To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7
March 2020.
Estimate:
$375,000 - $425,000
- One of 562 GT350s built in 1965
- Documented by the SAAC Registry
- Originally used for Shelby public relations purposes
- Sold through Hi-Performance Motors in Los Angeles,
California
- Two-year-old restoration by marque experts at Cobra
Automotive
- Retains it matching numbers engine
Starting with Ford's already exceptional "K-code" Mustang fastback,
Carroll Shelby and his team at Shelby American loaded the GT350
with numerous suspension upgrades and improved safety equipment and
beefed up the engine, adding approximately 35 horsepower over the
standard "Hi-Po" 289 V-8. The result was a production class-racing
powerhouse that easily met the challenge from other cars of the
day, including the Sunbeam Tiger and Jaguar E-Type, as well as
Ford's arch nemesis, the Chevrolet Corvette. Shelby American
produced only 562 of these tough-and-ready GT350s in 1965, and they
are considered the most desirable and collectable among all Shelby
Mustangs.
Chassis number SFM 5S205 was received by Shelby American on 20
March 1965; work began on the car on 29 April 1965 and wrapped up
on 7 May. It was noted that the driveshaft was defective upon
arrival at Shelby American. Nearly a month after completion, Shelby
American also determined that the transmission had a defective
shift fork. Shelby proceeded to install a new transmission, and
Ford was invoiced $146. Upon completion the GT350 was used by the
factory for public relations purposes, including demonstrations.
When its promotional duties wrapped up, the GT350 was shipped to
Hi-Performance Motors in Los Angeles, California, on 17 September
1965. The dealership was invoiced $3,192.30.
While original ownership is unknown, the GT350 remained in
California for most of its life. It was purchased in 1971 by Don
Burke of Northridge. Under his ownership the car was campaigned in
Solo I and autocross events. In 1980 it was purchased by Stephen
Connor of Simi Valley, California. The car was used at track events
at Willow Springs, Riverside, Ontario, and Laguna Seca for the
ensuing decade. In 1991 the GT350 was restored by New Life Shelby &
Mustang and would go on to win second place in the concours held at
the SAAC-17 in Portland in July 1992. It was offered for sale
through Hemmings in October 2015 and purchased by current ownership
in early 2016, residing for the past few years in Florida.
Today the GT350 presents beautifully, finished in the traditional
Wimbledon White with Blue Le Mans stripes. It features a
driver's-side Talbot mirror and rides on Shelby Cragar wheels
wrapped in Goodyear "blue dot" tires. It is powered by a K-code 289
cu. in. V-8 engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The
battery has been relocated to the trunk, and power disc brakes
bring the car to a safe stop. The interior is equipped with bucket
seats, three-inch lap belts, and the original fiberglass package
tray that carries a covered full-size spare. Additionally, it
features a wood-rimmed steering wheel, radio, and the Shelby
tachometer and oil pressure pod. Rubber Shelby floor mats protect
the front and rear carpet.
Debuting more than 50 years ago, the GT350 remains a dramatic and
visceral driving experience. There is nothing subtle about the car;
it is designed to go fast, handle well, and look good while doing
so. SFM 5S205 is certainly no exception to this long-established
rule. An immaculate, rust-free example, it presents in beautiful
condition throughout and is the ideal entrant to vintage rallies or
shows.
Please note that RM Sotheby's has confirmed that this car retains
its matching numbers engine.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.