Hi all, having been fortunate enough to have owed many muscle and pony cars over the years, I was asked recently which was my favorite, I can't figure out why but the 66 GT350 is my favorite. Looking back in comparison to the others I have owned over the years, it would have been my favorite then as well. The 66 has something that captures my imagination every time I drive it.
So what is it about the gt350?
The iconic look, the sound, the performance, the fact that I was a Mustang nut from the day they were announced - and the fact that I always wanted a 66 GT 350 and was lucky enough to find 6S1575 34 years ago. It still puts a smile on my face every time I take it out for a rip around the country side.
I agree; the look, sound, and performance make it a fun car to drive. I also like the manual steering and smaller size compared to my 1967 GT-350.
Quote from: greekz on August 17, 2020, 07:27:58 PM
I agree; the look, sound, and performance make it a fun car to drive. I also like the manual steering and smaller size compared to my 1967 GT-350.
All very good reasons...
had a 65 convertible back then. I really liked the 66's when they came out. Had a new cluster. side vent windows, gas cap and a new grille. Plus different colors. To this day I think about getting one. 8)
Actually was looking for one when I found our '68 instead. Still think about it.
The 66 is NOT necessarily 65-light, and you don't have to have a over-priced left-over to have the same basic car most 65s were. There are all sorts of variations PLUS colors!... and scoops, and quarter windows, half a dozen wheel variations, automatic and top loader transmissions ... all that spells a car far more variable to tastes and more distinctive from the herd than the 65 brethren. It's still an early car... nimble on its feet, with just enough dash to be a driver's car, just not a woo the crowd and girls with "luxuriousness". It is appreciated by automotive enthusiasts accross the board, not just by some cult movie crowd. They are special... season to taste!
The 1965-66 GT350s were small and light (compared to the later versions) with relatively powerful engines. Great looking and competitive street/road racers. Not the best quarter mile dragsters, but nice balanced performance cars for their day. The 65's demand a higher price because they were the first year and a touch more raw. But the 66's are nearly identical in performance and have better looks thanks to the quarter windows and side scoops. Plus the variety of colors, transmissions and wheels, and the "optional" rear seat. All that combines to make the 66 the more desirable car in my opinion. With the carryovers slightly favored.
The 1967 and later cars are beautiful and desirable in their own way. But, in my opinion, they lost the crisp handling and clean look with their gain in size and weight.
Having said all that, there's not a 1965-70 Shelby Mustang made that I wouldn't love to own.
Steve
I've had a few Shelby's over the years. My '66 was the most enjoyable. It become my track car. As the years went on and values started to climb above $100K came to the realization that it could be a financial loss that would be hard to absorb. Bought a new '08 GT500 for track use. Changed the suspension, added a roll bar and pumped the HP. Car was incredible on the track. After three events it just wasn't as much fun as the '66. Retired the '08 and went back to the '66. No regrets as life is too short not to enjoy!
I recently wrote about a trip I took in Blue down the Blue Ridge Parkway. My take on my 66 GT350 is:
It's not that the new cars can't replicate what he does. The newer powerhouses on the road offer more power than I can possibly wring out of him. They offer comfort and civility. And maybe that's why I'm happy with what I've got. Blue is noisy, smells and is obnoxiously twitchy. There's a primal force at work here and there are no intermediary systems managing it for you. You take control of it and direct it. Fail at it and bad things happen... very quickly. I find it challenging and enjoyable.
j
Quote from: TJinSA on August 17, 2020, 10:52:14 PM
The 66 is NOT necessarily 65-light, and you don't have to have a over-priced left-over to have the same basic car most 65s were. There are all sorts of variations PLUS colors!... and scoops, and quarter windows, half a dozen wheel variations, automatic and top loader transmissions ... all that spells a car far more variable to tastes and more distinctive from the herd than the 65 brethren. It's still an early car... nimble on its feet, with just enough dash to be a driver's car, just not a woo the crowd and girls with "luxuriousness". It is appreciated by automotive enthusiasts accross the board, not just by some cult movie crowd. They are special... season to taste!
