A landmark piece of American performance history is set to cross the block as a 1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback heads to auction with Mecum Auctions on May 15. Representing one of the earliest production examples, this rare two-digit GT350 stands among the most historically significant and meticulously restored cars of its kind.
Developed under the direction of Carroll Shelby during the formative months of Shelby American, early 1965 GT350s embody the raw essence of the Mustang’s transformation into a competition-bred machine. Built in Venice, California prior to the production shift to LAX, these early cars feature unique manufacturing nuances—such as the distinctive dark underbody primer—making them especially prized among collectors and historians.
This particular example has undergone a no-expense-spared concours rotisserie restoration by noted Shelby authority Jim Cowles, a former chairman of the Shelby American Automobile Club. The restoration prioritizes absolute originality, with every component meticulously returned to factory-correct condition. Notably, the car retains a remarkable number of rare “unobtainium” parts—an increasingly scarce attribute that significantly elevates its collector value.
Power comes from its original matching-numbers 289 cubic-inch HiPo V8, rated at 306 horsepower. The engine retains key early components, including the S1MS intake manifold and Holley carburetor, paired with an aluminum-case T-10 four-speed transmission and factory 3.89 Detroit Locker differential. This drivetrain configuration delivers the visceral, analog driving experience that defined the GT350’s racing pedigree.
Beyond its mechanical authenticity, the car’s provenance is equally compelling. Delivered new to Ray Hunt Ford in Daytona Beach, it is fully documented with Shelby American invoices, factory manuals, and verified VIN authentication. Its inclusion in the Shelby Registry and recognition with an MCACN Concours Gold award further underscore its elite status.
For collectors, early two-digit GT350s represent the pinnacle of Shelby production—where historical significance, engineering purity, and restoration excellence converge. This example is not merely a car; it is a benchmark.
1965 Shelby GT350 Fastback For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Mecum Auctions
