Some classic cars come with provenance that money can’t buy, and this 1970 Shelby GT500 Fastback heading to Mecum’s Florida Summer Special is exactly that kind of special. One of just 23 produced in that eye-searing Grabber Yellow, and one of only two built with this exact option combination, it’s been cherished by the same family for nearly three decades. But here’s the kicker – Carroll Shelby himself sat in this car, signed the dashboard, and spent over 30 minutes talking shop with the owners about their pride and joy.
The Last of the Original Recipe
The 1970 GT500 holds a unique place in Shelby history as both an ending and a beginning. These were actually leftover 1969 models that didn’t sell, reVINed and sold as 1970s, which makes them the final chapter of the original Shelby-Ford partnership that created automotive legends. By this point, production had moved from Shelby American’s California facility to Ford’s operation in Michigan, marking the end of an era when Carroll had direct hands-on involvement in every car.
This particular example represents peak Shelby GT500 evolution. The matching-numbers 428 Cobra Jet V8 pumps out 335 horsepower through its Holley 735 CFM four-barrel carburetor, paired with an automatic transmission that makes all that torque accessible to mere mortals. Power steering, power disc brakes, factory air conditioning, and tinted glass show how these cars had evolved from pure track weapons into genuine grand touring machines.
A Family Legacy Built On Ford Blood
The Kunkel family’s connection to this GT500 tells a deeper story about American automotive passion. Stephen Kunkel’s father was, in his words, “a big Ford guy” who owned Mavericks, Torinos, and Mach 1s, but the Shelby Mustang remained his dream car. When he finally acquired this one in 1997, it became the crown jewel of his collection and a family heirloom that meant so much to Stephen that he named his daughter Shelby in its honor.
The numbers tell the story of careful stewardship: 45,673 total miles, with only 1,624 added during nearly 30 years of family ownership. This wasn’t a garage queen – it was driven to car shows and local gatherings, where it earned respect and won awards, including Best in Class at that memorable Shelby specialty show in Los Angeles where Carroll himself showed up.
Meeting The Legend
That encounter with Carroll Shelby adds immeasurable value beyond any price guide. Picture this: you’re at a car show in Woodley Park, and the man whose name is on your fender walks up, sits in your driver’s seat, and spends over half an hour discussing your car’s history and significance. Then he signs your dashboard – not a piece of paper or a photo, but the actual car itself. That’s the kind of moment that transforms a classic car from valuable asset to priceless family treasure.
Stephen Kunkel describes the driving experience as “very easy to break loose,” admitting he’s “chirped the tires quite a few times.” And that’s exactly what these cars were built for.
The Rarity Factor
The numbers working in this GT500’s favor are genuinely impressive. Grabber Yellow was an expensive option that few buyers chose, making this one of just 23 in that color. Add the specific combination of automatic transmission, power steering, power disc brakes, air conditioning, and factory tinted glass, and you’re down to one of two cars ever built exactly like this. That’s hypercar-level exclusivity from the muscle car era.
The documentation package reinforces its authenticity: original invoice, build sheet, delivery documentation, owner’s manual signed by Carroll Shelby, and complete shop and parts manuals. It’s even listed in the official Shelby Registry, providing ironclad provenance that collectors demand.
Spec Sheet
Model: 1970 Shelby GT500 Fastback
Production: 1 of 23 in Grabber Yellow, 1 of 2 with exact specifications
Engine: 428 Cobra Jet V8, 335 HP
Carburetor: Holley 735 CFM 4-barrel
Transmission: Automatic
Mileage: 45,673 miles (1,624 since 1997)
Features: Power steering, power disc brakes, A/C, factory tinted glass
Documentation: Original invoice, build sheet, owner’s manual signed by Carroll Shelby
Registry Status: Listed in official Shelby Registry
Condition: Unrestored original
Auction: Mecum Florida Summer Special, July 12, 2025
Pricing & Availability
This GT500 crosses the block at Mecum’s Florida Summer Special on July 12th at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, with Hagerty valuations suggesting $170,000+ for concours examples – though Carroll’s signature and this car’s unique story could push values significantly higher.
Recap
1970 Shelby GT500 Fastback Mecum Auction
This unrestored 1970 Shelby GT500 in rare Grabber Yellow combines genuine scarcity as one of 23 produced in that color, single-family ownership for 28 years, Carroll Shelby’s personal signature on the dashboard, and complete documentation to create the kind of muscle car that collectors dream about finding but rarely do.
