Shelby 1965
The 1965-1966 cars were the smallest and lightest of the GT350 models. These cars are often improperly called “Cobras”, which was the Ford-powered AC-based two-seat sports car also produced by Carroll Shelby during the same period.
It’s hard not to think of the Ford Mustang when you hear the name Carroll Shelby. The two go hand-in-hand.
One is a successful American car with 40+ years of history on the road. The other is a former test pilot, turned race car driver, turned Mustang visionary.
Features:
- Modified K-code 289cid V8 Engine w/306 hp
- Side-exhaust pipes w/2-inch Glasspak mufflers
- Hood-mounted air scoop
- No rear seat
- Only available in Wimbledon White
- Standard GT350 rocker panel stripes
- Optional Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes
- Rear battery on select models
- 15-inch wheels (white-painted steel or cast magnesium Cragar Rims)
Production Stats:
1965 Shelby Mustang GT350
Street: 516 cars
GT350R: 37 cars
Total Production 562 Cars
GT350; a powerful race car credited with enhancing the Mustang’s image as a performance machine. Ford, having seen the success Carroll Shelby had made of the Cobra race car, knew he was the man to make the Mustang a respected race machine. The company reached out to him to see if he could create a high-performance Mustang for street and track. Shelby was up for the task, and began work on the project in August of 1964. In September, the first Shelby GT350s were built.
The 1965 Shelby GT350 was first revealed to the general public on January 27th of 1965, the same month that Shelby-American moved to its Los Angeles International Airport facility. Of note, it was the first race-ready car ever to be marketed by an American auto maker. Unfortunately, with a base price of $4,547, the car was too expensive for most consumers.