Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Shelby GT 350

VIN – 6S254
Exterior Color – White with Blue Stripes
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 345 Cu. In. V8
Transmission – 4-speed synchromesh manual
Current Miles – 2,552 miles (TMU)

Highlights of this Car

- The second 1966 Shelby GT 350 built in series production
- Multiple vintage racing event history with an impressive 345 cu. in. engine
- Finished in historic Wimbledon White with dual Guardsman Blue stripes

General Overview

Nearly 60 years ago Carroll Shelby put his name on the first K-code Mustang fastback, packing the potent 289/271 hp engine and carefully selected suspension changes to make the now legendary GT 350. And while individual modifications were seemingly minor to an already potent Hi-Po package, the collective difference was remarkable. The Shelby marketing machine knew how to taunt high-priced European offerings, both at the track and on the street. The proven Mustang platform and V8 durability allowed enthusiasts to enjoy American reliability and sports car handling without worrying about costly maintenance or difficulty acquiring parts. The same formula also dominated at the track.

By 1966 successful sales and racing momentum with Ford had grown significantly. Both Shelby and Ford increased their marketing efforts, expanding the Shelby offering, beginning with a range of paint colors including red, blue, green, black, as well as white. Other notable changes for 1966 included clear side windows (replacing the Mustang roof extractor vents), optional fold down rear seating (replacing the rear spare tire tub), and functional side scoops (aiding in rear brake cooling). Sales more than doubled the previous year with 1966 GT 350 production reaching 1,373 fastbacks (not including 1003 Hertz special edition cars). For 1966, Shelby continued to offer cars for racing use, but by then most privateers were building their own racers from the already robust Shelby package delivered straight off the factory line.

History of This Shelby GT 350

This Shelby GT 350 is one of 1,373 1966 model year cars built. The first 252 Shelby GT350s were built using 1965 Mustangs shipped to Shelby American to meet demand for these cars while Ford shut down their assembly line to convert to the 1966 model year upgrades. These 252 cars are considered “Carryover” cars with the first production of true 1966 model cars starting with serial number 6S253 and the second production unit being this car, 6S254.
According to the Shelby Registry, 4th Edition, this car was ordered October 19, 1965, and shipped to the first owner, a resident of Concord, NH in November 1965. Sold new with an automatic transmission, the car found its way to Florida in the late 1980s where it was transformed for use in vintage race events using R-model configuration features. Upgrades to racing specification included a Ford competition type Top-Loader 4-speed transmission with Hurst shifter, full roll cage, oil cooler, side exit exhaust, suspension and brake improvements, and R-model front apron with oil cooler intake. After it was completed and used in a variety of vintage race events, the current and consigning owner, a collector with multiple vintage Shelbys, purchased the car in 1999. At that time, the car was running a 289 engine. The current owner ran the car in the 2000 Tour Auto, France. During that event, the 289 engine failed, at which time the car returned back to the US and a full race 345 cu. in. engine was sourced and installed in the car. The owner entered the car in the Le Mans Classic, circa 2006 but substituted his entry after purchasing a Ferrari 275 GTB 6C.

The 345 cu. in. engine currently in the car was built with .020” overbore and .40” longer stroke and dyno tested yielding 470 hp at 7,000 rpm, running a 750 cfm 4-barrel carburetor, roller camshaft, with intake valves measuring 2.02” and 1.65” exhaust valves. The engine is tuned to run on racing fuel. In addition to the engine build, the brakes were updated with a dual circuit system and proportioning valve, an ATL safety fuel cell, and fire suppression system, compliant with European historic competition standards. Additional modifications include brake cooling ducts, lighter weight R-model type ‘Drop down” vented plexiglass rear window, and lightweight Torque-Thrust type alloy wheels. The car was finished in traditional Wimbledon White with dual Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes. The car was last run at Sebring, approximately six years ago with the then fresh motor which remains in the car today.

Current Condition

Today this race prepped GT 350 presents as a very capable candidate for historic racing while still maintaining much of the original build and historic details of this very early 1966 model. The paint is in generally good condition overall with high gloss and accurate stripes applied in the correct color showing evidence of joyful track use, frontal area chips, and a few scuff marks as often found on competition cars. Panel fit is quite good throughout the car, with only minor areas of variation typically found on cars from this era. The front bumper and metal valance have been replaced with an R-model valance and the rear bumper has been painted to match the body colors. The doors have been lightened similarly to the R-model with aluminum window frames and plexiglass door and vent window inserts replacing the heavier production glass. Lenses and lighting appear clear and well maintained. The Torque Thrust type wheels are in very good condition with no major damage fronting drilled and ventilated front discs and rear drum brakes, wearing Dunlop Racing 6.00 L-15 tires mounted all around. An exterior kill switch is mounted on the passenger side fender.

The interior is purposeful and functional with no carpet and a basic dashboard featuring six SW gauges – Speedometer, Tachometer, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Oil Pressure, and Amps mounted on an aluminum panel cut to fit the original instrument fascia. Additional gauges are located below the dash along with toggle switches for various features. A series of warning lights are also installed on the dashboard which is fronted by a “Design Giugiaro” steering wheel. Two modern Cobra “Imola 2” branded racing seats are fitted, laced with Willans harnesses dated to 2005. A Pyrotect fire bottle and suppression system is installed. The interior is finished with a padded roll bar including diagonal side bar door protection. The battery is mounted behind the passenger seat. The dashboard bears dash plaques from 1993 and 1996 Shelby American Auto Club. The trunk houses an ATL fuel cell with internal fill spout and rear diagonal roll bar protection extended from the rear interior portion of the inner roll cage.

Under the correct Shelby metal reinforced fiberglass hood, the 345 cu. in, engine is fitted with Cobra aluminum finned valve covers, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, MSD electronic ignition, twin electric cooling fans, and heat wrapped tube headers. The production shock tower support is in place, enhanced by a chrome plated lateral cross bar mounted for added stiffness and improved cornering. The underside of the car reflects correct features found on factory unibody floor pans and sub-frame showing no immediately visible evidence of structural compromise, and proper attention afforded to brakes, lines, fuel lines, and associated mechanical features. Additional details include drilled ventilated front disc brakes with air duct cooling, dual side exit exhaust, under-engine heavy duty cross member frame brace, and a custom rear axle Panhard rod.

Although this car is offered on a clean Florida title, it has been prepared specifically for vintage racing. We encourage the next owner to engage the services of a capable race shop to review and prepare the car before driving this car in competitive events.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

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