Extra Special GT350 Project Desperately Needs Some TLC
After 30 years in storage, this GT350 is in desperate need of some love. Fortunately, an authentic Shelby guarantees a new lease on life.
It’s basically the dream of every DIY classic Mustang enthusiast to own a classic that started life as a diamond in the rough and bring it back to its former glory. It’s such a common dream, in fact, that it’s getting harder and harder to find a project-condition entrance to any historic Mustang model. When they do make an appearance, though, they don’t come cheap. This beautiful 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is a great example. This one in particular, though, has a bit more to the story that’ll bump up its value.
Currently listed on Bring A Trailer, this 1966 Mustang GT350 left the factory on September 29th, 1966. Why is that significant? It’s the last GT350 Fastback built in the “first series” lineup of models before the revision in 1967. That’s all the significance you need to drive the price through the roof. At the time of writing, the auction has seven days remaining and, despite being a non-runner, the current bid sits at $101,000. It’s going to take a lot of love and time to get it back to its original greatness, too.
Mostly Original, but for How Long?
Though the car currently wears the iconic white and blue GT350 paint scheme we’re all familiar with, it originally came in Sapphire Blue. The second owner of the car had it refinished in the iconic Shelby colors back in the mid-1970s. After its refinishing, the car went into storage in 1978 where it remained until the current seller took possession of it in 2012. Unfortunately, those 30-years of storage are blatantly clear. Though this thing is pretty original, it’s hard to imagine it will all be salvageable.
The car features the original 289 cubic-inch HiPo V8 and it is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. It has Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes, Koni shocks, Magnum 500-style 14-inch wheels, and a clean Indiana title. Unfortunately, though, that’s about the only thing about this car that is clean.
Long Restoration Road Ahead
A look at the underside gives a true understanding of the sad state of this poor old GT350. From the top, it looks like a dirty old Mustang. From the bottom, though, it looks like something recovered from the Titanic. Nothing short of a full-blown rotisserie restoration is going to save this beauty. One has to imagine, too, that there are some bits of rust in the body and chassis that will require some proper metal replacement. It’s got a long road to recovery.
The good news, of course, is that it’s an authentic Shelby car. No, it’s not going to be cheap or easy. However, you can virtually guarantee that it’s going to get the full restoration treatment and love that it deserves. It’s a GT350! Hopefully, then, the new buyer will give us a peak behind the curtains when it comes to the restoration of this piece of Mustang history.
Photos: Bring A Trailer
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