I realize that it's not a Ferrari or even an exotic; but it's my latest acquisition and I thought somebody here might have an interest. It's a '65 Shelby GT350R, specifically, it's serial number SFM5R002; the first Shelby Mustang race car built by Shelby and one of 2 factory sponsored team cars. (A total of 36 GT350 R-Models were factory built for racing, but only 2 were factory team cars.) It was driven by Ken Miles, Jerry Titus and Chuck Cantwell in the 1965 racing season. It won the first race it was entered in on February 14, 1965 and nearly every race that it ran in after that. The attached photo below was taken during its maiden race on that day; yes, with ALL 4 wheels off the ground. It became known as the "flying mustang". (notice the mouths hanging open on the spectactors in the background) Ken Miles was driving at that time. This photo was used widely by Shelby in their marketing efforts after that, for obvious reasons. This car has a very interesting and significant racing history (which I won't bore everyone with right now). After it was replaced later in the season with R001 (which went on to win the national championship after being positioned to do so by R002), it became a factory test-mule to test prototype components for later GT350R's. When the factory was finished with it, it was sold to an independent racer in CA, then to another independent racer (who did very well with it), then to a wealthy guy in Mexico who ran it in a few local races there before parking it in an open lean-to in the Mexican desert where it sat for over 15 years before being found by a American Shelby enthusiast who had gone looking for it. He brought it back to the US. It changed hands a couple times, then went into the Shelby American Museum in Boulder, CO; where it's been since 1996. This car is literally the most historically significant Shelby Mustang in existance. It's been on my "wish list" for many years; but I honestly didn't think it could ever become a reality so it was more of a pipe dream than a possibility; however, last week I managed to buy it and add it to my collection. It will be on the display at the Quail in Monterey in August in case anybody is there and wants to check it out. It's still in "as-found" condition, the way it sat when it was recovered in the Mexican desert. (current photo - in rust and primer, also attached) I haven't decided yet whether to restore it or leave it as-is. Someday later I'll decide. I've rambled on long enough here. If anyone wants more info, you can Google SFM5R002 or "Ken Miles GT350", or I can add more if someone is interested. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Glad you shared this with us. Nice addition to your Shelby lineup. The only Mustang I've ever owned was a red '67 GTA with a 390 in it. Insanely fast and beautiful car but nothing like the Shelby heritage yours have. Add more info.
Wow, fabulous! Thank you very much for sharing John. This is an amazing addition to your collection. Look forward to seeing it @ the Quail (if not sooner).
Thanks guys, glad you like it. It's definitely something that you need to be able to see beyond its rough exterior to really understand it. I don't expect most people to understand why I might want this one, but I'm extremely happy to have it. Ryan - it will be at the Quail with a couple more of my Shelby's. It will remain at the museum in CO until the show, so it won't be around here prior to that to see. The Quail is celebrating 45 years of the Shelby Mustang this year, so there will be several of them there including 3 of mine. If you have any interest in Shelby's, there will be a very select group of important cars there to see. Stop by and say hi while you're there.
Congrats John! Very interesting history for that car. I'm sure it will be great whether you restore it or leave it as found. Hope to see you at RTC sometime soon, its been quite a while since Ive bugged you properly!
WHOA!!!!!!!!!!! This awesome John what a great find i am so happy for you. Nice addition to your collection. Thanks for sharing your new find.
It is so cool to see these cars from the past appear again. I am happy for you.. BUT..you did not let me BID on this one for you LOL LOL One question...does it run, is it operable in it's current state..?
Excellent, Excellent pick up for the collection. WOW. Luv it. Glad to see it is in the hands of someone who clearly appreciates the importance of the responsability of caring for the car and its preservation. Congrats and Cheers too you!
Sorry Roy, the bidding on this one was done very quietly with me negotiating directly with the owner. There was another party seriously pursuing it; but the seller and I came up with an agreement pretty quickly that suited both of us and finalized the deal. No, it doesn't run currently. It hasn't since the very early '70's. There is a motor in the car; but no transmission. (but I know where a proper transmission is fortunately) It's going to take me a couple years to collect the correct date-coded, original period parts that it needs before I consider starting a restoration of it. Some of them are extremely rare. Unfortunately there will be a few that just plain don't exist and will have to be fabricated; but I don't want to use repro stuff on this car and I'd rather take whatever time I need to and find the correct, period parts to do this one. I'm not in a hurry. It will be shown at the Quail then at SAAC (the national Shelby club convention) this summer, then it will return to the museum until I'm ready to start doing something with it. It's a very safe, secure home for it and a fitting place to display such a historical car.
I have always been a mustang lover myself,here is a picture of my 66. I had to sell it when I lost my job & had some tough times. I wish I had it back. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I suspect your Mustang is unique and historical enough that it transcends any exotic requirement for posting here. Great car! And, your restoration plans suggest is has found the right owner. -sc
What a great story and a fantastic car! It would be great to see it mechanically restored but left as is cosmetically. Would just be too cool to see it presented that way I think. Whatever you decide to do with it, congrats are still in order!!
Great car -- a very important one, at that. The original GT350Rs have always been my favorite of the Mustangs. Years ago I did a seat-to-seat comparison test drive story on a '68 GT350 and '67 GT500. While I had driven many Mustangs, I had never piloted a GT350 and was very surprised how European it felt it many regards. Steering wheel placement/angle was pure Italian, and shift lever throw was far different from the typical Ford "set your watch ahead an hour when you cross time zones between gears 2 and 3." Glad this car has found loving ownership. Wish I could see it in its current state, but I'm not hitting the Pebble/Monterey week this year due to family commitments. (I'm not an important enough as a journalist (meaning $$$) to get a press pass to Quail anyway. Two years ago they conveniently "lost" my press pass application and the year prior they denied my application claiming they were full. The way they exclude people even those who want to buy tickets -- often by last name seems to remind me of the gentleman's agreement days.)
Sorry -- my last post devolved into a rant. I'd edit it all out, but it's been too long to do so...so ignore my soapboxing. Let's just focus on the fact that the GT350R is just a fantastic ride.
I've thought about doing that; but it really isn't in "as last raced" condition or anything even close to that. Frankly, it looks the way it does because it sat exposed in the desert for so long. At some point, I'll probably restore it; but I'm not in a rush to make that decision.
It makes sense that it looks that way after sitting out for so long! It just looks very cool to me in it's current state. Of course part of that is the well done photo with good lighting that you posted. I know it's probably too significant a car to not restore but I'm a fan of patina. Enjoy it whatever you decide