--- title: "1969 Ford Mustang GT500 Once Owned by Carroll Shelby Is Headed to Auction" description: "Carol Shelby himself owned this 1969 Mustang GT500 that's going to hit the Mecum auction block in January, 2023." date: "2022-10-15" modified: "2022-10-15" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/1969-ford-mustang-gt500-once-owned-by-carroll-shelby-is-headed-to-auction" categories: - "Culture" - "For Sale" - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Coupe" - "Ford" - "Mustang" - "sports car" - "vintage" --- # 1969 Ford Mustang GT500 Once Owned by Carroll Shelby Is Headed to Auction ![]() In the late '60s the budding relationship between Ford and Carroll Shelby reached an interesting point. After having developed the Ford-powered [Shelby Cobra]() and the [Shelby Mustang GT350](), as well as the incredibly successful[ Ford GT40 ]()Le Mans car, the two finally developed a big-block pony car—the Mustang GT500. And this one, that's ready to hit the [Mecum]() auction block in January, was once owned by Carroll Shelby himself. The 1969 Mustang GT500 was built off of the first-generation Mustang but after its 1967 redesign. Prior to the redesign, the biggest engine that could fit under the Mustang's hood was a small-block Ford V8. Afterward, however, the car grew enough in size to accommodate a big-block. You can imagine the excitement shared between Shelby and legendary Ford executive Lee Iococca, as they stuffed the Mustang with a 428 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Cobra Jet V8. That monster engine featured a four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum intake manifold, and made 335 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. ![]() This specific Mustang GT500 features Ford's C6 three-speed automatic transmission, rather than the four-speed manual, which makes it more of a cruiser. However, it was ahead of its time, as it allowed for manual shifts, by selecting first or second gear with the shift lever. This car also wears Candyapple Red paint with black interior, has a Traction-Lok rear differential, power steering, front disc brakes, and even a Philco AM radio (fancy). However, its biggest selling point is the list of people who've owned it. Carroll Shelby did own the car but he wasn't the original owner. Instead, Academy Award-winning actor and director Jackie Cooper was the first owner, buying it brand-new in California in 1969. After that, it exchanged hands one more time, with a collector in Ohio, before it ended up with Shelby. ![]() If you want a slice of Shelby history, owned by the man himself, you can bid on this '69 Mustang GT500 on January 4, 2023. *Got tips? Send some my way at nico.demattia@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()