LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1965 Shelby GT350
A very early two-digit 1965 Shelby GT350 represents the purest expression of Carroll Shelby’s original high-performance Mustang formula, and examples of this caliber rank among the most coveted of all Shelby production. Built during the formative days of Shelby American, these early cars carry extraordinary historical importance. These early cars had many production nuances that separate them from the later cars. One of the most interesting is the use of a very dark primer on the underbody rather than the more predominant red oxide most are familiar with. For serious collectors, these early-production GT350s sit firmly at the pinnacle of the Shelby hierarchy.
This exceptional example is a very early two-digit car that has been treated to a complete concours-level rotisserie restoration to the highest standards completed by noted Shelby expert and former SAAC Concours Chairman Jim Cowles. Restored with extreme attention to originality, every nut and bolt has been meticulously addressed, resulting in a car that reflects a level of accuracy seldom seen—even among the finest restorations.
Power is delivered by its original matching numbers Hi-Po 289ci/306hp V-8 engine, retaining significant original components including the early S1MS intake manifold, 715 CFM Holley LeMans carburetor, original Carter “Button Top” fuel pump and FOMOCO dual-point distributor. The drivetrain is further anchored by its original aluminum-case T-10 4-speed transmission, backed up by the race-bred factory 3.89 Detroit Locker Rear Differential, providing the raw, mechanical driving experience that defined the GT350 legend.
This GT350 stands as a benchmark example, retaining an extraordinary number of “unobtainium” original parts, a defining characteristic that elevates it well beyond the majority of any restored cars anywhere.
Finished and presented to exacting concours standards, the car rides on Shelby Cragar wheels fitted with proper Goodyear Blue Dot tires, perfectly capturing its purposeful, competition-bred stance. The undercarriage has been restored and detailed to the highest level, showcasing correct finishes and factory-correct presentation throughout.
Documented and authenticated, this Shelby is listed in the Shelby Registry. Work at Shelby American was completed on March 17 1965 and delivered new to Ray Hunt Ford in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is accompanied by Shelby American invoices, GT350 Owner Manual, ’65 Mustang Owners Manual, Ford High Performance Manual, No Spin Differentials Operator’s Manual, along with a complete ownership history supported by numerous historical photographs, offering a compelling and well-documented provenance. Both the Shelby and Ford Vin have been authenticated by SAAC.
Its exceptional quality has been formally recognized with an MCACN Concours Gold Certificate, an award reserved for automobiles restored and presented to the highest standards of authenticity.
Combining the very early two-digit production status, matching-numbers drivetrain, concours-level restoration by a marque expert, and an extraordinary level of originality, this 1965 Shelby GT350 represents a true blue-chip collector-grade investment—and one of the finest, most authentic examples available anywhere today.