I would disagree with part of your statement. 66s without the 1" drop, over ride traction bars, Koni Shocks, etc. do feel different than a 65 or Carryover. And, price is all in the eye of the beholder, regarded "over-priced leftovers".
However, all Shelbys from 65-70 are special in their own way.
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Quick note to all your 65 Shelby owners out there reading up about how much better 66 Shelbys are...
I'm offering a special promotional program currently where Ill trade you a 66 of equal quality and originality for your lesser, crude, plain-jane 65...and I don't even want any cash on the hood! Straight trade...my loss is your gain...hurry while supplies last!
;D
For me, the '66 checks all the boxes. Not as "rough and tumble" as the '65 but still enough to let you know it means business. The additional colors, the quarter windows, rear seat option, C4 transmission for those so inclined, the Hertz models. Just a cool car. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of anything Shelby from '65 to '70, but I do fancy the '66.
1966 below aprox 1,000 is the high watermark. The ones with over-ride traction bars and either factory or owner lowered A arms along with Konis gives you all the BP winning chassis advantages. The engine continues the performance upgrades of the 65. The rear 1/4 windows set it apart from pedestrian Mustang grocery getters. As soon as you get to 1967 the cars start to be heavier and more of a styling exercise than performance road racers. By the time Ford was building them in 1968 they were only heavy expensive restyled Mustangs with nothing different in the drivetrain that you couldn't order on any Mustang. Which explains the rapid demise of GT350 and GT500 once Ford took them over.
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on August 18, 2020, 05:11:01 PM
1966 below aprox 1,000 is the high watermark. The ones with over-ride traction bars and either factory or owner lowered A arms along with Konis gives you all the BP winning chassis advantages. The engine continues the performance upgrades of the 65. The rear 1/4 windows set it apart from pedestrian Mustang grocery getters. As soon as you get to 1967 the cars start to be heavier and more of a styling exercise than performance road racers. By the time Ford was building them in 1968 they were only heavy expensive restyled Mustangs with nothing different in the drivetrain that you couldn't order on any Mustang. Which explains the rapid demise of GT350 and GT500 once Ford took them over.
I agree, and continue to find that the market doesn't seem to recognize cars 253 through approximately 1000 as including more desirable features that 98SVT mentions through different valuation to be interesting.
Quote from: Vernon Estes on August 18, 2020, 03:51:09 PM
Quick note to all your 65 Shelby owners out there reading up about how much better 66 Shelbys are...
I'm offering a special promotional program currently where Ill trade you a 66 of equal quality and originality for your lesser, crude, plain-jane 65...and I don't even want any cash on the hood! Straight trade...my loss is your gain...hurry while supplies last!
;D
You mean you would be the middle man and make money on the transaction - especially since you don't own either ::)
Quote from: 427hunter on August 18, 2020, 06:06:59 PM
Quote from: Vernon Estes on August 18, 2020, 03:51:09 PM
Quick note to all your 65 Shelby owners out there reading up about how much better 66 Shelbys are...
I'm offering a special promotional program currently where Ill trade you a 66 of equal quality and originality for your lesser, crude, plain-jane 65...and I don't even want any cash on the hood! Straight trade...my loss is your gain...hurry while supplies last!
;D
You mean you would be the middle man and make money on the transaction - especially since you don't own either ::)
Neither here nor there...but I own the cars I sell. I only "broker" on rare occasions when guys who have bought cars from me want to resell them and would prefer it that way.
Just not my bag..takes all kinds to make the world go round though.
Quote from: shelbyluva on August 18, 2020, 05:43:24 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on August 18, 2020, 05:11:01 PM
1966 below aprox 1,000 is the high watermark. The ones with over-ride traction bars and either factory or owner lowered A arms along with Konis gives you all the BP winning chassis advantages. The engine continues the performance upgrades of the 65. The rear 1/4 windows set it apart from pedestrian Mustang grocery getters. As soon as you get to 1967 the cars start to be heavier and more of a styling exercise than performance road racers. By the time Ford was building them in 1968 they were only heavy expensive restyled Mustangs with nothing different in the drivetrain that you couldn't order on any Mustang. Which explains the rapid demise of GT350 and GT500 once Ford took them over.
