important than the year. In fact IMO color and options are more important also. Find the best and buy the best car for you. Remember that no two cars are the same so comparison can be difficult.




 For investment IMO I would look for the car that started as the best car you can afford. 500's will almost always cost more to purchase, may have had more abuse , and cost a bit more to restore if they are not complete when you purchase the car. General restoration cost are very similar but of course better body, less rust or other damage will also reduce restoration cost.

Also not many are equipped to evaluate a car completely  so if you don't know A LOT get some help. IMHO that will be your best investment for the whole "plan". Plenty of past threads that offer the exact some recommendation

Thank you, good points all, and my thinking is tracking with yours. Definitely don't want a project, want a road ready super clean driver. Doesn't have to be a concours restoration, but it has to be done and clean. And yes, I am getting a LOT of help and this forum has been a great source!

1970 models are technically "leftover" 1969s that Ford revined and re-titled to move inventory. Its a unique story that appeals to some.

We would go with the GT500 428 vs the GT350 351


Hardtop vs convertible what's the saying...as the top drops, prices goes up



Best of luck on your endeavors

Thank you, GT500, 428 CJ is the one, just a question of finding one...

I'm torn. What do you all think? Do you see the 69 or the 70 as a better investment? I'm looking to buy either a 69 or 70, looked at 4 so far, I can see the minor differences between the 69 and 70, but is there a difference in long term value? I'm looking for one in red, calypso coral or grabber blue, anybody have one for sale? Let me know...

Thank you all for your input, I feel a bit better now...

So, in many of the GT500's I've been looking at, the front hood is "bowed". In some it isn't. I understand it's fiberglass, but how easy is that to fix? And how common is this?

Also on many of the cars I've looked at, the panel gaps are all over the map, some are excellent, some are terrible. I'm guessing this is not uncommon? Even on cars I've seen that had extensive restoration work, some get the gaps right, others seem to ignore them. Also common?

Still haven't found one to buy yet, looked at one, looking at two more next month. I appreciate any input...

Thank you, she's a beauty...

Do you actually have to have A GT500 or just the look of one? Because it would a lot be a lot cheaper to recreate the looks of one. And if you don't open the hood, nobody will know, except you of course😄

    Roy

Not a chance! Real deal or not at all...

LOL, got one!

Looking at buying a 69/70 GT500. What I want to know is what would be good improvements/upgrades to the car, especially handling, ride and horsepower. I am not looking for a concours level car, so restoration is not my goal. I want the "look" of the 69, but with any improvements that can be made without completely wrecking the car. Things like shocks, stance, coaxing more HP out of the motor. Thoughts? Suggestions?

If you do end up with a GT500

Take a look at "this guys" post when you have an opportunity. 

https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?topic=31570.0

Thank you!!!

A GT350 would be a better candidate even if you intend to do a serious lightening of the 428 engine in a GT500.

You can fairly easily increase the CI displacement of the 351 to near that of the stock 428 and in addition lighten that engine with things like aluminum heads.

It all depends on how deep you want to go to re-engineer the car?

Virtually everything is available. 6 speed manual transmissions. 8 speed automatic transmissions. Aluminum 9" rears. Aluminum engine blocks, multiple carb of EFI induction, etc, and they all can be kept to look reasonably stock in most cases.


The 428 performance wise is kind of a dinosaur stock at a max HP level now whereas the 351's are not.


Chassis wise, as suggested, the Off Highway Boss 302 Chassis book is a very good guide as well.


I would recommend though that you do not throw anything away that you take off of the car. Virtually all of these modifications are essentially "day 2" bolt ons and replacing original stock parts now can be difficult, expensive and in some cases virtually impossible.

GT500 is my bucket list car. MUST be a 500.

Big block Mustangs are notoriously difficult to live with in hot climates. I think well deserved.

In the Mustang chassis, the engine just takes up too much of the engine compartment for it to cool well.

Hot restarts often are not possible.


I understand your passion. I have it too. I currently have a 67 GT500, a '68 GT350 and a '73 Pantera. The only one that is close to "stock" is the '67. That one, you don't screw with. You just pray that it starts and runs and then leave it alone. Personally, I can't immagine it (or any of the 3) in Vegas summer heat, but that's just me.

I take exception to the glue on my sneakers melting from the heat of the pavement.


And as a previous poster mentioned, Holley's don't like the heat either.


Best of luck in your endeavor. It will be quite a challenging experiment.

Thank you. Living in Vegas presents it's own set of challenges.

A GT350 would be a better candidate even if you intend to do a serious lightening of the 428 engine in a GT500.

You can fairly easily increase the CI displacement of the 351 to near that of the stock 428 and in addition lighten that engine with things like aluminum heads.

It all depends on how deep you want to go to re-engineer the car?

Virtually everything is available. 6 speed manual transmissions. 8 speed automatic transmissions. Aluminum 9" rears. Aluminum engine blocks, multiple carb of EFI induction, etc, and they all can be kept to look reasonably stock in most cases.


The 428 performance wise is kind of a dinosaur stock at a max HP level now whereas the 351's are not.


Chassis wise, as suggested, the Off Highway Boss 302 Chassis book is a very good guide as well.


I would recommend though that you do not throw anything away that you take off of the car. Virtually all of these modifications are essentially "day 2" bolt ons and replacing original stock parts now can be difficult, expensive and in some cases virtually impossible.

GT500 is my bucket list car. MUST be a 500.