As chronicled in the Shelby Registry, this 1965 Shelby GT350R was the last of five that were purchased by five wealthy sportsmen in South America who wanted to compete running identical cars. Shipped to Lima, Peru, by South American importer Benito Lores on July 29, 1966, by way of Gotham Ford in New York City, it was purchased by famed Peruvian racer Bratzo Vicich, who raced it for several years and eventually drove it to the Peruvian and South American championships in 1973. By 1991, it had been returned to the U.S. and was in the hands of Cobra Automotive founder and renowned Shelby restoration expert Curt Vogt, who prepared it for vintage racing. Vogt raced 5R530 in a number of events in the Northeast, including a two-hour endurance event at Watkins Glen that same year. More recently, 5R530 was the subject of a comprehensive, concours restoration performed by Walt Hane’s Evergreen Performance Systems in Evergreen, Colorado, who restored the engine, transmission, suspension and brake systems. Following its completion, the car was a participant in the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, where its first owner, Bratzo Vicich, was McCarter’s honored guest. In July 2015, it was displayed at the Colorado Concours d’Elegance, and in August won the SAAC National Concours Gold Award at the Shelby American Automobile Club’s 40th National Convention held at Pocono Raceway. It then participated in the 2015 Mustang Club of America Grand Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, over the Labor Day weekend. In September 2019, 5R530 was a participant in the Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors in Telluride, Colorado. Today, 5R530 presents as new, resplendent in the classic Shelby livery of Wimbledon White with blue stripes and wearing Vicich’s No. 403. All the correct details remain: race-prepared 289 CI small-block V-8 and 4-speed manual transmission, stripped interior with fiberglass racing bucket seat, safety harnesses, CS instrumentation, 4-point roll bar, fire extinguisher and Plexiglas side windows and backlight. The original mag wheels are also included. Offered with complete ownership history from new, SFM5R530 is accompanied by extensive documentation that includes notarized documents from Bratzo Vicich and Walter Hane, each confirming the car’s authenticity, Curt Vogt Race Car Certification, receipts, a racing logbook, vintage photos and magazine stories. As the first production sports car sold completely race-ready from the dealer, the Shelby GT350R holds a special place in Ford and Shelby history. As one of the 34 built, SFM5R530 is a true prize by any measure, a fact magnified by its fully documented history, award-winning restoration and magnificent presentation. THE DR. J. CHRISTIAN AND JENNIFER McCARTER COLLECTION