I agree, and continue to find that the market doesn't seem to recognize cars 253 through approximately 1000 as including more desirable features that 98SVT mentions through different valuation to be interesting.
I think its hard to peg what the "market" at large puts value on...no two buyers are the same. I think a lot of guys, when it comes to 66s, want an earlier car for the spec details you are referring to... Conversely, a lot of guys buy strictly on the quality, originality, history, or combination of all of a specific car. Personally, I don't value a late "non carryover" car any less than an early "non carryover" 66 if both cars are equal. Might you take the earlier one if you literally had the choice of two cars with equal traits in every regard except the difference in serial numbers?...probably. But that sort of idealistic choice scenario is something which generally wouldnt happen in the real world. At the same time, Id personally rather have a great late 66 over a lesser quality, earlier car. Same with 65s...id rather have a fantastic front battery car over a middle of the road "2-digit". To me, I think its harder to find a great car than it is a great serial number. Again, that is just my own personal taste. Everyone is different in what they prefer when it comes to buying these cars.
Kind regards,
Vern
Well put Vern!
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
I agree with most, to me 65/66 is where it is at, no interest in the later ones
I had always planned to trade my 66 for a 65 when the opportunity arouse (simply put, the 65 started it all - the parent) - but when it came down to the $ I found it hard to justify from the perspective of what I would be doing in the car. I do look after my 66 and am careful where I park but I still get it out for a drive as often as I can (its a driver, not a show car)
I just could not see me doing that with a 65, too much stress etc - my solution was to enjoy the 66, have a 65R clone for track days and a poster of a 65 to dream about :)
cheers
They were made to be driven, and that is just what we do with 6S550. Ron
I hope this is not taken as 66s are better than some other year, as the thread was supposed to be just what makes them special to the poster. My favorite model is another year, but regardless of value and price, I really do prefer the early 66s of the 65/6 years... and probably my own car's character most of all... and just maybe, ... maybe it could with some restoration, convince someone else just how beautiful and unique the cars truely are.
And the best thing about a 66 over a 65 is that I was able (barely) to afford one a few years back.
Quote from: TJinSA on August 18, 2020, 09:23:21 PM
I hope this is not taken as 66s are better than some other year, as the thread was supposed to be just what makes them special to the poster. My favorite model is another year, but regardless of value and price, I really do prefer the early 66s of the 65/6 years... and probably my own car's character most of all... and just maybe, ... maybe it could with some restoration, convince someone else just how beautiful and unique the cars truely are.
Yes 100%, this is not about making money or being better then another year - these cars just have something that's hard to explain - I own a lot of cars but I like driving the 66 the best.
P.S. most of us are into the cars not "value / market" B.S. It hard to explain true interest to people only attracted by money.
Guys,
Just to be clear, my initial comment was intended to be taken with jest. Sorry to anyone who didnt take it that way...but I felt it would clearly come across as a joke.
Anyone who actually knows me, knows that my attaction to the cars goes way beyond being "only attacted by money". In fact, I love the cars so much that I have made them my life's work. If that offends anyone, is what it is. But I'm not going to sit on a forum and take random swipes at someone I don't know.
For what it's worth, I love 66s every bit as much as the OP does on this thread. I agree that the cars represent an awesome balance between the raw performance of a 65 and the styling upgrades more associated with the later years. Again, was making a harmless joke. Lighten up fella, its all good!
Carry On,
Vern
Quote from: Vernon Estes on August 19, 2020, 12:19:20 AM
Guys,
Just to be clear, my initial comment was intended to be taken with jest. Sorry to anyone who didnt take it that way...but I felt it would clearly come across as a joke.
Anyone who actually knows me, knows that my attaction to the cars goes way beyond being "only attacted by money". In fact, I love the cars so much that I have made them my life's work. If that offends anyone, is what it is. But I'm not going to sit on a forum and take random swipes at someone I don't know.
For what it's worth, I love 66s every bit as much as the OP does on this thread. I agree that the cars represent an awesome balance between the raw performance of a 65 and the styling upgrades more associated with the later years. Again, was making a harmless joke. Lighten up fella, its all good!
Carry On,
Vern
Maybe stop talking about yourself ::) it's about the cars not you - lets move along and back to the 66 gt350.
