Yes, this is the real deal. A very early 1967 Shelby GT350, No. 83 in fact. Produced on the 5th of November, 1966, one day after car no. 1. It was born at Shelby Americans Imperial Highway location in LAX. 1967 was the last year that Shelby was manufacturing Cobras, GT40s and GT350/GT500s at their Los Angeles Airport hangar before production responsibilities were given to A.O Smith in Ionia Michigan. This Shelby was the 36th Shelby made that year. Cars were not finished in sequential order, as might be generally expected. Car no. 18 was actually the first non-prototype 1967 Shelby finished and not car no. 1. This car, no. 83 was the third Nightmist Blue color produced and it came with a black interior, a 4 speed manual transmission and Kelsey Hayes Magstar rims.

All Shelbys are special, but no. 83 is truly unique, a one of one. This car was part of the initial 100 car order placed under DSO 84-2505, and destined to be a public relations show car. November 10th, 1966 saw the release of the new models and only the 50 largest Shelby dealers were given one vehicle each for this event. Republic Ford in Houston Texas received this Shelby, and it proudly sat on the Showroom floor for months. How many people might have slipped behind the wheel of this beautiful GT350, dreaming of being the lucky owner of what that famous chicken farmer from Texas has now created?

This car has been confirmed to be authentic by the 1967 Registrar of the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC), and is listed in the current registry on pages 798 and 884. This Shelby spent most of its life in Texas before being relocated to the Seattle area some time in the late 80s. It passed through a few owners hands before an ownership stint with one of the Nordstrom family members, and now resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

1967 Shelbys are without a doubt the most diverse of all the original model years (65-70), seeing numerous running changes throughout their production run. The first 100 so called 'double digit' cars have many unique features that distinguish them from their later '67 brethren. The most obvious being the red upper scoop lights which are activated by braking or engaging the turn signals. It seems that Shelbys intention was for all 1967s to receive these unique styling ques lifted from their GT40 line, but states like California objected loudly citing that only emergency vehicles should have lights above their door handles. Production ceased, but not before an estimated less than 140 vehicles made it out the door. Other distinctive early features this car has include original Kelsey Hayes Magstar rims, a unique one piece slanted front grill, a metal backed fiberglass trunk lid, an original 6 point roll bar with inertia reel safety belts, early sill plates, unique seat covers and trim pieces as well as an extremely rare flat emblem gas cap.

Originally born with a K code 289 Hipo with a 4 speed transmission, it currently has a very strong 347 stroker rated at 425 horsepower mated to a 5 speed Tremec transmission. This combination makes the car quite a bit faster than its original 306 HP power plant, and the upper gear is a pleasure on distance drives. A period correct K code engine with a Paxton Super Charger is available separately for those looking to return it to stock configuration. The fiberglass hood currently on the car is an original Shelby all fiberglass hood (off of car no. 2094 and installed by a previous owner back in 1987). This is not correct for an early model car like no. 83, but it is a pretty common situation as dealers exclusively used the later version all fiberglass hoods when repair or replacement was necessary. A rare, original metal backed fiberglass hood, which is correct for 83, is also available upon request.

Since owning this Shelby for about a year now, the engine bay has been fully detailed in order to reflect the appearance of how the car looked when it was first delivered. The Italian original real wood steering wheel from EFFPI has been expertly restored by Jeff Stephens, widely considered the best in the business. Also, a correct, early one piece slant front grill without badging has been sourced and installed. The all original and very hard to find inboard lights mounting brackets were restored and NOS Shelby badging have been placed on the car. The sale of this car also includes an original rear valance cut out for dual exhaust (again, as all early models had), and a set of original Shelby factory correct exhaust chrome trim rings.

The car needs paint. It looks fantastic from a distance, but after what appears to be one respray back in the late 80s, this car deserves a new paint job. In the interest of full disclosure, the body is quite sound, but it has minimal surface rust just beginning to appear in some of the usual places. (rear left rocker panel, rear window frame). Barely noticeable, but it will need to be addressed in the future. The quarter panels, bottom of doors, fenders and floors all appear to be totally rust free and sound.

This car generates attention everywhere it goes like nothing I have ever experienced before. It is in great enough condition to win awards at any local car show, yet it is not in such perfect condition that you would feel guilty driving it across country. Mechanical, I would have no qualms driving it anywhere. With the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1967 Shelby models, all 67 Shelbys are poised to increase significantly, but especially unique early models like this one. GT350 models are also rarer than their big block counterparts where as only 1135 in total were ever produced. Do you really want to spend equivalent money on a first generation Camaro or C2 Vette, (and be one of 20 other guys at your local cruise in), or do you want to own the rarest example in the blue oval crowd?

Featured in the soon to be published book, My Shelby Dream.

More pictures can be seen at: https://imageshack.com/a/0rCM/1

Thanks for looking.

The Deposit:
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Note: If the deposit is not received within forty-eight hours (2 business days) or if the sale is not complete within 7 days of the close of the auction, I reserve the right to sell to the next highest bidder or to another qualified buyer.

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International bidders are welcome. I will help in any way I can with coordinating shipping within the U.S. or overseas.

Seller reserves the right to end this listing at anytime should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. Professional pre-purchase inspections are welcome but must be made before the auction ends. I have described the above mentioned vehicle to the best of our ability. However, with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, so I recommend that the potential buyer fly out to inspect as well as test drive the vehicle before finalizing purchase.

The vehicle is sold in "AS IS" condition. ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Please be aware that you will be responsible for the Federal Reserve fee(s) charged for all incoming wires).

Pertaining to non eBay winners: anyone with a deposit but the sale is pending financing, 3rd party inspection or any other contingency, the said vehicle will not be held and is subject to be sold at any time, until all contingencies are removed and a manager or owner accepts and signs the purchase order.

The advertised mileage represents the actual miles when the car was placed on eBay.

Condition Disclaimer:

All used vehicles should be assumed to have some degree of wear. I do not manufacture this product. Each vehicle brand has its strengths, styles, tendencies, and shortcomings. Therefore, despite my best efforts to verify a vehicle's mechanical condition, I am not able to warranty a manufacturers workmanship or a previous owners diligence in care. It is for this reason that all vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no mechanical guarantees expressed or implied.

I reserve the right to end the auction at any time.

I have been buying and selling on eBay for 15 years, and my reputation in the Shelby community is excellent.