A 1968 Ford Mustang from Carroll Shelby’s private assortment is up for grabs. Nicknamed Black Hornet, it is scheduled to be auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson on the firm’s Scottsdale, Arizona, occasion to be held Jan. 21-29.
Within the 1960s, Shelby American labored intently with Ford to develop new Mustang variants, protecting a handful of Mustangs round as growth mules. Shelby tended to provide them color-coordinated nicknames, reminiscent of Little Pink and Inexperienced Hornet. In keeping with the public sale itemizing, the Black Hornet was constructed as a modern-day tribute to the latter, however with a special colour and some different adjustments.
1968 Ford Mustang Black Hornet (picture by way of Barrett-Jackson)
The Black Hornet contains a 428-cubic-inch V-8, which powers the rear wheels by way of a 4-speed guide transmission, instead of the Inexperienced Hornet’s 390-cubic-inch V-Eight and automated gearbox. The notchback coupe additionally sports activities most of the Inexperienced Hornet’s styling options, together with a twin-scoop hood and “EXP 500” badging, but it surely lacks the unique automotive’s fuel-injection system and impartial rear suspension.
The itemizing says Shelby oversaw the construct and put 213 miles on the automotive earlier than signing over possession to “his charity basis” on Dec. 29, 2008. Barrett-Jackson claims the automotive now has 564 miles on the odometer, and famous that is acknowledged as an genuine Shelby-owned Mustang within the Shelby Worldwide Registry.
1968 Ford Mustang Black Hornet (picture by way of Barrett-Jackson)
What seems to be the identical automotive was listed in a 2020 Mecum Auctions catalog, and that itemizing fills in a couple of extra particulars. It says Shelby commissioned Legendary G.T. Continuation Vehicles to construct the Black Hornet, which was then donated to residence decor retailer Restoration {Hardware} for an eBay charity public sale benefitting the Carroll Shelby Kids’s Basis.
Mecum printed a pre-auction estimate of $275,000 to $325,000 for its 2020 public sale, though it is unclear if the hammer worth fell in that vary. Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson as soon as turned down a $1.9 million bid for the unique Inexperienced Hornet, and whereas this tribute automotive is not as useful as a real Shelby prototype, the connection to Carroll Shelby may imply lots to the appropriate purchaser.