While some enthusiasts prefer their classics to be pristine and will perform restorations to achieve that goal, others subscribe to the “they’re only original once” school of thought. That makes this 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 an interesting proposition. Its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle of this vintage, although its cosmetic imperfections may motivate the next owner to perform a cosmetic restoration. Regardless of your thoughts and feelings, you will find this GT350 listed here on eBay in Beckley, West Virginia. The seller set their BIN at $99,995 with the option to make an offer.

Some paint shades can be considered iconic, and will always look “right” when applied to certain vehicles. There is no doubt that First Generation Mustangs wearing Candy Apple Red fall within that category. This GT350 ticks that box, with the exterior holding a pleasant shine. The seller is candid in their assessment and doesn’t portray this car as something that it isn’t. They acknowledge that there are flaws and imperfections, and this YouTube video provides a detailed walkaround that appears to reveal all. The panels are straight, and there are no visible issues in the underside shots. The GT350 wears its correct Shelby additions, including the distinctive taillights and fiberglass scoops. There is a visible crack on the hood scoop, but the remaining components, trim, and glass, are in good order.

The 1968 model year marked a significant change for the GT350, with Ford retiring its 289ci V8 in favor of the larger 302ci version. It delivers 250hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes should provide a fairly effortless driving experience. Although the new engine was larger than its predecessor, the power and torque figures were considerably lower. That helps to explain why a 1967 model could cover the ¼-mile in 14 seconds, while this car would take 15.5 seconds to complete the same journey. The seller indicates that this is a driver-grade classic, suggesting that there are no mechanical issues. They include footage of the engine running in their YouTube clip, and it sounds sweet and clean.

This GT350 retains its Shelby features, like the correct gauges, console, roll bar, and shoulder harnesses. However, there are speakers cut into the rear trims, suggesting that someone may have fitted an aftermarket stereo. The factory AM radio is intact and the glovebox is empty, so maybe it was removed, and the speakers are the only remnants. The YouTube clip seems to indicate that the tachometer is inoperative, although the remaining gauges work as they should. The driver’s seat has a taped seam separation, but that is the only genuine criticism if the GT350 is viewed purely as a driver-grade classic. An in-person inspection might reveal small flaws that the new owner could address as part of a restoration.

It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion about this 1968 Shelby GT350 and to learn whether the majority of you would opt for preservation over restoration. Either approach is valid, and both sides of the fence could mount reasoned arguments supporting their view. I honestly don’t know which path I would choose, because I see merit in either choice. We might have a reader who is willing to do more than state their view by handing the seller the cash required to take this classic home. If that proves the case, we would love to know what the future holds for this GT350.