On days like today, I love my job. I photographed Shelby Mustang GT350 number 001. The first one ever made. I got to drive it a little, too. It looks and runs like a new car. It goes across the auction block in September in Auburn, Indiana. It should fetch upper six figures. CD
I love GT350s. I have a friend who has two GT500KRs, and they are nice, but a GT350 drives better, IMO. I feel the same way about Cobras. The 289 Cobras drive better than the 427s, IMO. CD
I would have guessed that the 427 with its more modern suspension would be the better handler but surprisingly most people who have driven both choose the 289.
I used to work at a place where there was a husband and wife who had matching GT 350s. His was a real one and hers was a replica.
Yes. It was restored to exact factory specs. Vinyl tops were a big deal back then. Seriously, that was a very popular option on cars -- even sports cars. CD
Yeah, the 427s are heavy, and ate up foot space in the cockpit. The 289s are much better balanced, and all the pedals line up with your body.
What a great car. I bet that was a blast. Nice shot! Did you use an iPhone 6 or 6+? Just kidding:biggrin5:
I'm not a fan of the vinyl top, either, but this car is more than a car -- it is a piece of automotive history. So, the only right way to restore a car like this is to follow the original build specs to the letter. CD
Yes I agree with you, but since it's not my car I can carp about the roof. :smilewinkgrin: I like the photo, but can you clone out the vinyl?
Here is the other car I shot that day, but couldn't post until now. It is a 1966 GT350 Convertible, one of only four convertibles for 1966, and the only convertible in that color. CD
Pebbles or not I've never liked vinyl tops. Guess some vinyl salesman dreamed them up. Maybe if they called them leatherette tops. :wink:
If this is the same car, you weren't the only one who didn't like the vinyl top... makes it rare though, and with an interesting story... "This car started out as a fully complete 'K' code fastback model that Carroll Shelby acquired from Ford instead of a partially built car as was the norm. Because of this the car differs from the usual production Shelby GT350s especially the blue vinyl top. This was done as an experiment but when it was finished Carroll Shelby hated it and it never became an option."
Yes, this car is referred to as a "prototype." It did not start as a "delete" car like other Shelby Mustangs. It was a "K-Code" mustang from Ford. It does have a Shelby number plate (SFM6S001), and was sold to a customer, after serving as a demo car for a while. The vinyl top was not done by Ford or Shelby. It was done afterwards, but was on the car when it hit the streets. CD