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Always loved the way the top of the 65-66 fastbacks have a bubble shape like the canopy of a P51D Mustang. Add the 1/4 Windows AND functional side scoops and I'm in heaven. Those two Shelby styling touches really make the car for me. The 65's will always be more valuable; and rightly so. But for me, the 66 is the more desirable car. Just personal preference.
Steve
AW, you're alright Vern, no matter what they say about you!
8) 8)
~SA
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
One came up for sale on BaT today
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-shelby-mustang-gt350-5/
Quote from: Vernon Estes on August 19, 2020, 12:19:20 AM
Guys,
Just to be clear, my initial comment was intended to be taken with jest. Sorry to anyone who didnt take it that way...but I felt it would clearly come across as a joke.
Anyone who actually knows me, knows that my attaction to the cars goes way beyond being "only attacted by money". In fact, I love the cars so much that I have made them my life's work. If that offends anyone, is what it is. But I'm not going to sit on a forum and take random swipes at someone I don't know.
For what it's worth, I love 66s every bit as much as the OP does on this thread. I agree that the cars represent an awesome balance between the raw performance of a 65 and the styling upgrades more associated with the later years. Again, was making a harmless joke. Lighten up fella, its all good!
Carry On,
Vern
Let me remind everyone the first Shelby that Vern bought was a '66! He's bought a few more since then.
Randy
Quote from: gt350hr on August 19, 2020, 10:52:07 AM
Quote from: Vernon Estes on August 19, 2020, 12:19:20 AM
Guys,
Just to be clear, my initial comment was intended to be taken with jest. Sorry to anyone who didnt take it that way...but I felt it would clearly come across as a joke.
Anyone who actually knows me, knows that my attaction to the cars goes way beyond being "only attacted by money". In fact, I love the cars so much that I have made them my life's work. If that offends anyone, is what it is. But I'm not going to sit on a forum and take random swipes at someone I don't know.
For what it's worth, I love 66s every bit as much as the OP does on this thread. I agree that the cars represent an awesome balance between the raw performance of a 65 and the styling upgrades more associated with the later years. Again, was making a harmless joke. Lighten up fella, its all good!
Carry On,
Vern
Let me remind everyone the first Shelby that Vern bought was a '66! He's bought a few more since then.
Randy
Any Shelby enthusiast should be so fortunate as to buy a Shelby 66 or not from someone Dealer or not that has as good of moral compass that Vern has.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on August 19, 2020, 11:02:43 AM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 19, 2020, 10:52:07 AM
Quote from: Vernon Estes on August 19, 2020, 12:19:20 AM
Guys,
Just to be clear, my initial comment was intended to be taken with jest. Sorry to anyone who didnt take it that way...but I felt it would clearly come across as a joke.
Anyone who actually knows me, knows that my attaction to the cars goes way beyond being "only attacted by money". In fact, I love the cars so much that I have made them my life's work. If that offends anyone, is what it is. But I'm not going to sit on a forum and take random swipes at someone I don't know.
For what it's worth, I love 66s every bit as much as the OP does on this thread. I agree that the cars represent an awesome balance between the raw performance of a 65 and the styling upgrades more associated with the later years. Again, was making a harmless joke. Lighten up fella, its all good!
Carry On,
Vern
Let me remind everyone the first Shelby that Vern bought was a '66! He's bought a few more since then.
Randy
Any Shelby enthusiast should be so fortunate as to buy a Shelby 66 or not from someone Dealer or not that has as good of moral compass that Vern has.
This is like some kind of commercial, these threads always get hijacked - this was just going to be a discussion about the cars - now it's a dealer discussion - a Vernon Estes discussion . Can't we just have a car thread? Ever?
Hey Guys,
First of all I appreciate the kind words from the above posters. This will be my last post on the thread because I don't believe my or anyone else's time is well spent b#itching back and forth on an internet forum. Life is too short for meaningless drama which is what this thread has, for some reason, become.
"427Hunter" is right in that the thread shouldnt be about me. Where he and I seem to disagree is that he feels ive made the thread about myself.
My understanding of my involvement on this thread is as follows.
