Within a month of the launch of the Ford Mustang in April 1964, the sales figures were nothing short of a phenomenon.  Little did Ford know that eighteen months into production, sales would reach nearly one million. Instead of waiting for the 'bubble to burst', Lee Iacocca's dream of speed and style was to be attached to Ford's Mantra: 'Win on Sunday . . . Sell on Monday'.

Carroll Shelby was already trusted and respected by Ford, thanks to his efforts engineering the successful Cobra projects.  He would be responsible for the 'ponycar performance lift' and creating a Motorsport Legend.  In December 1964, the Sports Car Championship of America accepted the GT-350 into B-Production racing. With such credentials it's not surprising the Shelby Ford Mustang GT-350 delivered three SCCA B-Production Championships in 1965-67 for Ford.

The GT-350 began life as a White Mustang 2+2 delivered initially to Carroll Shelbys shop in Venice California from Ford's San Jose California Plant.  These cars already had the 'High Performance 289cu.in.V-8' and four speed manual gearboxes. With Carroll Shelby's engine modifications power figures gave 306 BHP.  The basic Ford Falcon suspension underpinnings were updated, Galaxie 500 parts and larger rear brakes gave improvements. Further suspension modifications resulted in a well balanced, neutral handling winner. The Shelby Mustangs were never to be this hardcore again.

This 1967 Shelby Mustang GT350 is finished in Acapulco Blue with white Le Mans stripes and was built on 5th May 1967. The car was imported to the UK in 1998 and was purchased by the current owner in 2004. When discovered by the vendor, it was in a 'tired state' and he immediately set about disassembly for restoration. New metalwork was carried out in the floors and rear quarter panels and all of this was carried out in order to preserve as much of the original shell as possible. The same mentality was incorporated for the mechanical parts.  Where they were able, the original parts were refurbished and used.  Elsewhere, period parts (new old stock) were used and, where necessary, new replacement parts were sourced.  There are pictures in the history file that show every stage of the restoration and many bills and invoices.

The car came to the vendor with a Ford 302 cubic inch engine. However, this was replaced with a rebuilt and period correct Ford 289 hi-po engine, mated to a newly refurbished 4-speed top loader gearbox. A Hurst shifter was also added for more precise changes and it was given a new hi-rise aluminium intake manifold and a 715CFM Holley carburettor. The interior is largely original. The vendor had to replace the under-dash gauge pods with a reproduction '66 rally-pac, fitted with Stewart Warner gauges. The seat belts are original, but the harness is a modern recreation sourced from Germany. In addition, the car has the original EFFPI steering wheel, which was restored by Moto-Lita.

The restoration work was finished in 2006.  Since then, there's been general work to maintain the car and keep her mechanically sound. The vendor has recently completed a 600 mile round trip to the Netherlands without the slightest hiccup. A Marti report can be found in the history file along with a list of all previous owners and every receipt for the last 10 years. Finally, this Shelby is listed in the latest (1997) Shelby American World Registry under reference 2259. Original GT350's rarely come onto the open market and this car represents an exciting opportunity for any lover of the iconic Mustang.