1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT350R Tribute

Description

With the GT350, Carroll Shelby unlocked the true performance potential of Lee Iacocca’s so-called “secretary’s car”—the first-generation Mustang. Designed to comply with Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) regulations for the B Production class, the GT350 was offered in two versions: 36 purpose-built GT350R race cars and a slightly detuned street model. Shelby received Wimbledon White K-Code Mustang Fastbacks, which were delivered to his new facility at Los Angeles International Airport. There, they underwent extensive modifications to the engine, suspension, and body. Each car was adorned with the iconic GT350 side stripes, and many featured the bold blue “Le Mans” stripes running over the hood, roof, and trunk.

Inspired by the original GT350R, this tribute began life as a 1965 Mustang Fastback and stays true to the spirit of the iconic racer. Over the past five years, more than $40,000 in upgrades have transformed it into a fully sorted machine. Under the hood is a freshly built 331ci engine paired with a Tremec TK 600 5-speed transmission, Holley 750 CFM carburetor, Bilstein Sport shocks, and an aluminum driveshaft—blending classic style with fresh performance upgrades.

Shelby-style Le Mans Blue stripes run across the hood and down the sides, complementing the GT350R-style front valence, plexiglass rear window, and plexiglass strap actuated driver and passenger windows. The tribute continues inside, where GT350R-inspired touches include a roll bar and four-point harnesses over black vinyl bucket seats. Finishing touches include Stewart Warner gauges, new BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, onboard fire extinguisher, and a 22-gallon Fuel Safe fuel cell tucked in the trunk.

Carroll Shelby once famously said, “The only time a ‘Vette would see Victory Circle was if a Shelby GT350 didn’t show up.” With the rarity and value of genuine Shelby GT350R, this 1965 Mustang Fastback recreation captures the spirit of those historic performance machines.

Factory Equipment

• Based on an original 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

• The chassis number (5F09C291226) decodes as:

  • 5 – Model year 1965

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, final assembly plant

  • 09 – Two-door fastback

  • C – 289 cubic inch V8 engine

  • 291226 – Plant sequential unit number

Modifications

• Over $40,000 in recent upgrades

• Finished in correct Wimbledon White with blue “Le Mans” stripes

• Fresh Ford 331 ci engine with Holley 750 CFM carburetor

• Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission

• Tilton 6000 series hydraulic throw-out bearing (New 2025)

• New clutch and billet flywheel (New 2025)

• BFG Radial TA 215/65/15 (New 2025)

• 16:1 Steering box (New 2025)

• Aluminum Driveshaft

• Champion brand all aluminum Radiator unit with shroud and radiator cap

• 172-degree high flow thermostat.

• SPAL Brand 2400 CFM puller fan kit

• Electronic thermo control fan kit with override switch

• Chrome overflow tank kit with hoses

• 100 AMP single lead alternator kit

• Setrab oil cooler, lines and required fittings, Series 9, 15 row

• SPAL mini oil cooler fans kit

• Holley 0-4779C 750 CFM double pumper Carburetor with phenolic spacer kit

• MSD billet electronic distributor kit

• MSD 6AL ignition box unit kit and MSD Blaster coil

• Cobra air filter housing kit

• GT350R door window frames with plexiglass and acrylic race rear window.

• Bilstein Sport Shocks

• 22-gallon Fuel Safe Fuel cell

• Stock suspension refresh

• Rear anti-roll bar included (not installed)

• Four-point roll bar

Known Imperfections

• Windshield wipers in place but not connected

• Small crack in plexiglass rear window near base

• No heater core, vents, or controls

• Minimal rock chips in front valence

Ownership History

• The seller of this 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback GT350R Tribute has owned it since 2021.

Included Items

• Rear anti-roll bar