1) In my first post I made a sarcastic comment about trading 66s for 65s straight up. This is where a normal, well adjusted adult would either choose to snicker or not depending on whether or not you appreicate my particular brand of humor.
2) My second post was made in response to another poster expressing an opinion about potential value differences in late vs early 66s. I responded to that post in a way which, at least I think, emphasized how great 66 Shelbys of all serial numbers are and that values dont generally tend to reflect serial number as much as they do the quality of the car. At least my intention of that post was to emphasize enthusiasm for the model year. I'm sorry if I was mistaken, but considering that this is a forum emphasizing the sharing of info, I thought I was trying to share my opinions in a way that might inform others about a specific topic which another poster brought into the conversation. Instead, I was branded as making the thread "all about values".
3) My third post was an attempt to get along with "427Hunter" who, in my view, has taken three fairly clear swipes at me on a public forum without anything which I would assume was or could be considered a provocation.
In my view, I'm not the specific poster on this thread who has chosen to make this thread about myself. That was handled very effectively by the guy who seems to be repeatedly making the accusation by going out of his way to take swings at someone who doesn't know.
I've got no beef with "427Hunter" personally...and I'm willing to let "bygones be bygones" and move on. We can all agree that we share a passion for the cars. More importantly, what I appreciate more about the hobby are the people involved, its only partially about the cars after you're "in it" for long enough. I'm hopefully "427Hunter" and I can get along and both appreciate the passion that we share for these great cars.
Let's all move on with the thread.
Vern
It can never be about the cars - NEVER !
Quote from: 2112 on August 19, 2020, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
One came up for sale on BaT today
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-shelby-mustang-gt350-5/
Good find 2112! I recall seeing this car listed for sale on Hemmings a few years ago. According to the notes on one of the accompanying BAT photos a previous owner replaced the louvers with plexi quarter windows to improve visibility "so he could see better when he was racing". Function over form? Interesting that "R" Models, that were built for racing, were completely blocked off.
Quote from: 427hunter on August 19, 2020, 12:44:05 PM
It can never be about the cars - NEVER !
Just following this thread but I'm confused with this comment. 427hunter, would you help me understand the comment?
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: 2112 on August 19, 2020, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
One came up for sale on BaT today
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-shelby-mustang-gt350-5/
Good find 2112! I recall seeing this car listed for sale on Hemmings a few years ago. According to the notes on one of the accompanying BAT photos a previous owner replaced the louvers with plexi quarter windows to improve visibility "so he could see better when he was racing". Function over form? Interesting that "R" Models, that were built for racing, were completely blocked off.
I can say that driving and or racing my 66 GT 350 for many years I dont think I relied ever on the quarter windows for visibility. Loved the look thou! ;D
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: 2112 on August 19, 2020, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
One came up for sale on BaT today
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-shelby-mustang-gt350-5/
Good find 2112! I recall seeing this car listed for sale on Hemmings a few years ago. According to the notes on one of the accompanying BAT photos a previous owner replaced the louvers with plexi quarter windows to improve visibility "so he could see better when he was racing". Function over form? Interesting that "R" Models, that were built for racing, were completely blocked off.
The quickest lightest option.
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on August 19, 2020, 01:30:47 PM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: 2112 on August 19, 2020, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
One came up for sale on BaT today
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-shelby-mustang-gt350-5/
Good find 2112! I recall seeing this car listed for sale on Hemmings a few years ago. According to the notes on one of the accompanying BAT photos a previous owner replaced the louvers with plexi quarter windows to improve visibility "so he could see better when he was racing". Function over form? Interesting that "R" Models, that were built for racing, were completely blocked off.
The quickest lightest option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTVDpOaTGsc 8) ;D
Quote from: 6s2020 on August 19, 2020, 02:25:57 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on August 19, 2020, 01:30:47 PM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 12:47:25 PM
Quote from: 2112 on August 19, 2020, 09:50:28 AM
Quote from: sfm5 on August 19, 2020, 09:22:59 AM
Quote from: shlby66 on August 18, 2020, 07:42:56 PM
Quote from: gt350hr on August 18, 2020, 03:07:06 PM
For me it is all about the 1/4 window. From the moment I saw the window in '66 I knew I had to have one.
