In a testament to automotive craftsmanship and historical significance, a meticulously restored 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 has taken center stage on Bring a Trailer. This iconic muscle car, resplendent in its original Candy Apple Red paint with distinctive white racing stripes, has captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike since its arrival at Marv Tonkin Ford in Portland, Oregon, on February 25, 1966.
The GT350's allure is enhanced by its steel-reinforced fiberglass hood with variable-diameter springs and functional side scoops, meticulously restored to perfection. Adorned with sand-cast 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, the Shelby exudes both style and performance. Its exterior boasts re-chromed bumpers, double-curved plexiglass quarter panels, and Shelby’s signature lowered front A-arms, overrider traction bars, axle-limiting cables, and Koni shocks, all meticulously maintained to preserve its originality and driving dynamics.
Inside, the GT350 welcomes occupants with low-back bucket seats and a Sport Deck rear seat, all upholstered in black vinyl. The cabin features an AM radio embedded in the dashboard, lap belts for four, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel complemented by a Cobra-branded 9k-rpm tachometer. A Carroll Shelby signature on the glovebox door underscores its pedigree and historical significance.
Under the hood lies a robust 289ci HiPo V8 engine, rebuilt by Gray’s Automotive Machine Shop in McMinnville, Oregon, delivering 257 rear-wheel horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse is equipped with a Holley 715-cfm central-pivot four-barrel carburetor, Cobra open-letter valve covers, and a high-rise intake manifold, ensuring exhilarating performance befitting its racing heritage. Power is transmitted through an aluminum-case T-10 four-speed manual transmission, recently rebuilt for optimal performance, with a 3.89:1 geared rear end and a dual exhaust system emitting a distinctive exhaust note through ceramic-coated tri-Y headers and Flowmaster mufflers.
Accompanying the GT350 is a comprehensive dossier including the original invoice, service records, and a clean Washington title, affirming its provenance and meticulous maintenance history. With an odometer reading of just 33,000 miles, the car stands as a testament to its careful preservation and coveted status among automotive enthusiasts.
Managed by Avant-Garde, renowned for its meticulous presentation and comprehensive vehicle histories on Bring a Trailer, the auction promises a seamless and immersive experience. Enthusiasts can explore the GT350 through detailed descriptions, high-resolution photographs, and video tours, offering a virtual showroom experience that instills confidence in prospective buyers.
The auction of the 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 on Bring a Trailer represents a rare opportunity to acquire an immaculately restored icon of American automotive history. With its racing pedigree, meticulous restoration, and documented provenance, this GT350 is poised to ignite passionate bidding among collectors eager to own a piece of Shelby’s storied legacy. As the auction unfolds under the stewardship of Avant-Garde, automotive enthusiasts can anticipate an exhilarating event that celebrates the timeless allure and performance of classic muscle cars.
