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THIS 1965 FORD MUSTANG GT350R FASTBACK IS THE WINNINGEST SHELBY EVER

The Historic Car Is Headed To The Mecum Auction Block At Monterey Car Week

1965 Shelby GT350R Winningest Shelby Ever Mecum Auction Carroll Shelby
Image via Mecum.

There’s only 34 production examples of the 1965 Shelby GT350R in the world. Only one of them boasts the title of the winningest Shelby ever, and it’s for sale. The original Shelby GT350R was created because of Lee Iacocca’s determination to get the Mustang qualified for the SCCA Production Class competition. Of course, he turned to none other than the legendary Carroll Shelby to get the job done.

1965 Shelby GT350R Steering Wheel Interior
Image via Mecum.

What’s Power This Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R?

Ford began sending Mustangs to Shelby’s facility in Venice Beach, California for him to work his magic. However, the Mustangs he received from Ford weren’t your average ponies. They didn’t have any windows aside from the windshield, there were no heating capabilities, no seat upholstery, no headliner, or no insulation whatsoever. They did come with the highest-powered engine option available at the time, the 289 CID V8, that produced 271 horsepower.

To make the car even more powerful, Carroll Shelby added a Cobra high-rise aluminum intake manifold, a Holly four-barrel carburetor, Cyclone Tr-Y headers, and an oil coolant system. Also installed was a larger, 34-gallon fuel tank and a new differential. With the modifications, the Shelby GT350R was capable of making 350 horsepower through the aluminum case Borg Warner T-10M four-speed transmission.To keep the weight down, the GT350R’s windows were made of plexiglass sealed in aluminum casings.

1965 Shelby Gt350R Lower Fender Wheel
Image via Mecum.

It Just Kept Winning

Shelby’s GT350R was capable of a 5.5 second 0-60, a wildly impressive feat for a car built in 1965. That acceleration time is what helped this particular 1965 Shelby GT350R win 17 straight races in 1968. The car won the SCCA Southeast Divisional Championship and took 1st in 32 of the 54 races it entered through 1971. It was restored concours-style to its former glory in 2020 to an as-delivered specification. To add to this GT350R’s accomplishments, it ran at a confirmed 184 mph at Daytona back in 1968 which is the fastest known speed of any Shelby with the 289 CID V8.

Painted in Wimbledon White, this magnificent example of automotive history can be yours. It will undoubtedly reach a seven-figure hammer price, as another 1965 GT350R example expected to fetch $1.5 million back in January. The winningest Shelby ever will be the main attraction at the Mecum Auction coming up in August at the 2021 Monterey Car Week.

Written by Liam White

Student of the car industry. Automotive Media Padawan.

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