1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 Hardtop

Carroll Shelby's first Mustang was the 1965 Shelby GT350. In order to be race-eligible in the SCCA series, Ford's standard K-code Mustang fastback would have to be modified, a job it commissioned to Shelby. The result was a limited-edition high-performance Mustang ready for the street or track. Only 562 GT350s were produced in 1965, of which 516 were street cars. All 1965 GT350s were painted Wimbledon White with blue rocker panel stripes. Shelby modified the standard K-code 289 V8 by adding a Holley carburetor, Cobra valve covers and a special Cobra high-rise aluminum intake manifold, increasing horsepower from the standard 271 to 306. Side exhaust pipes were added, fitted with two-inch glass-pack mufflers; and the rear seat was removed and replaced with a fiberglass shelf and covered spare tire. The hood was replaced with a fiberglass hood with a functional air intake scoop, and the dashboard was modified with a center dash pod with an 8000-rpm tach and oil pressure gauge. Add special alloy wheels, a floor-mounted shifter, a wood-rimmed aluminum racing steering wheel and competition seat belts and the Shelby was ready for the track.

This GT350, serial number 5S051, is a desirable early 'double-digit' car, meaning it was one of the first 100 cars produced for homologation purposes to qualify for SCAA racing. It features the trunk-mounted battery that was discontinued part way through the production run. During its early life, this rare Shelby was owned on three separate occasions by Ken Eber, one of the original founders of the Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC). It is listed in the Shelby World Registry and has been authenticated by Howard Pardee of the SAAC. Restored more than 30 years ago, 5S051 retains all of its original factory components and has been lovingly cared for by the current owner for the past 18 years.