Buying a classic car with a six-figure asking price will seem daunting to some people because there will be nagging doubts about whether they are getting what they paid for. There seem no such problems with this 1966 Shelby GT350 since the seller includes documentation confirming that it is the real deal. It presents beautifully, is rock-solid, and the engine bay houses its numbers-matching V8. The bidding has been fairly subdued, but once a classic reaches the current high-bid figure, the pool of potential buyers will always be limited. Why not take a closer look to determine whether you want to invest your hard-earned cash into this classic?
Shelby American hit its stride with GT350 production in 1966. The build total more than doubled compared to 1965, with 1,368 buyers taking home a GT350. This car is documented as the real deal, with the seller including the paperwork to assure the new owner that they will get what they pay for. It looks impressive in Candy Apple Red with the correct stripes and Shelby body additions. The paint shines warmly, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. This Shelby’s beauty is more than skin deep, with a selection of underside shots confirming that this classic is as solid as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The trim is excellent, and the glass is crystal clear. Overall, it appears there are no panel or structural issues requiring attention.
Every 1966 GT350 started life with Ford’s K-Code 289ci V8 under the hood that produced 271hp and 312 ft/lbs of torque. Shelby American waved its magic wand over the motor, pushing power and torque to 306hp and 329 ft/lbs. The impact was immediately felt under the right foot because while the K-Code Mustang GT could cover the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds, the GT350 slashed the time to 13.9 seconds. The first owner teamed the 289 with a four-speed manual transmission but passed on power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. This is where we reach what some purists might consider a sticking point with this classic. The seller confirms the engine is numbers-matching. However, the original four-speed has disappeared, replaced by a T-10 unit. It is a robust transmission that will comfortably cope with the power on tap, but I do not doubt that some readers will feel it negatively impacts the car’s investment potential. However, those who simply want to splash the cash on a driver-grade classic will accept the change, and welcome the news that it is a turnkey proposition.
I always shake my head when a seller lists a classic of this caliber, and then shortchanges themself by supplying substandard photos. Such is the case with this Shelby because there are no shots that provide an overview of its interior. They confirm that it is trimmed in Black, and doesn’t feature a console. The original AM radio is intact, as is the Sport Deck rear seat. The overall impression is positive, but only an in-person inspection will reveal if there are any trim shortcomings.
The seller listed this 1966 Shelby GT350 here on eBay in Mount Hope, West Virginia. It is hard to fault its overall presentation, and while the auction action has been relatively subdued, nine bids have pushed the price to $103,700. It is worth noting that it remains short of the reserve and that the auction is rapidly heading towards its conclusion. Some will argue that the transmission change will impact its potential value, and that view is probably justified if this Shelby is viewed as an investment-grade vehicle. What do you feel would be a fair price?
Yes, the tranny is an issue, so replacing it with a top loader, would be better, and stronger.
Apart from that I wouldn’t change a thing, but she would only come out on sunny days for a cruise.
I don’t think these came with RWL tires in ’66.
& i see really junky rusty cars out there with better fitting hoods than this one.
Yes sweet ride, is that original miles or has it flipped over? This is candy apple red?
I thought that Shelby used the T-10 in the GT 350 instead of the toploader because it was a little lighter. Maybe the seller is just saying it’s not the original T-10?
Personally, I know the toploader is a lot stronger, but I think the T-10 shifts smoother and faster. Just my opinion.
That’s correct – the GT-350s had T-10s. And if the T-10 is still in the car, it greatly adds to its value.
Also, you couldn’t get power steering or power brakes on the GT-350s – the writeup seems to imply you could.
The fender liner or whatever it’s called on the passenger side of the engine compartment is way different than the one on the driver’s side. It looks like it was crumpled and poorly flattened out. And the hood fitment is poor, as someone said.
Original gearbox would have been an alloy case T10. Never a top loader.
The high bid was $115,400 which did not meet reserve.
Steve R