Carroll Shelby’s creation, the 1965 GT350, was an instant legend. With championship wins and iconic looks, it secured Shelby’s place in automotive history. However, initial sales fell short, leaving him 252 cars unsold at the end of the production year.
These leftover 1965 models became known as “carry-over” 1966 Shelbys. Originally ordered as high-performance 1965 Mustang fastbacks, they were transformed into GT350s just in time for the 1966 model year. This makeover involved a facelift with the 1966 Mustang grille and a modernized dashboard featuring a new five-dial instrument cluster.
To distinguish these Shelbys and enhance their appeal, functional air scoops were added on the quarter panels, along with unique Plexiglas windows in the C-pillars. Under the hood, the 289 cubic inch High Performance engine received an upgrade with an aluminum intake manifold, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and Tri-Y exhaust headers.
Inside, the standard black Mustang interior was transformed with a luxurious wood steering wheel, a high-revving 9,000 RPM tachometer mounted on the dash, and racing-inspired seat belts.
Photos by Brett Lemon courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
