1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Coupe

In 1966 the Shelby GT350 was equipped with a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 306 horsepower. A bolt-on Paxton supercharger increased horsepower by 46% to an estimated 360 horsepower. The fastback C-pillar vents were replaced with Plexiglas quarter windows. The side air scoops were functional and allowed air to flow to the brakes which kept them cool. The hood was comprised of fiberglass but partway through the year, it was replaced with a steel version due to customer complaints about weakness and lack of quality. The only color offered for the interior was black. Other interior items were the competition seat belts, roll bar, and GT 350 center cap found on the steering wheel.

Customers complained that the interior was noisy. In response, the exhaust system exit was moved further behind the driver. The Wimbledon White with blue stripes was a popular color scheme chosen by most buyers. Five new exterior colors were offered this year that included Raven Black, Sapphire Blue, Ivy green, and Candy Apple Red.

The 1966 Shelby GT350 Fastback finished in Candy Apple Red with LeMans stripes was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was estimated to fetch between $160,000-$180,000. At the conclusion of the auction, the vehicle had been left unsold. It has its original number-matching 289 High-Performance motor. It is equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox but was offered for sale with the factory T-10 four-speed gearbox included with the purchase. It was awarded 1st place in the 1966 Shelby class at SAAC 28 in Nashville. It has also been awarded many other first and second-place finish's in most of the events that it has entered.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006