Vehicle Description
There's a reason Shelby Mustangs cost so much, and it's not the
paint job. From the high-winding 289 small block to the tight
suspension, to the all-business interior, this 1965 Ford Mustang
GT350 tribute closely re-creates that kind of excitement at a
fraction of the price. A great cruiser with all the right looks,
this fastback is a head turner of the highest degree, and after
spending the last 30 years in warm and sunny Texas under the
tutelage of a careful owner, it's ready for a new driver that
craves vintage excitement.
We all know that Ol' Shel was building cars this beautiful out at
his airport workshop, and the look is instantly familiar. Blue with
white stripes (we think the current shade on this fastback is a
little light to be called Guardsmen Blue, but it still shows very
well) were colors to be feared on the track and on the street, and
while it looks distinctive at a glance, the list of modifications
is short: a fiberglass hood with a scoop and locking pins, trumpet
exhaust jutting out from the rear valance, and a few well-placed
badges. Paint and bodywork were done several years ago yet are
holding up quite well, a tribute to the quality of the work, and
because the finish isn't perfect, you'll never be afraid to take it
out and go have some fun and the bright white stripes provide all
the contrast needed to really make it pop. Proper GT350 stripes
along the rockers were added, too, and the whole thing fits
together quite well. Chrome bumpers were part of the deal on
street-going GT350s, so they're on this car, too, and it looks
fantastic.
Inside, the theme continues with a beautifully crafted interior
that uses original-style patterns and details with the handsome
white upholstery to create a look that's fresh but familiar. With
great care shown since the build, the interior still feels quite
fresh and shows only a few signs of use or wear. Dark carpets were
installed and the door panels have been upholstered to match the
bucket seats. The gauges are GT-spec and are framed by a sporty
Grant GT steering wheel, a useful feature on a vintage Pony. A
factory center console frames the automatic shifter that controls
the C4 below, and the set of auxiliary gauges just ahead of it help
monitor the engine's vitals. The stereo is a Kenwood AM/FM/Cassette
unit with speakers that are revealed when the rear seat is folded
down, so it sounds great, especially with good sound deadening
materials under the surface. In back, the trunk is finished with a
correct plaid mat and includes an original spare tire assembly.
The heart of the GT350 is the snarling 289 cubic inch V8 built by
Ford, and although this one isn't the big 306 horsepower unit you
got in the real GT350s, it gets the job done too. There are no
badges or stickers to give it away, but that small block is a
strong 289 dressed to impress. From the chrome air cleaner to the
finned valve covers to the blue engine enamel, this one looks the
part of a Mustang powerplant. Fed through a Carter 4-barrel
carburetor atop an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, and a
freshened ignition system, it runs great, with that characteristic
Ford small block snarl from the exhaust that any Mustang fan will
recognize instantly. A C4 3-speed automatic feeds a 9-inch rear end
and long-tube headers feed a dual exhaust system that sounds
fantastic. Looking around, you'll also find an upgraded front disc
brake system, and slick Shelby-style alloy wheels wearing staggered
215/60/14 front and 225/70/14 rear BFGoodrich T/A white-letter
radials.
You could spend more on a mere tribute than we're asking for this
incredible car, and you still wouldn't get the look that this one
pulls off. Call today!