This is the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 (SFM 5S205), 1 of just around 562 examples built for the model year in the entire world! The Shelby Mustang was developed by American high performance automobile company, Shelby American, Inc. from 1965 until 1967, and then by Ford themselves from 1968 until 1970. This GT350 is considered to be a 1st-generation example built from 1965 until 1966. The first GT350 cars built were considered the most lightweight, and the smallest in size compared to the later models. The idea behind this car came from American automotive designer, racing driver, and entrepreneur, Carrol Shelby, who saw the Mustang as the perfect platform for a new performance car. As of 1964, the Shelby American Racing Team already had previous motorsport success with the iconic Shelby Cobra, the Daytona, and were beginning development of the GT40. Lee Iacocca, Ford’s Divisional General Manager at the time, had concerns that his Mustang lacked in performance, and while it sold in great numbers, it simply did not fit into the Ford Division Total Performance marketing program. Carrol Shelby had an answer for this problem, and created the beast which is the Shelby GT350, destined for racing across America in the Sports Car Club of America’s B Production Class. Alongside this car, Shelby developed approximately 34 Shelby GT350R racing cars, which were built to comply with SCCA rules. The GT350 ultimately was a major success, winning the 1965 1965 SCCA B/Production National Championship. This GT350 is finished in Wimbledon White, a color that was painted on all of the 1965 model year cars.
How many made? 562 in 1965
Engine: Windsor 289 cu in (4.7 L) HiPo K-Code 271 hp (202 kW; 275 PS) V8
Debut: January 27th 1965
Top Speed: 138mph
0-60mph: 6.6 seconds
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly