1965 Shelby GT350

• Turned a new sporty Ford Mustang into a track ready racer

• Shelby American served as Ford’s “skunk works” development team

• Limited Production model built to meet SCCA production minimum build rule

The Shelby GT350 Mustang launched a legacy partnership between Ford Motor Company and Shelby American that created a racing heritage for decades. The Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue striped car shown here features a 289 cubic inch V8 mated to a 4-speed manual gear box and is one of 500 ’65 models offered in that color scheme.  Special race strut tower braces, side mount exhaust, fiberglass hood with hood pins, and the lack of a back seat earmarked the Shelby GT350 for racing use. 

Ford’s Lee Iacocca felt that he could increase sales of the Mustang with more powerful engines and better handling.  Because of a corporate decision to not participate in racing as a manufacturer, Ford paired up with Carroll Shelby, a charismatic and successful racer and specialty car builder to create a unique Mustang model for track and street. 

To meet the SCCA’s B production race requirements, at least one hundred road-going examples had to be made within several months.  Chuck Cantwell was put in charge of engineering and worked with Ken Miles and Pete Brock to develop the GT350 package. By January 1st, 1965, Shelby had over one hundred fastbacks from Ford’s San Jose plant, delivered without hoods or rear seats and the GT350 was ready to race.

After the initial production run of 250 cars, other color options along with automatic transmissions became available along with a retro fitted back seat.

Specifications:

Engine: 289 cu in (4.7 liter) V8

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Horsepower: 306 @ 6000 RPM

Torque: 329 ft-lbs. @ 4200 RPM

Performance: 0-60 mph 7 seconds; quarter mile 15.0; top speed 140mph

Weight: 2790 lbs