1965 Shelby GT350 (R-model specification upgrade)
- Engine
- 289 cu in (approx. 4.7L) V8 Hi-Po, upgraded with R-model components including competition intake and 715-cfm carburetor, approx. 306 bhp
- Colour
- Wimbledon White with blue Le Mans stripes
A 1965 Shelby GT350 fastback (SFM 5S280), one of only 562 produced that year, assembled at Shelby American in May 1965 and originally retailed through Jerry Aldermann Ford of Indianapolis. Beginning in the early 1980s, noted Shelby authority Curt Vogt undertook a thorough restoration to R-model competition specification using authentic period components. The car subsequently competed in vintage racing at Lime Rock and a long-distance rally in Virginia and West Virginia, and remains finished in the classic Wimbledon White with Le Mans stripes livery.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$300,000 – US$350,000
- 1965-06-21 → 1965-11-22Factory deliveryJerry Aldermann Fordfull documentation
Indianapolis dealership received the car as a factory shipment; invoice total documented at just under $3,800 including wheels and freight.
- 1965-11-22 →Private saleGilbert A. Littellfull documentation
Indianapolis resident who later relocated to Kentucky, taking the car with him; exact date of sale onward is unrecorded.
- → 1981Acquisition unknownPennsylvania ownerpartial documentation
Final pre-Vogt custodian; sold the car for $9,500 in 1981.
- 1981 → 1985Private saleCurt Vogt (Cobra Automotive)full documentation
Noted Shelby specialist who undertook a comprehensive R-model specification restoration, sourcing authentic period components; sold to fund acquisition of a genuine GT350R.
- 1985 →Private saleConnecticut Shelby enthusiastpartial documentation
Anonymous collector who retained the car for an extended period; Vogt later borrowed it for vintage racing. Car was also used at regional Shelby gatherings with upkeep handled by Cobra Automotive.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownKentucky owner or ownersnone documentation
Car changed hands at minimum twice while based in Kentucky; individual identities not documented.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownVirginia owner or ownersnone documentation
Car passed through Virginia and changed hands at least twice more before moving to Pennsylvania.
Competition
- 19851985 Shelby Convention drag strip eventDriver: Curt VogtQuickest car at the event
Drag strip competition held as part of the annual Shelby convention at Great Gorge, New Jersey; car claimed top elapsed-time honors.
- 19901990 Fall Festival vintage race, Lime RockDriver: Curt Vogt1st
Vogt borrowed the car from its Connecticut owner specifically to compete in this vintage race, which he won outright.
- 2007-10-01Mountain Mile rally
Roughly 1,500-mile road rally across Virginia and West Virginia; unlike most participants who trailered their vehicles, this car was driven to and from the event, adding around 1,000 miles of road travel.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1965MaintenanceShelby American
Car received at Shelby American and prepared as a production GT350, with build work completed by 25 May 1965.
Build dates documented in the SAAC registry.
- 1981RestorationCobra Automotive
Comprehensive rebuild to R-model competition specification by Curt Vogt, using as many genuine R-model components as possible; included R-model hood, apron, windows, trunk hasp, roll bar, interior, instrumentation, exhaust, fuel tank, engine ancillaries, and appropriate period wheels.
Goal was the most authentic possible R-model upgrade of an original GT350 street car; no accident history or significant rust issues noted.
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