1965 Ford Shelby GT350 Re-Creation Fastback

What makes original 1965 Shelby GT350s so extraordinary today is just how dramatically their values have climbed. When new, a GT350 carried a modest price of roughly $4,500 in 1965, but today even a “good” example can command several hundred thousand dollars, with exceptional cars approaching or exceeding $1 million at auction. This meteoric rise—driven by rarity, racing pedigree and historical significance—has pushed genuine cars out of reach for most enthusiasts. As a result, a high-quality, accurately built re-creation offers a compelling alternative: delivering the same iconic look, visceral driving experience and Shelby character, but with the freedom to drive, enjoy and use the car as intended—without the constant concern of preserving a million-dollar investment.

This GT350 re-creation build began in 2011, where an example was found in Phoenix, Arizona, after more than 50 years of single-family ownership. Built at Ford’s San Jose plant, this Mustang fastback had remained in the dry Arizona climate from new, preserving its exceptionally solid, rust-free condition. As a highly desirable A-code example, it presented the ideal foundation for a no-compromise, concours-level rotisserie restoration—executed to exact 1965 Shelby GT350 specifications.

The concours restoration began with a complete disassembly down to bare metal. The body was mounted on a rotisserie, properly sealed, and refinished in BASF Glasurit base coat/clear coat in iconic Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes. Attention to authenticity extended beneath the surface, with a correctly finished red oxide undercarriage and factory-style body-color overspray. Every component was either replaced, rebuilt or restored to the highest standards. Over the course of four years and more than 2,000 hours, a marque-expert team painstakingly duplicated each Shelby American modification—ensuring absolute accuracy throughout. The build was completed in March 2026 to MCA and SAAC concours standards.

Power comes from a period-correct 289 Hi-Po V-8, built precisely to Shelby specifications and producing 306 HP. It is equipped with the proper 715 CFM Holley 4-barrel carburetor atop a Cobra high-rise aluminum intake manifold. Supporting components include Tri-Y headers, a correct side-exit exhaust system, and a dual-point distributor. The drivetrain is completed by a Ford Toploader 4-speed manual transmission and a Detroit Locker rear end with 3.89 gears—mirroring the original GT350’s formidable setup.

The chassis received the full Shelby performance treatment, transforming the Mustang into a capable track-inspired machine. Modifications include lowered upper control arms, heavy-duty coil springs, adjustable Koni shocks and a larger front sway bar. Additional details such as override traction bars, rear suspension snubbers, a driveshaft loop and axle limiting cables further reflect Shelby’s race-bred engineering.

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Inside, the cockpit reflects all of Shelby’s purposeful enhancements. A 15-inch wood-rim steering wheel, Shelby gauge pod with tachometer and oil pressure gauges, radio-delete plate, and relocated momentary horn button highlight its competition-focused design. Additional details include 3-inch lap belts and the signature fiberglass rear package tray with spare tire mounting. Today, the finished car presents as a virtually indistinguishable example of a genuine 1965 Shelby GT350. Its 289 Hi-Po delivers an unmistakable soundtrack through side-exit exhaust, while its handling reflects the sharp, purposeful character that defined Shelby’s original vision. This is, in every meaningful sense, exactly the car Carroll Shelby would have built.