One to Buy: early 'First 100' 1965 Shelby GT350
In addition to the legendary GT40, Ford’s Total Performance programme of the 1960s spawned the most iconic Muscle Car of all time: the first generation Ford Mustang.
Myriad different iterations of the series one Mustang were produced between 1964 and 1966, however, the ace in the pack (and arguably the most desirable Mustang ever built) was the Shelby GT350.
Conceived to homologate an array of hot parts so that a racing version would stand the best chance of success in the SCCA’s high profile B-Production championship, the Shelby GT350 was significantly enhanced in practically every department.
The suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres were uprated along with the cooling system. Weight distribution was optimised and the engine was tuned to produce 13% more power. The gearbox came in a special lightweight casing and a limited-slip differential was installed. The body was given a fibreglass hood complete with air scoop. Inside there were new gauges, a new steering wheel and the rear seats were junked to save weight.
Although only 100 examples had to be built, Ford and Shelby produced the GT350 for both the 1965 and ‘66 model years. However, as time went by, many of the features that made the early cars so special were dropped in favour of a more commercial specification that offered broader market appeal.
As a consequence, it is the very early variants that are the most sought after today.
One such example is currently on offer with Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, California.
Chassis SFM5S090 is one of those first 100 cars built to secure B-Production homologation. Significantly, this batch of vehicles were manufactured at Shelby’s factory in Venice, California, after which production moved to a new facility at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Reprinted below is Fantasy Junction’s description for this extremely rare Shelby GT350:
Chassis no. SFM5S090, Engine no. 5R09K165892
Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue Le Mans Stripes
More than fifty years ago Carroll Shelby packed the potent 289/271 hp engine and key suspension changes into a Mustang fastback and built the now legendary Shelby GT 350. Bolstered by Ford racing dollars and track support, the capable GT 350 could compete against higher-priced sports cars, besting Jaguars, Ferraris, and Corvettes through the corners or down the backstretch.
As the inaugural offering, the 1965 model was built to meet the minimum homologation efforts for SCCA racing. Although eventually 521 1965 GT350s would be built that year, the San Jose Ford plant constructed and delivered the first shipment of 100 cars to the Shelby American Inc., Venice, CA assembly plant, all of which were painted Wimbledon White and trimmed with black interior. The first of these 100 cars, now referred to as “Double Digit” cars, are distinguished by their serial number signifying construction within that first production sequence. Double-digit cars feature details unique to early series production models developed specifically for the 1965 model year including items such as a rear mounted battery, converted rear seating area to a lighter weight storage platform, relocation of the spare tire atop the storage platform, a 16” Shelby Cobra steering wheel, Koni adjustable shock absorbers front and rear, anti-tramp bars fitted above the rear axle, cables to limit rear axle travel, a prop shaft safety loop, aircraft style 3” safety belts, and an Autolite battery (rear mounted in early versions).
Authenticated by numerous copies of original Shelby American documents including the handwritten invoice to Harr Motor Company, Worchester, MA, Customer File Invoice, and Delivery Receipt, this Shelby GT350, SFM5S090 is a documented double-digit example built within the first 100 cars. Shelby American invoice number “A 129” dated April 15, 1965, indicates the car was delivered to Harr Motor Company outfitted with “Special Alloy Wheels”. Additional documents include service invoices for exhaust repairs and a customer credit memo. Documents on file with the car include correspondences with Shelby expert Howard Pardee, a Shelby Serial Number Verification letter from Pardee verifying the numbers for this car, and correspondences from former owners regarding the history of this car.
