Now offered on Bring a Trailer, this 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 represents a carefully restored example of one of America’s most influential performance cars. Originally delivered through Trudell Ford in Warren, Michigan, the Shelby was purchased by its current owner in 1996 as a rolling chassis. That acquisition marked the beginning of a comprehensive, multi-year refurbishment that was completed in 2005. Since then, the car has earned considerable recognition, taking first place at the Salt Lake City Autorama in 2024, 2025, and 2026. It was also displayed at the Shelby American Collection in Boulder, Colorado, during 2025.
The restoration returned the body to its original Sapphire Blue specification. The car was stripped to bare metal, with both lower rear quarter panels repaired before being refinished using DuPont Chromabase and Chromaclear products. White Le Mans stripes complement the GT350 side stripes, while exterior equipment includes a steel hood with scoop, fiberglass side scoops, a left-side mirror, replacement bumpers, and an R-style front valance.
The 1966 model represented an important evolution of the Shelby GT350. While the 1965 cars delivered near-race-car levels of performance, owners frequently criticized their stiff ride, excessive noise, and vibration. Shelby responded by making the 1966 GT350 more civilized without abandoning its performance credentials. Plexiglas quarter-windows and rear-brake cooling scoops were among the visual and functional revisions. The 289-cubic-inch HiPo V8 remained the centerpiece, producing approximately 306 horsepower with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, while a quieter exhaust improved everyday usability.
This example received an extensive engine rebuild in 1999 by Madcap Racing Engines of Denver. The 289ci V8 was fitted with TRW forged pistons, Manley pushrods, a Lunati roller camshaft, and Comp Cams roller rocker arms. Shelby-specific hardware includes a cast-aluminum high-rise intake manifold, Holley four-barrel carburetor, headers, baffled aluminum oil pan, and cast-aluminum valve covers. The radiator support and battery tray were also replaced with Ford-specification components. Power reaches the rear wheels through the factory-style four-speed manual transmission, with DynoMax mufflers handling exhaust duties.
Chassis improvements include refreshed front and rear braking components, Koni shocks, and factory-style Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes paired with larger rear drums. Reproduction 14-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels were reportedly new when purchased in 1996 and now carry Goodyear Eagle GTII tires.
Inside, the cabin has been comprehensively renewed with restored bucket seats, door panels, dashboard padding, carpeting, and headliner. The original-style AM radio remains, while latch-and-link front belts, rear seat belts, and a roll bar enhance the period-correct character. A Carroll Shelby signature adorns the glove-box lid. The refurbished walnut-rim steering wheel sits ahead of a 140-mph speedometer and supporting gauges for electrical charge, fuel, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. A rebuilt Cobra-branded 9,000-rpm tachometer occupies its prominent central position atop the dashboard.
With its documented long-term refurbishment, competition-show success, Shelby-specific mechanical equipment, and distinctive Sapphire Blue presentation, this 1966 GT350 combines authentic period character with substantial restoration work, making it a particularly compelling example of the Shelby Mustang legacy.
1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Bring a Trailer
