This barn-find 1968 Shelby GT500 is supposedly 1-of-1, but what does that mean?

It seems as though we’re in a golden age of barn finds, with significant and unique cars being discovered almost weekly in barns, sheds, and fields across the U.S. This 1968 Shelby GT500 was found in the mid-2000s and is coming up for sale at Mecum’s Indianapolis sale May 14–18. If a conversation piece is what your collection needs, this might be just the car for you.

The GT500 was discovered by Amos Minter, of Thunderbird restoration fame, tucked in a leaning barn. It was dragged out, but the owners decided to leave the barn residue on the Raven Black paint and interior rather than preserving or restoring them. Interestingly, the 360-horsepower, 428-cubic-inch engine and the rest of the driveline have received a full overhaul.

Typically, when a barn-find-condition car like this GT500 goes up for sale it is left untouched, and therefore cannot be enjoyed or driven without significant work. This car gives the owner the option of driving the conversation piece, although it comes at the cost of blowing the ever important barn dust off.

The listing, like many Mustangs, touts its one-of-one status. The Marti Report is included and has a very peculiar discrepancy to the Mecum listing. According to the report’s analysis of the VIN and documentation, this Mustang was originally delivered with an automatic transmission, rather than the highly desirable four-speed that the photos and listing show. The one-of-one claim hinges on this, along with a handful of other options.

This car is way cool, and the story is certainly one to talk about, but to expect extra attention (and therefore bids) because it is the only black GT500 with bucket seats and 3.50 rear axle that just happened to be shipped to Texas, might be a bit of a stretch.