While the 1950s and 60s marked what is arguably the high-water mark for American automotive styling and engineering, the 1970s brought a sudden and dramatic downfall to both aesthetics and performance. Carroll Shelby saw the end coming, and after the 1970 model year no more Shelby Mustangs would be made, making the 1970 Shelby GT350 the last of its kind.

While nowhere near as valuable as say, the first 1965 Shelby GT350 built, the last 1970 Shelby GT350 is still a very valuable, and surprisingly original car. RM Auctions will be putting it up for bid next weekend at its annual Monterey auction event.

This painstakingly-restored GT350 has extensive documentation and just 27,000 miles on the odometer, making it a real low-mileage collectible. It is also the last GT350 serial number produced, and sports a one-of-one yellow-and-black paint scheme as well. While not the prettiest bird at the beach, pre-auction estimates still place its value between $200,000 and $250,000.

New for 1970 was a 351-Windsor V-8, modified by Shelby to deliver 290 horsepower. Shelby also added new aesthetics, like hood and side scoops, as well as a Shelby grille. It was also the only 1970 GT350 ordered with an automatic transmission, adding another unique layer to the last Shelby’s history. That doesn’t even begin to touch on how this Shelby began life as a 1969 model before being given 1970 VINs and body parts.

The current seller has owned this rare Shelby since 1980, and has put just 200 miles on it in 33 years. That is the kind of patient restraint we can’t even imagine, though from the sounds of the pre-auction estimate, his patience and investment has paid off. As another unique piece of Shelby history is placed up for bid, we are reminded again just how valuable Carroll Shelby’s contributions and legacy still is.