306 bhp, 289 cu. in. K-Code V-8 aspirated via 715 CFM Holley four-barrel carburetor, Borg-Warner four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs and stabilizer bar and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, hydraulic front disc, rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 108"

• Matching-numbers example

• One of 562 built in desirable 1965 model year

The introduction of the Ford Mustang in mid-April of 1964 was exceptionally well received by the public. Within a day of availability of the new model, there were over 22,000 orders placed. Within 12 months Ford dealers accepted orders for almost 419,000 Mustangs. The Mustang defined its own class, the pony car, which was sporty but not accurately described as a sports car. At this time Ford had been investing a lot of money in auto racing and turned to Shelby American for help. Shelby had been racking up wins with the iconic Ford-powered Cobra for the last two years, so Ford sought the help of Carroll Shelby to modify the Mustang to meet the SCCA requirements. After conversation with SCCA Executive Director John Bishop, it was determined that to qualify the car would have to have the rear seats removed, larger brakes, increased horsepower and beefier suspension. Regulations also allowed Shelby to modify the engine or the brakes and suspension. Shelby opted to modify the brakes and suspension due to fewer potential issues with warranties, which would also allow him to modify the engine for the actual racing cars.

To meet the new homologation certification requirements for B racing, at least 100 of these cars had to be produced before January 1, 1965. Determining which parts would be made unique to the GT350 and setting up production was no easy task for Shelby American, especially because they had a number of projects already in process and even more looming. The resulting Shelby Mustang GT350s were truly street legal racing cars and obtained a number of production-class racing victories, forever securing a place in the annals of motor racing history.

Chassis SFM5S517 is a superb matching-numbers example from the first and rarest GT350 production year. It sports a restoration performed in the mid-2000s by one of North America’s foremost Shelby specialists. Like all the other examples from 1965, it is painted Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes. This example was originally sold new by Horn-Williams Ford in Dallas, Texas. It was purchased restored by its current owner in 2006 and today shows only 61,000 original miles. It is complete with all original components, has a Shelby Serial Number Verification and has also been verified by Shelby expert Howard Pardee. The restoration was executed well enough to garner accolades at local automotive events but not so overdone that it cannot be properly enjoyed where it belongs—on the open road. SFM5S517 was recently driven in the New England 1000 and experienced no faults. Since restoration it has been serviced regularly and overall extremely well looked after. It will not look out of place in any collection of significant performance cars and will always remain in the exclusive realm of Shelby automobiles that will continue to be appreciated by generations of future collectors.