Ford Muscle Cars, 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

The Shelby Mustang is a series of Ford Mustang’s contribution to the Muscle Car era specially modified by Carroll Shelby in the 1960’s. This program; factory sponsored would eventually be moved in house.

The non-white body colors were introduced in 1966 (colors included black, green, blue, red, along with original white from the 1965 models) The 1966 Shelby Mustang also had different trim and the “Le Mans” stripes were an available option. A special feature, special quarter-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side along with an optional automatic transmission, and a fold down rear seat became standard. The 1965 Mustang engine blocks that were painted black were now being painted blue for 1966 and later cars that had the 289cid. There was 252 “carryovers” of the GT-350’s for 1966. The 1965 Ford Mustang serial numbers were under their Shelby serial numbers and the bodies were the 1965 Ford Mustang bodies.

Shelby and the Hertz Corporation struck a deal to produce a special line of GT-350’s for rentals. The “GT-350H” models are very rare and are highly sought after by Muscle Car collectors, with some selling for more than $120,000. Only 1,000 of this model of Shelby Mustang’s were produced; 800 in raven Black and 50 each in Candy Apple Red, Ivy Green, Wimbledon White and Sapphire Blue. The Hertz models had gold “Le Mans” stripes and stripes along the rocker panel.

1966 Production was 1373 fastbacks, 2 prototypes, 4 drag strip cars, and 252 carry-over’s of the 1965 bodies.

GT-350H models – 1000 Hertz fastbacks including (2) prototypes were produced.

Carroll Shelby had (4) special order convertibles made personally, the rumor is 6 were made, only 4 VIN #s have been discovered.