Certain attributes and characteristics add to the inherent value of a classic, while others serve as interesting conversation starters. That this 1966 Shelby GT350 was sold new by Carroll Shelby himself probably falls into the second category. However, the fact that it is a one-owner numbers-matching survivor undoubtedly falls into the first. It saw service on both the road and the track, and with the original owner passing away in 2023, the time has come for this GT350 to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Patrick S for spotting this classic listed here on Facebook in Simi Valley, California. You could become its new owner for $199,900.
The 1966 model year marked the second for production of the GT350. It was also the beginning of a process where the Shelby GT range would evolve into a more luxurious vehicle, rather than a hard-edged “racer for the road.” One of the more obvious changes for 1966 was an increase in the number of paint shades offered following the 1965 philosophy of “any color as long as it is Wimbledon White.” However, the first owner selected that color with the traditional Blue stripes. He purchased the car from Hi-Performance Motors in El Segundo, California, with documentation confirming that the salesman was Carroll Shelby. The first owner had a vision for his new purchase, splitting its time between roaming the open road and holding its own on the track. It is the latter function that prompted the addition of flared wheel arches using the original Ford steel so that the owner could squeeze bigger tires onto this classic. He drove the car regularly before parking it for three decades due to health issues. Sadly, he passed away in 2023, and his widow decided that the GT350 deserved a new home. That makes this a one-owner classic with a known history. Cosmetically, it remains as it was when it went into storage, with the flares intact and the paint and panels sporting a few imperfections. These minor issues add to the car’s character and story, which will motivate some to believe that preservation is the best option. It is worth noting that the Shelby has spent its life in Southern California, so any faithful restoration won’t involve rust repairs. Most of the bright trim is painted Black, and the glass is in good condition.
The 1966 Shelby GT350 meant business from the moment it rolled out the door. A regular Mustang GT could be ordered with the iconic K-Code 289ci V8 producing 271hp and 312 ft/lbs of torque. By breathing on items like the intake and carburetor, GT350 owners had 306hp and 329 ft/lbs at their disposal. They could select a three-speed automatic to reduce driver strain, but this car’s first owner stuck with the tried-and-true four-speed manual. It would be fair to expect a car that has lived hard on the track to have lost the original motor to some form of failure, but that isn’t the case here. The 289 has been rebuilt several times, but is numbers-matching. That isn’t the case with the four-speed, with this Shelby now featuring a replacement Top Loader. However, the rear end is also original, which is more good news for potential buyers. This GT350 was recently revived from its three-decade slumber, with the brakes and fuel system treated to a rebuild utilizing genuine Shelby components. The seller indicates that it runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide the buyer with a potent motoring experience.
Interiors often paint a clear picture of the life a classic has led, and this GT350 is no exception. From the roll bar to the body-hugging race seats, there are obvious signs that this gem has seen competition work. However, the overall presentation is extremely good, with no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The buyer could reverse any changes if they crave originality, but the period-correct nature of the modifications would make it acceptable to many if this interior remained unchanged. The signature on the glovebox door is a nice touch, but there is one that is even more special. Carroll Shelby penned a personal message to the original owner on the inside of the trunk lid, and it remains intact and legible.
Shelby produced 2,378 examples of the GT350 in 1966, including those that went to Hertz. Today, these cars attract a premium in the classic market because early cars are the ones that remain purest to Carroll Shelby’s original vision. This one has a fascinating history, having been driven, raced, and enjoyed by its original owner before spending decades in storage. It is wonderful to see it returned to active duty, because cars of this caliber deserve nothing less. The new owner could reverse the modifications to return the vehicle to its factory form. However, there is something undeniably attractive about the concept of allowing it to remain in its current form as a tribute to the life it has led, and to the devoted owner who enjoyed it as Carroll Shelby intended. I don’t know which path I would choose if it found its way into my garage. Do you?
It’s a cool car, in some ways it’s unfortunate it will likely be restored to stock at some point. One registered owner is not the same thing as one owner, sellers like to play that game to jack up the price, yet it puts the all downside risk on the buyer if the cars paperwork is not in order.
As for the “vintage racing seats”, they are garbage and dangerous. They are plastic with 4 nut serts pressed into the underside that will pull out if the car hits something solid. These were popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s until people figured it out, there better options available when this car was new, installing something different would be wise.
Steve R
👍
It doesn’t say anywhere in the story anything about “one registered owner”, they constantly talk about “one owner”, “the only owner”. Read more intently! Comprehension is the key to retention!
R.C. maybe you should follow your own advice. The original owner passed away in 2023, the ad states “the car was garaged and sat there for last 30 years before we acquired it from Johnny’s wife”. The seller is the second owner, not the first, once he titles the car in his name, it’s no longer a one owner car.
If you still believe it’s a one owner car, explain how, that doesn’t involve them increasing their profit by skipping the transfer fees and sales tax while simultaneously pitching the car to collectors as something it isn’t. The seller is the second owner, the only way the can make their claim work is by not putting the car in their name.
Steve R
look kind of slippery.
Yes very cool, i think those flares are not stock, and the blue stripe going on them look goofy. You could take your glove box door off and mail it to Shelby to get it signed, so many people did that, and now the un-signed ones are the rare ones.
Both the BF story above by Adam and the text of the ad on FB state that the flares were added.
This is not the correct platform to sell this car… Barrett Jackson or Mecum would attract the right buyer, good luck
I was surprised it was not on Craigslist.
Johnny Crawford from THE RIFLEMAN? Double the price! Never cared for the blacked out chrome.
Just my opinion, but I don’t think the custom touches are an improvement.
Only thing I’d do with it is paint the rear bumper body color and drive it. The modifications are part of it’s history. If you want a stock, straight from the factory car go buy one.
I don’t know. I think I’d leave it as is (except for the seats) and enjoy it. But, that’s not gonna happen.
I have to agree with the idea of leaving the car pretty much as is. That’s part of this cars past, it’s been cared for and has been a driven. That’s the intention Mr Shelby had for these cars. The history is the car. I could look at a dozen restored white GT 350’s but this one says drive me. I know the purist will make look like the rest of pretty ones, kind of a shame. By the way agreed the seats aren’t safe.