1965-1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350

The production of the Shelby Mustang GT-350 models, were built and manufactured at the assembly plant in California. The Shelby Mustang models were first introduced to the public on January 27, 1965 at Riverside Raceway among many fans and automotive enthusiasts. The models became an instant success for Ford Motor Company.

Two individuals particularly involved in the total performance vehicle design package were Lee Iacocca and the legendary, Carroll Shelby. Ken Miles, race car driver, was also part of the design team who helped develop and shape the Mustang GT 350, as well as Chuck Cantwell, engineer.

Two versions of the vehicle were planned from the beginning, a street car and a full bore R model racer. Both models were produced in Wimbledon white and as fastback vehicles. They were produced at the Ford San Jose assembly plant in California then shipped to Shelby-American Inc. As you can see in the photograph below, Mr. Carroll Shelby’s 1966 Shelby GT 350 models are lined up for installation of their new quarter window and side air-scoops.

(Dave Friedman - photo)

Upon completion, the models received the familiar GT 350 rocker-panel striping and then were shipped to the Shelby American franchised dealers throughout the country. The 1966 Shelby GT 350 models had little change from the 1965 models. Quarter windows, rather than vents, along the functional rear-brakes and cooling ducts were the main differences that were added along with new color options.

1965 Shelby GT 350 R Model Mustangs in production in Venice, California (Dave Friedman - photo)

Carroll Shelby's GT 350 models were powered by a high performance 289 with 271 factory-rated horsepower engine, allowing for super-fast performance. When Road & Track tested the Shelby Mustang GT 350 performance models they stated that it was “packed with praise”. “It was fun to drive, goes like mad, rumbles in a pleasing way, and you can steer the car with either end!”

Ford and Shelby sold every model that was produced. The Shelby models also won many races and national championships with four out of five regional championship wins. The same models continued to win more races and titles in 1966. The Ford Mustangs were strong and fast vintage road racers and were among the most popular and desirable automobiles built. By 1966, Carroll Shelby and the popular 1965-1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350 models were part of the Ford Motor Company's image for high-performance.

Completed cars leaving the factory headed to Shelby Authorized dealers (Dave Friedman - photo)

Back in the day, the price tag for the Shelby models ranged from $4,547-$5,950 dollars. Today, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 is sought out by many collectors and includes an expensive price tag. The Ford Mustang’s will always have a great place in automotive history because Ford hit nothing less than a homerun with the concept.

For more information on 1965-1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350 models, please refer to www.mustangmuseum.online.