Over the 50+ years of careful ownership, various owners have researched the car and taken great care to preserve the original matching numbers drivetrain and key Shelby features. Restored over 20 years ago by a marque expert, this early production GT 350 is one of the most desirable examples in existence today, complete with the shelf mounted spare tire, trunk mounted battery, and spring-delete fiberglass hood with front mounted retaining pins. While under comprehensive restoration NOS parts were extensively used including correctly dated Shelby and HiPo parts closely following MCA and SAAC Concours Standards. Notable details include trunk-mounted Autolite battery, blueprinted original matching numbers engine, T-10 M aluminum transmission, 3.89 Detroit Locker rear end, and numerous other parts vital to authentic Shelby cars of this early period.
According to a former owner, this car was purchased by the third owner, Jim Cowles, a highly respected restoration expert located in Milwaukee, WI. Cowles purchased the car from the second owner, a Ford engineer from Detroit. The first owner was on the East Coast and had started the restoration but did not finish, selling it to the Ford engineer. Cowles purchased the car from the Ford engineer and performed the nut and bolt restoration still representing the condition today. The fourth owner retained the car for a few years keeping miles to a minimum, then selling it to the fifth owner. The current owner is believed to be the sixth owner of record.
Today this Shelby GT 350 presents in excellent overall condition. The Wimbledon White paint is glossy and properly prepared, reflective of period correct factory finishes. The Guardsman blue metallic body stripes are correctly applied with correct metal flake and smooth coverage. The stripe width and proper matching rocker panel stripes are correctly done as well. The hood, doors, and trunk lid show excellent panel gaps and proper fitting to the body panels, with a slightly larger panel gap to the driver’s side trunk lid which is in keeping with production panel fit often seen in early Mustangs. The exterior chrome and various polished trim, emblems, and badges are all in excellent condition, having been properly finished per original specifications. The glass, lenses, and lighting have very nice factory finishes overall with correct factory markings. The rare CS aluminum wheels are in exceptional condition with correctly polished surfaces, showing no significant scratches or marks and correctly finished satin cast recessed areas, capped in the center with CS emblem chrome plated hubs. A correct set of GoodYear Blue Dot series 7.75 – 15 tubeless tires are installed. The car is outfitted with correct side exit exhaust, a feature unique to 1965 models.
The interior features all correct components, proper materials, and attention to detail including the instrument panels, contoured Shelby tach and oil pressure binnacle, a beautiful dash pad, very nicely finished instruments, and authentic pleated door panels. The glovebox door has been signed by Carroll Shelby. The interior is finished off with low pile carpeting, a set of Cobra floor mats, and wide Ray Brown racing seat belts draped over the bucket seats. Of note, the extremely rare and original 16” wood rimmed Shelby steering wheel is in excellent condition including the center emblem which houses the COBRA name and insignia.
Under the rare all fiberglass porthole Shelby hood, the original matching numbers 289/271 HiPo engine possesses all the proper components including raised COBRA lettered valve covers and date coded parts. The painted finishes throughout the engine compartment are correct including correct engine hardware, hose clamps, hoses, and wiring. The finish overall is beautifully done and properly presented without overdone polish beyond the original style castings and satin paints used when originally delivered to the first fortunate owner.
Underneath the car, the stamped factory steel floor pan and welds appear to be factory correct. Correctly displaying red oxide primer throughout the floor pan, all features appear correct and in excellent visual condition. The larger capacity cast aluminum COBRA oil pan is in excellent condition, as is the casting for the T10 transmission, correct leaf springs, and small chamber mufflers fitted to dual side-exit exhaust pipes.
The car starts easily and settles into a potent and familiar HiPo V8 idle that delivers a snappy sound from the side exit exhaust. Acceleration is brisk and rewarding with progressive power as the engine winds into the higher revs and the potent stock Hi-Po 289 delivers that unique combination of performance and durability. SFM5S090 is very nicely sorted, delivers confident handling, great braking from the combined front disc/rear drum set up, and a composed, solid ride at freeway speeds.
This Shelby is accompanied by a Shelby GT350 owner’s manual, 1965 Mustang owner’s manual, various vintage publications featuring the GT 350, spare keys, scissor jack and tire changing tools, and a car cover.
