Have you ever dreamed of owning a piece of automotive history? The 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 history certainly offers a captivating narrative. This legendary machine represents a pivotal moment in American performance car development. Carroll Shelby, a name synonymous with speed, transformed the already popular Mustang into a track-ready beast. This particular example, chassis number SFM5S305, stands as a testament to that incredible vision. It holds a unique place among the 504 street production models from that iconic year.
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The Genesis of a Legend
Development of the GT350 began in the summer of 1964. Ford sought Carroll Shelby’s expertise to create a Mustang variant. This new model aimed for homologation in the SCCA’s B Production class. Incomplete K-code Mustang fastbacks arrived at Shelby’s Venice facility. Project engineer Chuck Cantwell led their transformation into GT350 specifications. Shelby later shifted production to facilities near Los Angeles International Airport in early 1965.
Iconic Design and Styling
All 1965 GT350s originally came in Wimbledon White. They also featured Guardsman Blue rocker-panel stripes. This particular car, SFM5S305, received a stunning refinish. It was stripped to bare metal and repainted with striking blue Le Mans stripes in 1990. Rico Duran of Duran Quality Painting completed this work. The car features a steel-framed fiberglass hood with a functional scoop. Quick-release pins secure this hood. A mesh grille with an offset running-horse logo completes the front. Sail-panel louvers further enhance its aggressive look. A replacement passenger window was installed in 2022. The seller also replaced the rear bumper guards and installed a Rotunda-style left mirror.
Unmatched Power and Performance
The heart of this 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 lies in its powerful engine. It features the original 289ci HiPo V8. This engine underwent an overhaul in 1980. Heath Elmer Restorations rebuilt it again in June 2022. This comprehensive work included boring and decking the block. They also polished the crankshaft. New pistons, rings, pins, camshaft, lifters, springs, bearings, freeze plugs, oil pump, and timing chain were installed. Further work involved replacing the starter, thermostat, and fuel tank. The radiator also received an overhaul. A four-barrel Holley 715-cfm carburetor sits atop a cast-aluminum high-rise intake manifold.
Power from the engine is sent through a retrofitted four-speed Toploader manual transmission. This transmission features a Hurst shifter and close-ratio gears. It also incorporates a 3.89:1 Detroit locking differential. Records show the transmission was overhauled in 2022. It received a replacement billet shift fork, pilot bushing, and speedometer drive gear. The shifter assembly was replaced in May 2023. Under current ownership, both the transmission fluid and differential oil were replaced.
Chassis and Braking System
Optional Cragar 15″ cast alloy wheels adorn this GT350. They are wrapped with 225/65 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. A matching spare is conveniently secured in the trunk. The suspension boasts Koni adjustable shock absorbers. It also has lowered front control arms and a 1” front sway bar. Override traction bars and rear limiting cables enhance handling. Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes feature ventilated rotors. Additionally, 2.5”-wide drums handle braking at the rear. This setup provides confident stopping power.
Interior Features and Details
The cabin provides a purposeful, driver-focused environment. Low-back bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl. This car also has a retrofitted fold-down rear bench seat, adding versatility. Aircraft-style lap belts equip front occupants for safety. Additional appointments include a Hurst shifter for precise gear changes. A glove box, sun visors, and a fire extinguisher are also present. Pony-branded rubber floor mats protect the floor. Previous owners cut speaker holes in the door panels, which were later filled with plates.
The wood-rimmed steering wheel frames the instrumentation. A horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer is flanked by gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. Shelby-built Mustangs also featured an oil-pressure gauge and a tachometer. These are mounted in a central pod, easily visible to the driver. The five-digit odometer indicates under 13,600 miles. The current seller added around 400 of those miles. The speedometer gears have been replaced.
Unique GT350 Enhancements
The GT350 boasts several specific features. A finned aluminum “T” oil pan includes hinged baffles. Open-letter valve covers add to the engine’s aesthetic. Tri-Y exhaust headers improve exhaust flow. Since their acquisition, the seller has meticulously maintained the vehicle. They changed the oil, filter, spark plugs, heater core, and hoses. The valve clearance was also checked. These details highlight the ongoing care for this classic.
This GT350’s original sales invoice reveals its initial cost. It lists optional special alloy wheels at an additional $267. The total price was $4,856.75. This vehicle was featured in Hemmings Muscle Machines in July 2023. A collection of vintage photographs and literature is also available. The car is currently registered in France, with its chassis ID “5S305” serving as the serial number.
Disclaimer: Always research and verify information about any classic vehicle. Specifications and conditions can vary widely.
