The 1965 Shelby GT350R Fastback represents the ultimate evolution of Carroll Shelby’s vision to transform the “secretary’s car” into a dominant SCCA B-Production champion. This specific chassis, SFM5R106, stands as one of only 34 production R models ever manufactured, making it a cornerstone of American motorsport history. Originally delivered to Jack Loftus Ford in Illinois, it was campaigned extensively for 21 years by its first owner, Dick Jordan, across legendary circuits like Road America. Now meticulously restored to its exacting original competition specifications, this Wimbledon White survivor arrives at Indy 2026 as a premier investment-grade asset. Its rarity and documented racing pedigree place it at the very top of the collector hierarchy for the 2026 auction season.
Wimbledon White Silhouette and Lightweight Competition Bodywork
The visual character of this 1965 Shelby GT350R Fastback is defined by its purposeful, aerodynamic enhancements designed strictly for the track. Finished in classic Wimbledon White, the body features a specialized fiberglass front apron and integrated brake cooling ducts that distinguish the R model from its street-legal siblings. The silhouette is further lightened by the retention of its original plexiglass windows, including the distinctive vented rear glass that helped extract heat from the cabin. Rolling on 15×7-inch American Racing wheels, the car maintains the aggressive, stripped-down aesthetic that allowed it to outpace more expensive European rivals. Every detail, from the hood pins to the signature of project engineer Chuck Cantwell on the underside of the hood, confirms its authentic competition DNA.
Black Competition Cabin and Restored Instrument Focus
Inside, the cabin offers a spartan, black-finished environment where every component serves a functional purpose for the driver. Retrimmed in silver and black vinyl during its restoration, the interior lacks the sound deadening and rear seating of standard models, emphasizing its weight-saving mandate. The driver interfaces with a high-performance workspace featuring a 4-speed manual floor shifter and a dashboard focused on vital engine metrics. While the odometer currently indicates 4,930 miles, this figure reflects its life as a dedicated racing machine rather than a road vehicle. The inclusion of a roll bar and competition-spec hardware underscores the fact that SFM5R106 was built to win races, a task it performed reliably under the stewardship of the Jordan family for over two decades.
Original 289 CI V-8 Power and T10 Manual Gearing
The heart of the 1965 Shelby GT350R Fastback is its original 289/325 HP V-8 engine, a high-revving masterpiece fed by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and a Cobra high-rise intake manifold. This powertrain produces a factory-rated 325 hp/330 PS and 329 lb-ft/446 Nm of torque, breathing through Tri-Y headers and a specialized competition exhaust. To survive the rigors of endurance racing, Shelby equipped the R model with a high-capacity radiator and an external oil cooler. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Borg Warner T10 M 4-speed manual transmission and a 4.11 rear end, ensuring explosive acceleration out of the corners. The chassis utilizes an independent front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs, all tuned to deliver the raw, mechanical feedback necessary for professional-level circuit racing.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Original 289 CI V-8 w/ Holley 4-Barrel |
| Transmission | Borg Warner T10 M 4-Speed Manual |
| Rear End Ratio | 4.11:1 |
| Output | 325 hp / 330 PS |
| Production Rarity | 1 of 34 Production R Models |
| Chassis ID | SFM5R106 |
| Wheels | American Racing 15×7-inch |
Market Position and the Production R Premium
The GT350R occupies a dominant market position, frequently benchmarked against contemporary Ferrari 250 GTOs or lightweight Jaguar E-Types in terms of racing significance. While a standard 1965 GT350 is a prized possession, a genuine “R” model carries a massive premium due to its incredibly low production volume of just 34 units. In the current 2026 market, cars with continuous ownership history and documented track time, like SFM5R106’s 21-year stint with Dick Jordan, are viewed as the gold standard for provenance. Its unique selling point is the restoration using NOS service parts and its verified entry in the Shelby Registry, making it a mandatory acquisition for any collector seeking the pinnacle of Ford-powered performance.
Indy 2026 Stewardship and Competition Provenance
Ownership of this Shelby is anchored by its presentation as Lot R676 at Indy 2026 on Saturday, May 16th. The car’s history is impeccably documented, having been campaigned at historic venues such as Lynndale Farms and Wilmot Raceway. The restoration was carried out with an uncompromising focus on accuracy, ensuring that the hardware reflects the exact configuration used during its SCCA peak. Every component, from the brake cooling ducts to the specific Tri-Y header design, has been verified for authenticity. For the high-level collector, this 1965 Shelby GT350R Fastback represents a turn-key opportunity to own a world-class example of Shelby’s most successful racing platform, offering a level of pedigree that justifies its status as the centerpiece of the Saturday auction.
A Final Look at Carroll Shelby’s Racing Masterpiece
The 1965 Shelby GT350R Fastback is a physical manifestation of a time when American ingenuity took on the world’s best on the racetrack and won. By merging the high-output 289 V-8 with a stripped-down, Wimbledon White competition body, Shelby created a machine that changed the perception of the Mustang forever. This rare survivor stands as a proud representative of the brand’s heritage as a leader in global motorsport. Whether it is destined for a world-class museum or a return to the historic racing circuit, SFM5R106 remains a permanent icon of the automotive landscape that will continue to set the benchmark for American muscle for decades to come.
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Source: mecum.com
