Carroll Shelby’s transformation of the Ford Mustang in 1965 fundamentally reshaped the model’s identity. What had often been dismissed as a stylish commuter car was reengineered into a serious competition machine, with the success of the Shelby GT350R on racetracks directly influencing the development of road-going GT350 variants. Those high-performance Mustangs remained a fixture in Ford’s lineup through 1969, establishing a legacy that would endure for decades.
That heritage was revived in 2015 when Ford Performance unveiled the third-generation Shelby GT350R at the North American International Auto Show. Developed as the most track-focused Mustang of its era, the model featured a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank V8 producing 526 horsepower.
Extensive aerodynamic enhancements, including a prominent front splitter and carbon-fiber rear wing, complemented its lightweight carbon-fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, creating a package engineered for maximum circuit performance.
Positioned to challenge rivals such as the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and the Porsche 911 GT3, the GT350R represented the pinnacle of Ford’s naturally aspirated performance engineering. Production continued through 2020, with the final examples built to commemorate the GT350 nameplate’s 55th anniversary.
Now offered for sale on Bring a Trailer, this 2020 Ford Shelby GT350R is one of those commemorative final-year cars. It is equipped with the optional GT350 Heritage Package, which finishes the car in iconic Wimbledon White with blue racing stripes, a tribute to the original 1965 Shelby racing Mustangs. Showing just 458 miles, the vehicle remains in exceptionally preserved condition.
Mechanical highlights include a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, dedicated engine and transmission cooling systems, MagneRide adaptive suspension, adjustable strut mounts, active exhaust, and a Torsen limited-slip differential with 3.73 gearing. Inside, the cabin features Recaro ebony leather seats, exposed carbon-fiber trim, and a rear-seat delete configuration.
The optional Technology Package adds blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and touchscreen navigation. As one of the last GT350Rs produced, this example represents a rare opportunity to acquire the ultimate evolution of Shelby’s modern track-focused Mustang in near-new condition.
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Heritage Edition For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Bring a Trailer
