1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 Recreation. Wimbledon White/Blue Le Mans stripes/Black. This is a recreation or "tribute" car, but it does have an original Shelby VIN number. We are a licensed Oregon dealer selling this car on consignment, and the owner provided all the information below.
The original Mustang GT350 S/N 5S143 was purchased new at Marv Tonkin Ford in Portland, OR. Sometime in the 1970's it was heavily damaged and scrapped. It is unlikely that any part of that car survives today. However, those in the local scrap yard community who had direct knowledge of the lost car then hatched the idea of someday recreating it, at a time when building "recreations" was unknown. But being dealers of spare parts, they believed that they could eventually obtain all the authentic parts necessary to complete the task. It took a long, long time...and this car which was finished about 20 years ago is the result. This recreation adopted the original car's serial number. The Shelby number SFM5S143 is stamped on the inner passenger fender, and the car also has a Shelby plate (covering the original Ford number) that is stamped 5S143. Neither the stamping nor the plate is likely to be authentic, however, the car has a clean, un-branded Oregon title with the VIN number SFM5S143. This car has never changed hands since it was finished 20 years ago.
A decades long project, much thoughtfulness went into using as many authentic parts as possible in making this car as close to a real GT350 as could be done. A listing of parts that we believe to be purely authentic and likely saw the inside of Shelby's factory in Venice are as follows:
Cobra finned oil pan Cobra finned rocker covers Cobra 4V high-riser intake manifold Crager wheels (with Shelby part numbers) 9" rear end (but without the Detroit Locker internals) Steering wheel Underhood Export Brace Side exhaust Front sway bar
Additional parts that are correct for a GT350 include: 715 CFM Holley carb Kelsey Hayes front disc/rear drum brakes Tach/Oil pressure dash pod Rear quarter vents Seat belts Headers Mufflers Koni shocks Traction bars Underhood Monte Carlo bar Spacer in lower grill
Reproduction parts include: Fiberglass hood (with steel frame) Fiberglass rear compartment panel Rear seat latch blocking plate Front grill badge Gas cap Rear GT350 badge ID plate
As a matter of personal preference, the car was built with a lower stance using relocated upper A-arms in the front and lowering blocks in the rear. The body used in the build was never rusty and required no significant repair. The current patina shows regular but limited use and is quite charming. The motor sounds great and runs very strong. The body and suspension are very tight with no rattles. Shifts great, solid clutch, and a very rewarding driving experience.
Please call Bill Penny at (503) 209-5510 to answer all your questions!
In fairness to all Bidders, reserve prices are always held in confidence.