The success of the 1965 Shelby GT350 established Carroll Shelby's
reputation for transforming the Ford Mustang into a serious
high-performance machine. While the early GT350s were celebrated
for their race-bred character, some owners found their
uncompromising nature, stiff ride, and excessive noise less
suitable for everyday driving. In response, Shelby refined the
formula for 1966, creating a more civilized yet equally capable
performance car. Improvements included revised suspension tuning
for enhanced ride quality, quieter exhaust systems, Plexiglas
quarter windows, and functional rear brake cooling scoops. Power
continued to come from Shelby's legendary 289ci Hi-Po V8, producing
306 horsepower through a Holley four-barrel carburetor and backed
by a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission. The result
was a more comfortable GT350 that retained the performance pedigree
enthusiasts demanded. Production totaled 1,365 GT350s for 1966,
along with 999 GT350H Hertz "Rent-A-Racers" and a small number of
special-purpose prototypes.
Finished in its factory-delivered Candy Apple Red paint with the
highly desirable Le Mans Stripe Delete option, this exceptional
1966 Shelby GT350 represents one of the finest examples available
today. According to the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry,
the car was shipped from Shelby American's Los Angeles facility to
Koons Ford in Falls Church, Virginia, in June 1966 and sold to its
first owner on July 26, 1966. Like all 1966 GT350s, it began life
as a K-Code Mustang Fastback before receiving Shelby's
comprehensive performance upgrades, including a Cobra aluminum
intake manifold, Holley carburetor, Tri-Y headers, Koni shock
absorbers, rear traction bars, side scoops, dash-mounted
tachometer, competition seat belts, and wood-rim steering
wheel.
This GT350 has benefited from a no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt
concours-quality restoration completed by a noted Shelby specialist
and has accumulated only test miles since completion. Retaining its
matching-numbers Hi-Po 289ci V8 engine, the car is reported by
previous ownership to have traveled just 22,338 miles from new.
During the restoration, the body was meticulously block-sanded and
panel gaps were carefully fitted to achieve a laser-straight finish
surpassing factory standards. The paint was then wet-sanded and
polished to concours-level presentation. Equally impressive, the
undercarriage was restored to factory-correct specifications,
featuring red oxide primer floor pans, body-color overspray, proper
inspection markings, and authentic paint daubs throughout.
Accompanying the vehicle are copies of the dealer shipping report,
dealer invoice, order invoice, and Shelby American Automobile Club
serial number verification documentation. Combining desirable
factory specifications, documented history, matching-numbers
driveline, and a concours-level restoration, this 1966 Shelby GT350
represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most
iconic and collectible American performance cars of the era.
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