Shelby Mustang GT350 (1967)

Considered one of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1960s, the Shelby Mustang was constructed to surpass the Chevrolet Corvette on both the road and race track. Combining the performance and image from racing with the success of the Ford Mustang, the Shelby GT350 was born in 1965. Just 506 GT350 street models were produced in 1965, compared with over a million early Ford Mustangs. A minimalistic approach was reflected with early models with differences between the standard Mustang and the Shelby all being functional. As production progressed, so did Shelby's manufacturing standards, being referred to as "Spartan like" in the early period.

In 1966 a more ambitious programme was undertaken by Shelby. GT350s were now to be available in a selection of colours with a White Shelby Livery as opposed to White with Blue Livery in 65. Bonnets were changed to steel items unless otherwise specified and the distinguished GT350 petrol cap was introduced. By 1967, Shelby had created what was the most refined Mustang to date. The GT350 soon became the more desirable variant with just 1135 GT350s produced in 1967 compared with over 2000 GT500s. Using Fords "K-Code" 289 engine, Shelby managed to increase power from 271 to 306 horsepower by installing an upgraded intake manifold made from lighter aluminium as well as Shelby exhaust manifolds to allow the engine to breath more easily. A fiberglass bonnet was installed with functioning scoops to reduce weight over the front wheels as well as all external Mustang emblems being removed.

This final iteration of the GT350 was completed on the 10th April 1967 and shipped to Fogg Motors of New Westminster, British Columbia later that month to be received by its first private owner Mr E.B. Lundahl. One of just 176 models finished from factory in Dark Moss Green over a Black Hide, this Mustang also departed the factory with the sought after optional steel framed fiberglass bonnet, rear brake ducts and outboard driving lights.

After spending several years under Mr Lundahl's care it was later sold to Mike Elder during the early period of the seventies. Arthur J. Alfred purchased the car from Mr Elder on the 20th December 1976, with approximately 53,000 Miles reading on the odometer. After driving the car for a short period of time with hopes of restoring it, Arthur quickly disassembled the car. Unfortunately for Arthur, his Marine career took him away and he was separated from his most prized possession for a number of years. Remarkably it remained carefully disassembled for the following 35 years until Arthur was able to reignite the restoration he had once planned. In August 2014, it was awoken from its dismantled slumber and a most thorough restoration was embarked upon, undertaken by marque specialist Sharp Touch Restoration in Vancouver. The original shell was taken back to bare metal before being painted to the Concours condition it presents today with every detail being executed to factory finish. The interior was beautifully reupholstered, whilst Dave Bliss of Bliss Performance rebuilt the high performance K code 289 engine, mating it to the original 715 CFM Holley Carburetor. Each mechanical system was carefully restored to ensure the car drove equally to the day it departed the factory.

In 2016 it was purchased by only its fourth owner from new and subsequently imported into the United Kingdom. Today this GT350 presents in the finest condition one could imagine, having covered just 60 Miles since restoration and most recently receiving a thorough post restoration inspection and shake down carried out by DK Engineering. It was also inspected recently by a Fords expert, Scott Redding, who commented that it was one of the finest he has ever seen in both condition and period factory detail. This exceptional Shelby GT350 Mustang is accompanied by a superb history file and is located in our showrooms just outside London and is available to view immediately, with full UK registration being in process.