Randy, hit the nail on the head. The 1/4 windows, are the major focal point, of the 66's.
So much so, I remember, several friends with '65's, went right over to Shelby's store, in El Segundo, bought
the 1/4 window kits and installed them in their 65's.
One of those 65's, lived in Dave Dralles (rip) shop, for a long time and I bet Randy, knows about it.
Doug
Got a chuckle from this. Reminds me of the '63 Corvette owners that removed the split window because they preferred the "clean look" and visibility improvement of the '64 rear window. Flavor of the month. I'll bet there are not too many '65s with the 1/4 windows still around today?
One came up for sale on BaT today
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-shelby-mustang-gt350-5/
Good find 2112! I recall seeing this car listed for sale on Hemmings a few years ago. According to the notes on one of the accompanying BAT photos a previous owner replaced the louvers with plexi quarter windows to improve visibility "so he could see better when he was racing". Function over form? Interesting that "R" Models, that were built for racing, were completely blocked off.
The quickest lightest option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTVDpOaTGsc 8) ;D
The mirror dented the nose of the Cobra. I was fixed before it was returned. One of the Cobras also got frame damage when they slid it into the center channel of the LA River. The first time they drove the Ferrari into the back of the truck the stunt driver didn't get it stopped in time and hit the front of the trailer - he got fired.
Quote from: A-Snake on August 19, 2020, 12:51:13 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on August 19, 2020, 12:44:05 PM
It can never be about the cars - NEVER !
Just following this thread but I'm confused with this comment. 427hunter, would you help me understand the comment?
I guess '427hunter' has left the building...
Quote from: A-Snake on August 19, 2020, 08:08:30 PM
Quote from: A-Snake on August 19, 2020, 12:51:13 PM
Quote from: 427hunter on August 19, 2020, 12:44:05 PM
It can never be about the cars - NEVER !
Just following this thread but I'm confused with this comment. 427hunter, would you help me understand the comment?
I guess '427hunter' has left the building...
Don't make it about him!
Had my sights set on a 65-66 GT350 as long as I remember. One photo steered me more in the direction of a 66 for all the reasons mentioned here...the photo of 6S1291 in Ray Miller's "Mustang Does It" on pages 84-85. Not sure why, but that B&W photo is still one of the coolest I've ever seen of a 66, when I saw that I decided I had to get me one of those...
I've been fortunate to own a both a '66 and '67. I actually like all years of Shelbys. I've always looked at each year as an evolution and consider the situation when each car was developed and first came to market when evaluating. Each year has something unique to offer. However, I have noticed for a long time that the '66s seem to have, shall we say, the most "cult-like" following. Perhaps even more so than the '65s? Maybe with the '65s rarity and exclusivity there's not enough to form a large enough cult🙂? Possibly, the '66's "relative" attainability, color/wheel/transmission variety and of course the original Mustang platform, it just hits a sweet spot for many. Just some random thoughts and speculation.
The '65 is the closest looking version to the original car. Stripes and a hood scoop ( were the visual besides wheels) were the visual clues. '66 added the "non Mustang" windows and scoops setting them apart. IMHO the '66 is the most commonly cloned of all years and only behind coupes in popularity for doing so. Sure '67 and up require more specialty parts and work but the appeal of the '66 is there.
The most popular "modification" is by far the 1" front suspension relocation. There seems to be some "magic" with doing that mod. I had a carry over and my current '66 at the same time years ago , and the difference in normal driving was undetectable "to me". In an open track situation there was an improvement .
Randy
I think it's hard to determine the most faked Shelby because often I have no idea what the owner of the car is doing. Ill see a self described fake 65 with an automatic, painted blue with 66 side windows and then Ill see a fake 66 with stock Mustang side vents, pony interior and a 4 bar horse corral on the grill.
But hey like the guy told my wife one time at a car show. He knew my 66 was real because it had Shelbys signature on the glove box (I was currently looking for a 66 glove box door with nice patina to it).
That's why I had Uncle Chuck sign mine. I go to cars and coffee park 6S1802 and the crowds stand around the fake Shelby restomod whatever the hell it is because the engine compartment is painted body color, it has 17" wheels and a lot of chrome. Maybe it's just the people in California. All Shelby Mustangs shared the same vision, performance. I'm partial to 65-6 but I like every year that they built.
