While the 1965 GT350s sold well, early buyers found them harsh and noisy because of their race car design. In response, the 1966 GT350 underwent mechanical revisions to enhance user-friendliness. Plexiglas quarter windows, scoops, and ducting for rear brake cooling were among the exterior changes.
Mechanically, the engine remained a Shelby-prepared 306 brake horsepower, solid lifter 289-cubic inch Ford V-8 with a Holley four-barrel carburetor and a quieter exhaust system. The standard Borg-Warner T10 four-speed manual transmission could be swapped for an optional automatic. The suspension was closer to stock, improving ride and comfort. In total, 1,365 cars were produced, along with 1,000 GT350H Hertz “Rent A Racers” and 13 specials and prototypes.
Today, the 1966 Shelby GT350 is highly sought after by collectors, often commanding sales prices in excess of $100,000. This remarkable Shelby combined fearsome performance with several sedan-grade attributes, to provide the masses with a car that could get the groceries, yet silence any skeptics at the track.
The 1966 Shelby GT350 is also remembered as being among the earliest of high-output Mustangs to take driver comfort into account. This would be a principle that would heavily influence Mustang design in the years to come.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
