For Sale: 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback in St. Louis, Missouri

The original Shelby GT350 stands among the most iconic American performance cars of the 1960s. Introduced in 1965 through the collaboration of Ford Motor Company and Carroll Shelby, the GT350 transformed the modest Mustang fastback into a competition-bred sports car with serious road-racing credentials. Shelby American reworked the Mustang's suspension, braking, and powertrain, creating a lighter, more focused machine that quickly established its reputation in SCCA competition. Distinguished by Wimbledon White paint, Guardsman Blue racing stripes, functional performance upgrades, and unmistakable Shelby styling, the early GT350 has become one of the most coveted muscle-era Fords. Today, authentic examples command considerable premiums, inspiring carefully constructed tributes that capture the spirit and appearance of these legendary machines while offering a more approachable ownership experience.

This 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback has been professionally transformed into a remarkably authentic-looking Shelby GT350 tribute, finished in Wimbledon White over Black Crinkle Vinyl, as specified on its original Mustang data tag. Guardsman Blue over-the-top racing stripes and matching GT350 body-side stripes complete the iconic presentation. The conversion incorporates a correct Shelby-style steel-framed fiberglass hood with scoop and hood lock-down pins, along with Shelby American sill plates, gas cap, rear badge, and five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires measuring 235/60R15. A rear-seat delete, Shelby-style dashboard pod, and period-inspired performance details further reinforce the competition-oriented character.

Professionally constructed by Classic Car Concepts of Lacey Springs, Alabama, in 2016 as a special project for a client, this Mustang was completed to a remarkably high standard. Its original owner primarily used it as a display piece, starting the engine frequently but driving it just 130 short miles for exercise. Consequently, the car presents with an exceptionally fresh appearance and feel, while its solid construction and carefully executed details create the impression of a purpose-built Shelby tribute rather than a casual cosmetic conversion.

Under the hood resides a new Blueprint Engines 347-cubic-inch V8 stroker, dyno-tested by the manufacturer at an impressive 415.6 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 447.6 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Built around aluminum cylinder heads and a 10.0:1 compression ratio, the engine features an Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, Holley 600-cfm carburetor, hydraulic roller camshaft, cast-steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods, hypereutectic pistons, and a large external harmonic balancer. Shelby-inspired finishing touches include finned aluminum Cobra valve covers and a chrome air cleaner.

Power is delivered through a Tremec TKO500 five-speed manual transmission, operated by a Hurst performance shifter topped with a leather Shelby Cobra shift knob. Additional performance equipment includes MSD electronic ignition, correct Tri-Y ceramic-coated headers, an H-pipe exhaust, and Flowmaster mufflers. A Champion aluminum radiator provides cooling capacity, while a welded engine Monte Carlo support bar, driveshaft safety loop, and rear axle rebound cables contribute to a well-considered performance package.

The chassis and suspension have been similarly equipped for spirited driving. Koni shock absorbers, four-wheel Ford disc brakes, welded subframe connectors, and rear traction bars provide improved control and rigidity over the standard Mustang configuration. SFI three-inch safety belts add a purposeful competition-inspired detail, complementing the car's performance-focused engineering.

Inside, the Black Crinkle Vinyl cabin retains the understated appearance of the original Mustang while incorporating distinctive Shelby-inspired appointments. A wooden three-spoke steering wheel with Cobra horn button sets the tone, while the Shelby-style instrument pod houses a tachometer and oil-pressure gauge. An auxiliary temperature gauge is mounted beneath the dashboard, providing additional engine monitoring. The rear-seat delete and absent radio components further emphasize the car's sporting intentions and resemblance to the original GT350 competition-inspired interior.

Remarkably solid and thoughtfully assembled, this Mustang captures the visual character and performance spirit of the 1965 Shelby GT350 with an exceptionally potent modern small-block powertrain and a desirable five-speed transmission. Its professional construction, extremely limited use since completion, and extensive combination of Shelby-inspired details make it an appealing alternative for enthusiasts seeking the iconic early Shelby aesthetic without the acquisition cost of an authentic GT350.