In my observations - if one adds stripes to a Mustang its considered a Shelby. We all know thats not true.
Doug you're going to have a lot of ''hardtop" owners sending you hate mail now. Especially those with the "Shelby drop". 8)
The side scoops and quarter glass really change the look of the car compared to the 65. My 69 is way more exotic (People in there 20's ask me what brand and make it is) but the 66 is a car everybody knows - the most common question I get with the 66 "is it real", that's a good measure of the number of fakes running around.
I get that too , especially without roof stripes. The "armchair experts" know "all REAL" Shelbys have roof stripes LMAO.
Quote from: gt350hr on August 20, 2020, 12:16:18 PM
Doug you're going to have a lot of ''hardtop" owners sending you hate mail now. Especially those with the "Shelby drop". 8
Randy, I guess so but after having a White, Green and Red Hertz with Gold stripes and being told that never had any color than Black I think I can live with the "stripped hardtop" owners. Cheers and stay safe.
Quote from: gt350hr on August 20, 2020, 10:53:55 AM
The '65 is the closest looking version to the original car. Stripes and a hood scoop ( were the visual besides wheels) were the visual clues. '66 added the "non Mustang" windows and scoops setting them apart. IMHO the '66 is the most commonly cloned of all years and only behind coupes in popularity for doing so. .....
Remember when we were kids we built a fake 65 for my brother ('74 time period) . Everyone told us that they could tell it was a fake since it didn't have side scoops, Shelby gas cap and quarter windows ::)
Got stolen and totaled in the car chase that followed about 6 months after we completed it :o Hood popped open during the chase since the idiots didn't put the hood pins back in after they hot wired it
Guys that took it had a body waiting to swap all the parts into.
A few years back I was offered 40K cash at a local car show for my 66. He thought it looked correct to him. Turned out it was the first real Shelby he ever saw and apologized. No harm no foul. I gave him a on site tutorial to avoid future embarrassments on first gen cars.
Quote from: trotrof1 on August 20, 2020, 10:15:14 PM
A few years back I was offered 40K cash at a local car show for my 66. He thought it looked correct to him. Turned out it was the first real Shelby he ever saw and apologized. No harm no foul. I gave him a on site tutorial to avoid future embarrassments on first gen cars.
NICE. Their going up in value. I think I was offered 35K. In all fairness I don't think my guy knew what it was either. A year ago my neighbor asked me why the Mustang was in the garage and the 79 911 outside.
Yes I too had LOTS of "charitable" people wanting to take my "Mustang" off my hands for ten or so thousand bucks. Now I have to keep it hidden and under lock and key.
Randy
I am blessed to have a 65 and a 66 and they are very different cars. The 65 has an all out assault race car feel with the 15inch wheels, side exhaust, no back seat with the tach and oil gauge seemly grafted into the dash. The 66 has more of a gentleman's sports car feel. 65 and 66 are both great cars and I love the side scoops and plexiglass side windows on the 66.
Personally speaking I like the way 66's look, they are lighter, have balanced performance wise and the handling mimics sports cars of that era.
Quote from: CSX 4133 on August 23, 2020, 01:11:25 PM
Personally speaking I like the way 66's look, they are lighter, have balanced performance wise and the handling mimics sports cars of that era.
Do you notice a difference between your over-ride and under-ride cars when driving?
Quote from: 427hunter on August 23, 2020, 09:21:46 PM
Quote from: CSX 4133 on August 23, 2020, 01:11:25 PM
Personally speaking I like the way 66's look, they are lighter, have balanced performance wise and the handling mimics sports cars of that era.
Do you notice a difference between your over-ride and under-ride cars when driving?
I would have to say it wasn't noticeable, but the first time I drove examples of both they didn't belong to me and I was being very careful driving them. #246 is a brand new acquisition (haven't even driven it so far) and my other Shelby is a full blown race car so wouldn't be a fair comparison. I would love to hear others views on the this subject though.
I had an under-ride car about 7 years ago , my over-ride car appears to handle better but who knows if my memory serves me right.