Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
LOT 171
1965 Shelby GT350 Chassis no. SFM 6S1226
Estimate: US$140,000 - US$170,000
Lot 171
A genuine GT350 and proven, sorted historic racer
1965 Shelby GT350
1965 Shelby GT350
1965 Shelby GT350
Chassis no. SFM 6S1226
Chassis no. SFM 6S1226
289ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
400bhp at 6,000rpm (estimated)
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front, Live Axle Rear Suspension
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
*An original 1966 Shelby GT350
*Documented and recognized by the Shelby Registry®
*Modified from a road car to competition specs
*An active and well-prepared racer, with a recent engine rebuild
*Veteran of the Monterey Historics, widely eligible for vintage motorsports
THE SHELBY GT350
Hot on the heels of the Ford Mustang's sensational debut at the World's Fair, legendary Texan racing driver Carroll Shelby was charged with turning Ford's new 'pony car' into a race winner. Shelby put the Mustang through its paces, squeezing 306bhp from the K-Code 289, shedding weight, and tweaking the chassis and brakes for handling. Like the Cobra before it, Carroll Shelby created an icon of American motoring, winning the SCCA's B-Production title three years running in the mid-1960s. Capitalizing on his success, Shelby began manufacturing modified Mustangs, which were officially sanctioned and sold through selected Ford dealerships. The first Shelby Mustang - the GT350 - arrived in 1965 powered by a modified version of Ford's 289ci (4.7-liter) small-block V8 producing 306bhp, with considerably more power available in race versions. The chassis and running gear were uprated appropriately to cope with the GT350's increased performance, with well-judged exterior enhancements giving it a purposeful race-bred look, which is widely emulated by legions of passionate Mustang owners.
THE CAR OFFERED
According to the Shelby Registry, this 1966 Shelby GT350, chassis SFM 6S1226, was shipped from Shelby American to High Performance Motors of El Segundo, California, in March of 1966. Originally finished in Guardsman blue with white Le Mans stripes, it came equipped with a radio, Detroit Locker rear axle, and roll bar, for a total invoice of $4,007.20. The first owner is listed as Mr. Green of Atlas Auto Leasing in Beverly Hills, and factory service records note a minor warranty repair in June of 1966, at 4,593 miles.
Subsequent owners included well-known Shelby man Craig Conley of Santee, California, Jeffrey Conley of Tolland, Connecticut, and Arthur Miller of Santa Barbara, California who acquired the Shelby in 1998. In Mr. Miller's care, 6S1226 was converted to GT350 R-Model specifications and fitted with a roll cage for vintage racing.
Still in its classic livery of Guardsman Blue with white Le Mans stripes, period-correct visual updates to R-Model specs include the fiberglass front apron, brake-cooling side scoops, grey-finish Torq-Thrust wheels, and a factory style lightweight Plexiglas rear screen. It is said to retain the limited slip rear axle (a necessary fitment for competition), and Koni dampers. Its current steward, an active vintage racer and collector, has consistently enjoyed the car in racing events around the country, including Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca.
Under current ownership, 6S1226 has been looked after by the respected ArrowLane Racing, who report it to be a very well-sorted, good handling car needing little more than a new driver to go racing. The engine is said to be a fresh build with just 2 races under its belt, and it has been recently serviced. Widely eligible for historic events worldwide, this presents an excellent opportunity to break into the world of vintage racing with a proven, and well sorted example of the legendary Shelby GT350.
Saleroom notices
Please note the correct production year for this car is 1966.
Additional information
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