Did anyone think it was going to be?
Just about every car enthusiast dreams of finding some amazing vehicle stashed away in a barn, garage, etc. and getting it for a song and a dance before restoring the thing. It’s something which gets you through the monotony of everyday life, however like most fantasies the reality is far different. If you haven’t ever tried anything like restoring a car that’s sat for a while, you might not realize just how quickly costs skyrocket and tend to surpass your original, conservative estimates.
Even in bad condition, a 1967 Shelby GT500 is worth a considerable amount. In the video included with this article, Jerry Heasley reveals this particular one was sold for $65,000. That might sound insane, but consider that in top condition it would easily sell for $200,000. Suddenly, that price doesn’t seem so steep, even if you can’t swing something like that.
The cost of the car doesn’t stop just with the acquisition. Before starting the restoration, the new owner has to decide what condition he wants to shoot for and why. You can’t just start restoring a vehicle without an end goal and have it turn out well.
In this case, the new owner has decided to keep the Shelby GT500 as original as possible. He’s respecting the past, but that comes with complications as well as advantages. For one, the paint isn’t exactly in mint condition, but it’s not as bad as you might suspect. There are other cosmetic issues and a ton of mechanical problems, too.
However, the original details in the car were pretty amazing. One standout was that the OE wood steering wheel was pretty much intact, something you don’t see too often these days. And while the ’67 Shelby GT500 is definitely impressive, all that work to make it look good and keep it original comes at a steep cost, in this case to the tune of $76,000. Since the owner had the financial means to pay for everything right away, the restoration work only lasted from February to June, so it was quick.
Check out a deeper dive of the restoration work in the video.
