For Sale: 1965 Shelby Mustang in Scotts Valley, California

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1965 Shelby Mustang GT350
VIN: SFM5S110

18,494 original miles
110th car built by Shelby American
Complete concours-level restoration by marque specialist
Correct K-code engine and aluminum Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission
Only 562 examples produced by Shelby American
Classic combination of Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes
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.

This 1965 Shelby GT350 began its life at the Ford plant in San Jose, California and shipped to Shelby American in Los Angeles. Chassis number SFM5S110 was received at Shelby American on December 21, 1964 and was transformed and completed on April 26, 1965, shipping the following day to Hi-Performance Motors in Los Angeles, CA. The car's 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 showed no corrosion or damage, that it retained both of Ford's stamped VIN's, and was 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 Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed transmission. All sheet metal was restored using genuine Ford panels where needed, only to correct prior drag racing modifications to the floor and rear body panels, but otherwise retained no damage, a rarity for GT350s. 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 GT350 was given a comprehensive inspection of both the mechanicals and cosmetics as part of the "Canepa Difference" process. The Shelby was then given a comprehensive concours-level multi-foam pad polishing and cleaning of all surfaces, enhancing the already-present lustre of the Wimbledon White paint and Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes, as well as the underside, engine bay, truck, and interior. The GT350's engine was tuned to perfection by Canepa's master technicians, and the entire drivetrain checked for balance and alignment through a series of test drives. Ready for any show lawn or driven event, this iconic 1965 Shelby GT350 is now ready to write a new chapter in the hands of its next caretaker.