Shelby Forums - Shelby of the Month - January 2010 01/2010 gt 500 736 Shelby Forums username:gt 500 736 Originally Year:1968 Make:Shelby Model:GT500 Shelby Number:736 Engine:Originally 428 Police Interceptor Trans:4 speed Exterior color:Acapulco Blue Interior color:Black Selling Dealer:Bohn Ford in New Orleans CURRENT FEATURES Color: Acapulco Blue, Sunbeam silver stripes Body: fastback Engine: 390 cid, bore .060 over Transmission: "Toploader" four speed Rear end: 9" ring and pinion, 3.50:1 ratio with four pinion "Traction-Loc". Wheels: 10 spokes, 17"x8" Tires: BF Goodrich g-force T/A 245/40 zr17 91y Suspension: coil over front suspension, rear leaf spring Brakes: four wheel disc brakes A message from the current owner. This was my dream car since I was twelve in 1968. I bought the car April 13, 1978 and my parents called it the Bucket of Bolts. Paint was fading and chipping off, the engine ran on five cylinders, the electrical system was weak at best, and to top it off it had a brake pedal that would stick to the floor when it was used and a real treat to shift and pull the pedal up at the same time. The process was long but I started putting her together one piece at a time. She was coming along well until 1988 when a divorce set me back. We soon got back on our feet and made more headway, drove off with my present wife after we were married and then finished the process in June 2005. I was getting ready for my first Cruisin' the Coast in Biloxi, Misssissippi. when she drowned in August 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. She was submerged in 20 feet of water for weeks. When we removed her from Chalmette, Louisiana it was early October and she was a mess. On the return trip, we were stopped by the Louisiana State Police because they thought I was stealing the car. They wanted to see the registration and I told him to help himself but there might be fish in the glove box. While on the return trip to the dealership I worked at I was stopped by a guy in a pickup from Texas who offered me $60K for the way she was sitting; I promptly declined. We disassembled her and sent her to the body shop where she was sent to Jackson, Mississippi for dipping and E-coat, painting and then off to London, Ontario, Canada, where my friend Peter said he would put Humpty Dumpty back together again. My family lost three houses; my house took damage and some water, the dealership I worked for was heavily destroyed so my hands were full. When she arrived back in New Orleans it took a little work to finish her up but she was perfect and been a happy part of my family life now for ten months. I hope this story gives a little bit of joy to those out there who are trying to finish their project cars. It takes time, patience, and the love of the hobby. A whole bunch of pictures here.before, after, hurricane, restoration, now Pictures: Picture when purchased in 1978 First restoration Post Katrina Restored again!
That's quite a story! She looks great!!! Let's hope that a third restoration will never be necessary. Randall
Great story, looks great! Only the faithful would continue against such odds. Thanks for sharing the story with us. Congratulations on a job well done.
Thanks for all the compliments and I will let you know how we do in the World of Wheels in New Orleans at the end of the month.
Just thought I would let you know that the car was in the World of Wheels in New Orleans and took Best in Class for 60-69 cons. hrdtp.
