As the Shelby GT350 entered its second year, both Ford and Carroll Shelby recognized the new performance model’s potential for increased sales and profit. For 1966, Shelby American tamed the 1965 GT350’s boy-racer image while, at the same time, lowering production expenses by eliminating some of the 1965’s labor-intensive modifications. Shelby also sought to increase the GT350’s appeal by offering additional exterior colors, as opposed to the all-white-and-blue-striped cars of 1965. This 1966 Shelby GT350, SFM6S1515, was originally delivered in Candyapple Red with white stripes, including the optional over-the-top LeMans stripes, as documented by its listing in the official Shelby Registry. Originally shipped to Gerber-Payne Ford in Freemont, Michigan, the Shelby looks incredible today, thanks to its concours restoration. Notably, the entire drivetrain is original, including the Cobra 289 High Performance engine and 4-speed transmission, both of which show the factory VIN stampings, and the original 9-inch rear end. The GT350 is also equipped with its original and functional “Cobra” dash-mount tachometer, correct jack and spare tire, and painted Magnum 500 wheels with Goodyear bluestreak tires. Like all 1966 GT350s, the red Shelby is equipped with a fiberglass hood with scoop and side scoops. Built at Shelby American’s Los Angeles airport facility, the 1966 Mustangs for GT350 conversion were delivered from Ford’s San Jose assembly plant with solid-lifter 289 High Performance engines, which were upgraded to 306 HP “Cobra” status through the addition of a high-rise aluminum intake manifold, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, Tri-Y headers and finned aluminum valve covers. For handling, the GT350 suspensions were modified with adjustable shocks and rear traction bars, while the interior got the Shelby treatment with competition seat belts, a three-spoke, wood-rim steering wheel, and a 9,000 RPM tachometer. Of the total 2,378 production for 1966, this Shelby is one of just 1,356 non-Hertz GT350s built for 1966.
