Finding a modern track weapon that stays true to its vintage roots
is tough enough, but tracking down a genuine R model finished in
the most iconic livery in American racing history is a rare
opportunity. Built in April of 2017 and authenticated by its dash
plaque as Chassis HR452, this 2017 Ford Shelby GT350R is a prime
collector grade example of Ford Performance engineering. Finished
in factory code YZ Oxford White, this fastback wears the timeless
combination of blue over the top racing stripes bordered by sharp
red pinstripes.
Pop the hood and you are greeted by one of the greatest naturally
aspirated engines ever put into a production muscle car, the 5.2
liter flat plane crank Voodoo V8. Designed to scream all the way
past 8,000 rpm, this powerplant sits beneath a heavy duty Ford
Performance alloy strut tower brace and breathes through a high
flow open element air intake. Right up front, you can spot the
lightweight carbon fiber composite radiator core support that helps
keep weight off the nose. All that high revving fury is routed
through a crisp six speed manual transmission to a stout 3.73 rear
axle, barking out an unmistakable exhaust note through the quad tip
rear diffuser.
While a standard GT350 is a great driver, the R package elevates
the platform into an uncompromising corner carver. This specific
car showcases all the factory R hardware that collectors hunt for,
starting with the aggressive front chin splitter featuring red
Shelby lettering and the towering carbon fiber rear wing out back.
The real stars of the show are the ultra lightweight 19 inch carbon
fiber wheels, measuring a massive 11 inches wide up front and 11.5
inches in the rear. Wrapped in wide 305 front and 315 rear
performance rubber, those gloss black seven spoke wheels frame
massive red Brembo brake calipers and two piece cross drilled
rotors.
Stepping into the cockpit reveals why this particular GT350R is the
exact one you want in your garage. From the factory, the R model
strips out the back seats for a clean, carpeted rear seat delete
that makes it a dedicated two passenger machine. However, this
chassis was smartly ordered with the highly desirable R Electronics
Package. Alongside the deeply bolstered Recaro suede bucket seats
with red contrast stitching, the Alcantara flat bottom steering
wheel with its red sight stripe, and the red cue ball shifter, you
still get the everyday usability of dual zone automatic climate
control and the large center touchscreen display. It delivers the
raw, lightweight pedigree of a true R model without sacrificing the
creature comforts you want on a weekend road trip.
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