Vehicle Description
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18,249 original miles
Full concours-level restoration by marque specialist
Correct K-code engine and aluminum T-10 transmission
110th car built
Documented in the Shelby Registry
Unsuccessful in their attempt to have the new Ford Mustang accepted
by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Ford turned to Carroll
Shelby for guidance. Shelby met with SCCA Executive Director, John
Bishop, to discuss the details of qualification as a sports car by
the SCCA's definition, and so the Shelby GT350 was born. Shelby was
required to build a minimum of 100 units to meet the SCCA
requirements, however went on to build an additional 462 examples
for a total of 562 combined dedicated racing and street
versions.
All cars for production were ordered from Ford's San Jose assembly
plant in the same configuration; White exterior, Black interior,
K-code 271hp 289 V8 power plants, T-10 aluminum 4-speed
transmissions, and 9 inch rear ends with 3.89:1 ratio gears. The
cars were also ordered without rear seats, radio, exhaust systems,
and no grille, emblems or hoods. Known by Ford as "knock down"
models due to their semi-completed nature when shipped, Shelby
would install his own hand-stamped VIN plate over the Ford stamped
VIN number on the drivers side inner fender apron.
Shelby then installed a package tray where the rear seats would
have been to qualify the car as a two-seater. All GT350's would
have modified race suspension fitted by Shelby as standard
equipment. Ford's high-performance K-code 289 V8 was modified with
a high rise dual plane aluminum intake manifold and fitted with
full length headers, topped by a custom fiberglass hood with a
plenum to assist with incoming airflow, all working together to
raise horsepower to a respectable 306.
Chassis number SFM5S110 was received at Shelby American on December
21, 1964 and completed on April 26, 1965, shipping the following
day to Hi-Performance Motors in Los Angeles, CA. The cars first
owner, Greg Palmer, planned to take his new Shelby GT350 drag
racing, and had Bill Stroppe install drag race ladder bars. At a
later date Palmer also installed a Boss 302 engine, and top-loader
transmission. SFM5S110 went on to successfully compete at
California drag racing venues, including Lions, Orange County, and
Irwindale for many years.
The GT350 was later sold by Palmer, and passed through the hands of
two California owners before being purchased by a private collector
in Oklahoma. Randy Roberts of Muscle Car Restorations in OK, was
duly commissioned to perform a full concours-correct restoration to
the highest standards. Roberts's team, who are known for their
restoration and preservation work of many rare Mustangs and
Shelbys, noted that SFM5S110 had never fallen foul to harsh climate
conditions, and retained its perfect original front fender aprons,
with both of Ford's stamped VIN's present, and verified by the
Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC).
Muscle Car Restorations completed a ground up nut-and-bolt
restoration, including sourcing an original replacement
date-code-correct K-code 289 engine, and aluminum T-10 4-speed
transmission. All sheet metal was restored using genuine Ford
panels where needed, to correct prior drag racing modifications to
the floor and rear body panels. Everything was finished to National
Concours judging standards, leaving no small detail to chance.
Beautiful Ray Brown seat belts hold driver and passenger in place,
and a correct early slotted 15" steering wheel has been refinished,
providing for an enticing experience within. On each corner sit
Shelby's Cragar 15" wheels fitted with Goodyear Blue Dot 7.75x15
tires, with a fifth fitted in the rear package tray. Presented in
like-new showroom condition, this GT350 is ready for any show
field.
Upon arriving at Canepa, the cars spectacular restored surfaces
were treated to a full Canepa concours-show-level Detail. The
GT350's engine was tuned to perfection by our master mechanics, and
the entire drivetrain checked for balance and alignment. Ready for
any show lawn, or driven event, this iconic Shelby GT350 is now
ready to write a new chapter in the hands of its next
caretaker.
