Which One?? '68GT350 or '70GT350?? Pls. Help.

Hello Frank,

I believe owning either Shelby is going to be a rewarding experience. I own 2 1968 GT350 ... one unrestored 48K mile original 4 speed car; one restored Hertz car (automatic, A/C). It is amazing how the different transmission option makes the experience of driving these cars. The 4 speed car is more rewarding on a spirited drive or twisting roads. Thus I would favor the 4 speed cars (1968 or 1970). If you are going to have a passenger (wife / important signficant other) that may not be as car crazy as yourself ... get the A/C equipped car regardless of transmission. Harmony after spending this kind of money is a definte asset to be weighed. When you are out alone, driving with the windows down to enjoy the visceral experience is always possible in an A/C equipped car. To close, I have driven several 1969's and 1970's, I believe you will be happy with the performance. Personally, I prefer the seat, steering wheel, dash board configuration of the 1967 and 1968's over the 1969-1970s. I always felt the dash was too far away in the 1969-1970s. Hope this input helps. Rick (aka: Engineer)

 

I would go with the 70. Manual and an AC (if its original) would be my choice by far..... but then again I've never cared (nor owned) for the 68's

None of those you listed are really fast cars by any means

 

if the 68 AT car has the wrong undercoating but its a nicer car, if your going to show it it might be the wrong chioce if. I would rather have a older resto but more correct car than a fresh resto that someone would always say"beautiful car but they should have done thier undercoating homework". On a small block car I would go with the 4-speed, it just makes them come alive more when driving down those backroads and track days at SAAC conventions. The 351 is a nicer motor in my opinion, we have one in my brother's Eliminator, with a T5 and it rips. I would sit down and look at pics of each car and decide which bodystyle/interior you like better, its a tough call and GOOD LUCK!
Dave

 

I'm biased.

Biased by the fact I own a 69. Mine is a 4sp w/o a/c - I'd love to have had the a/c option, but don't.

Like lots of folks I've owned various other Mustangs, including a big-block 68 fastback GT auto (not shelby). My experience tells me that the '68 car feels a little more nimble just due to the size difference between the 68 and 70 models. Visibility in both fastbacks blows.

If you're leaving the car stone cold stock, the 69 will feel like it has a lot more under the hood with the 351. If you're going to "warm up" the driveline at all, it won't matter much between the 2 models, though you can put 426 ci windsor in the 70 and look bone stock when you pop the hood (mine has 392ci).

For the in-your-face muscle car look, a 70 looks more the part; ram air, lots of scoops and the "grabber" colors, 60 series rubber an option, bigger wheel wells.

As for costs, if the cars are complete, restoration will be about the same between the 2. If parts are missing, I'd say the 70 would probaby cost a little more to finish. Though I can't comment on 68 repop fiberglass, I'd recommend going with NOS or tracking down good used pieces before I ever laid one cent into a repop piece of 'glass. Just my experience.

For me, I would not go with an auto tranny. The 4sp is just too fun, and since it won't be driven every day, you'll want the visceral feel of banging the gears when you take it out to play. Ditto for a/c 'cause the wife is important to keep involved.

I'd go with 4sp a/c first, then it would come down to color (I'm a big fan of putting the cars back to their original color) and go with that.

Either way you can't go wrong.

Bryan

 

I would go with the 68 , 4 speed ,, But i am biased. You can buy mine if you like when i have finished restoring , in about 3mths !!
THX, John

 

When folks blow undercoating all over the place, I wonder if they are hiding something under it, or, did the restoration folks even know what they were doing....

 

Ditto...

Bryan

 

This also has to come down to which one 'turns your crank' so to speak.

I have a '69 4 speed. Love 69 / 70's. Never fussed much about '68's but love 67's. Some cars do it for you, some don't.

At the end of the day, which car can you see yourself driving, keeping & admiring over the next few years? If you really want the a '68, go for it. If you really want a 70, go for that.

I suggest you follow your heart, but buy it with your head!

 

I like the '70 you described, but like the other guy said, these are decisions of emotion. Just decide what you like better, then make some rational purchase decisions.

 

Frank,
Tough question to answer with the cars you listed.

There is a big difference between the 302 and the 351 engine though. The
70' model will have the 351 engine which will supply you more hp. The 351 is rated at 290 hp while the 302 is rated at 250 hp "stock". Sounds like you are seriously thinking of the hp along with the condition. With that said, the 1970 350 will suppy you 20% more hp than the earlier model.

just my two cents.

brian-

 

Did you ever get one?