1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 Hardtop

Shelby American built 562 examples of the GT350s in 1965. Beginning with the 'K-Code' Mustang fastback, Carroll Shelby and his team transformed and upgraded the car, adding suspension upgrades, improved safety equipment, and modifications to the engine resulting in an increase of approximately 35 horsepower over the standard 'Hi-Po' 289 V-8.

This particular example was received by Shelby American on March 20th of 1965 and work began on the car on April 29th of 1965 and concluded on May 7th. The driveshaft was defective upon arrival at Shelby American, and nearly a month after collection the transmission was determined to have a defective shift fork. Shelby installed a new transmission, and Ford was invoiced $146. After the Shelby Mustang was completed, it was used by the factory for public relations purposes, including demonstrations.

After its promotional duties were finished, the GT350 was shipped to Hi-Performance Motors in Los Angeles, California, on September 17th of 1965. The dealership was invoiced $3,192.30. The GT350 has spent most of its existence in California. In 1971 it was acquired by Don Burke of Northridge who campaigned it in Solo I and autocross events. In 1980 it was purchased by Stephen Connor of Simi Valley, California. Mr. Connor used the car at track events at Willow Springs, Riverside, Ontario, and Laguna Seca over the ensuing decade. It received a restoration in 1991 by New Life Shelby & Mustangs and after completion, won second place in the concours held at the SAAC-17 in Portland in July 1992.

In October of 2015, the car was offered for sale through Hemmings and purchased by the current caretaker in early 2016. During the past few years, it has resided in Florida.

The GT350 currently wears the traditional Wimbledon White with Blue Le Mans stripes color scheme and features a driver's-side Talbot mirror and Shelby Cragar wheels wrapped in Goodyear's 'blue dot' tires. Power is from a K-code 289 cubic-inch V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The battery has been relocated to the trunk, and power disc brakes bring the car to a safe stop. The interior is equipped with bucket seats, three-inch lap belts, and the original fiberglass package tray that carries a covered full-size spare. There is a radio, Shelby tachometer, oil pressure pod, rubber Shelby floor mats, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020