1965 Shelby Mustang GT 350 R Competition HardTop

This Shelby GT350 R was ordered new by Tasca Ford Sales Inc. of Rhode Island and completed at Shelby American on June 12, 1965. It was intended to be driven by Tasca Ford performance sales manager Dean Gregson, but after a falling out with Bob Tasca, Gregson drove the car under Harr Motor Car Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, sponsorship. During the 1965 SCCA season, Gregson placed 1st in Class at Lime Rock, Indianapolis Raceway Park, and 1st Overall in A and B production classes at Bryar, New Hampshire. During the season, the car landed twice on its roof during enthusiastic driving.

Additional accolades by Gregson includes 10 first place finishes out of 12 starts, plus two drag race class wins. Additionally, at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Gregson won the SCCA national drag race title in the B Sports class.

Dave Roberts of Hanover, Massachusetts acquired the Shelby in 1968 and raced it 17 times during the 1968 season, winning at Lime Rock and never placing lower than 3rd. His success continued into the 1969 and 1970 seasons.

Bob Fordyce of Sunland, Florida became the car's next owner, acquiring it in 1971 and using it to win the SCCA Southeastern championship. SCCA Southeastern championship.

Alan Bolte of Santa Monica, California purchased the car in 1977 and refinished the car between 1979 and 1986. It was entered in 51 vintage events with 12 wins and 24 podium finishes. At Laguna Seca in 1986, the car was driven into the barriers at high speed. After this heavy accident, Bolte retired from racing and commenced a restoration to 1965 specifications. The restoration was completed in 1997 and then put on display at the Shelby American world headquarters in Las Vegas in 1999. In 2002, the car was purchased by Tommy Thompson of Phoenix.

In 2005, the car was honored as the winner of the HMSA Briggs Cunningham Trophy and in 2003 it raced up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

In 2007, Alan Bolte purchased the Shelby back from Mr. Thompson and kept it until his passing earlier in 2021.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021