One of the most iconic cars in automotive history is the 1966 Shelby GT350. Launched in January 1965 alongside the new big-block Cobra, the pony car was an instant star.
1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype 001_detail1Conceived to homologate the Ford Mustang for SCCA competition, Carroll Shelby’s 1965 GT350 exemplified the Blue Oval’s “total performance” mantra by conferring an unbeatable image on the trendsetting pony car. Drivers like Ken Miles ruled the racetrack with the Shelby GT350 that year, racking up championships nationwide.
The GT350 was part of the wave of vehicles from Shelby that pushed the performance envelope during that period. From revolutionary aerodynamic coupes to experimental electronic fuel-injection systems and bleeding-edge styling cues, the California hot-rodders always wanted to seek a competitive advantage. Sadly, many of those innovations were on cars that disappeared into history, or were crushed.
1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype 001_Front_3-4One that did make it into private hands, chassis #SFM6S001, will be sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale during the January 2018 auction.
While all surviving GT350s are special, SFM6S001 is particularly important. According to the Shelby American World Registry, this car was the pre-production prototype and very first Shelby GT350 built for 1966. It was built so that Ford and Shelby could smooth out some of the production items that cropped up for the first model year of the car.
1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype 001_detail3SFM6S001 was the primary test car for the 1966 GT350 development program. It was also used to evaluate a vinyl roof treatment, which was ultimately not released for sale. This GT350 was exhibited by Shelby American at various events and depicted in marketing brochures for that model year.
Like all 1966 model year Shelby GT350s, the prototype is powered by a matching-numbers high-performance 289ci V8 engine and 4-speed T10 manual transmission. However, it also has many unusual features that set it apart from any other Shelby of the period.
Unlike regular production versions, SFM6S001 was not a “delete” car from Ford that was later upgraded to GT350 spec by Shelby American. Rather, it began life as a factory-standard, Wimbledon White K-code high-performance 1965 Fastback, with all factory-standard features remaining on the car. Before being converted into a GT350, Shelby craftsmen welded the export brace brackets and filled holes in the body panels where the standard Mustang emblems and moldings would have been. Serious collectors will take note of the uniqueness of this car, truly a one of one.
1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype 001_interiorIn addition, SFM6S001 is the only Shelby GT350 to have been originally equipped with the upscale, factory-optional Pony upholstery option offered for production Mustangs. Other fascinating features include aluminum inside rear-quarter window trim and the fittings for the rear-brake cooling ductwork.
During the last two or three weeks at Shelby American, SFM6S001 was sent to ACME Auto Headlining in Long Beach, California, for fitment of a medium blue vinyl top. Shelby briefly considered this as a potential factory-available option for 1966, similar to the incoming Mercury Cougar, but ultimately rejected the idea.
1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype 001_engineOver the years, SFM6S001 changed hands a few times. Subsequent owners modified the car and, somewhere along the way, the Shelby lost its original vinyl top and gained some non-original equipment.
In 2011, a complete restoration was commissioned to as-new, original delivery condition, including the installation of a correct blue vinyl top. The completed car earned the Gold Award in Division II judging at the Mid-America Ford and Shelby Nationals and first place in its class during SAAC 27. SFM6S001 was invited to be displayed at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance –the first time any Shelby Mustang was shown at the famous event.
Correctly restored and simply fascinating, this Shelby is an exemplary one-off example with tremendous historical significance. And with its unusual cosmetics, SFM6S001 is definitely a horse of a different color.
