1965 Shelby Mustang GT 350 R Competition HardTop

This 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 350 R has chassis number 5R098 and is listed in the SAAC registry as the seventh R-model GT350 constructed and the fifth race car delivered for public usage in May of 1965. Its first owner was Mr. Ned Owen of Malvern, Pennsylvania and its first race was at the Watkins Glen 'Double 500', followed by many additional SCCA national events throughout the northeast in 1965 - 1967. He scored a first place victory at Bridgehampton in 1966 and several other top finishes during the racing career. Competition was tough with drivers such as Mark Donohue and Marty Krinner usually taking the top spots as their racing programs were better funded.

The car was later acquired by a Canadian racer who used it in several Canadian races but crashed the car in 1969. The crashed car was placed in a Ontario barn where it would remain for a number of years. Mr. Rick Kopec of Connecticut, author of all things Shelby and SAAC National Director, purchased the car in 1981 sight unseen. It took seven years, but the car was restored to its period correct Essex specifications. It was raced by Mr. Kopec in over 100 SVRA, HSR, VSCCA, and HMSA events at over 50 tracks. It has been awarded numerous awards and participated in many vintage races driven by Cantwell, Peter Brock, Lew Spencer, and Bob Bondurant. Carroll Shelby drove the car at Lime Rock in 1992 and gave charity rides in it at Watkins Glen.

It is a well known car that has won or finished in the top spots at most major raceways in the United States. In 2007 the car was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $800,000 - $1,000,000. It is powered by a 289 cubic-inch Hi-Po V8 engine that produces 350 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox, front disc and rear drum brakes. It is a car with a brilliant racing history and a pedigree that that is prominent and exclusive. At auction the estimated value proved to be accurate as the lot was sold for $852,500.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007