Description
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, introduced in 1965, was the car that transformed the Mustang from a stylish “pony car” into a true performance machine with racing pedigree. Created by Carroll Shelby under his partnership with Ford, the GT350 was based on the fastback Mustang but heavily modified to deliver sharp handling, strong acceleration, and track-ready capability. It became the first Mustang to wear the Shelby name and played a pivotal role in establishing the Mustang’s muscle and motorsport legacy.
Visually, the 1965 Shelby GT350 was immediately recognizable as more aggressive than a standard Mustang. All early cars were Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue racing stripes, though later years allowed for more color options. The body featured functional scoops for cooling, lightweight fiberglass panels in some areas, and minimal chrome to emphasize performance over decoration. A distinctive rear end with fiberglass deck lids and racing stripes across the hood, roof, and trunk gave the car a competition-inspired look, while side-exit exhausts added to its aggressive stance.
The heart of the GT350 was the 289 cubic inch “Hi-Po” V8, upgraded by Shelby to produce 306 horsepower. It used a Holley four-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, high-performance headers, and a more aggressive camshaft, all tuned for maximum output and high-revving performance. The engine was paired exclusively with a four-speed manual transmission and a Detroit Locker rear differential, reinforcing the GT350’s track-oriented personality. This setup gave the GT350 acceleration that far exceeded standard Mustangs of the day, with 0–60 mph times in under seven seconds, impressive for 1965.
Suspension and handling were where Shelby’s modifications made the biggest difference. The GT350 received stiffer springs, larger anti-roll bars, Koni shock absorbers, and quick-ratio steering. Four-wheel disc brakes were fitted to ensure it could handle the demands of racing. These upgrades made the GT350 nimble and responsive, more akin to a European sports car than a typical American muscle car. It was as much about cornering and balance as it was about straight-line speed, which set it apart from other high-performance cars of the era.
Inside, the GT350 was spartan compared to regular Mustangs, reflecting its racing focus. A wood-rimmed steering wheel, competition seat belts, and special tachometers and gauges emphasized its performance character. Rear seats were deleted in early models to reduce weight, though later versions restored the 2+2 layout for practicality. The cabin lacked many luxury features, but this was intentional—the GT350 was designed to be raw and purposeful.
Shelby also produced an even more extreme variant, the GT350R, which was built specifically for SCCA racing. Stripped of nearly all comforts, the GT350R featured lightweight bodywork, racing tires, and further engine tuning. These cars were highly successful in competition, cementing the Mustang’s place in motorsport and helping it secure dominance in the SCCA B-Production class.
In 1966 and later years, the Shelby GT350 became slightly more refined to appeal to a broader audience, offering more color choices, optional automatic transmissions, and additional comfort features. However, the early 1965 models remain the purest expression of Carroll Shelby’s vision: a race car that could be driven on the street.
Today, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is one of the most collectible and celebrated Mustangs of all time. Original 1965 GT350s, especially the rare GT350R racing versions, command some of the highest values in the classic Mustang world. Enthusiasts admire the GT350 for its perfect blend of American muscle and European-style handling, as well as its role in elevating the Mustang from a fashionable coupe to a true performance legend. It stands as one of Carroll Shelby’s greatest creations and a cornerstone of the Mustang’s enduring legacy.