As is clearly shown by the GT350’s present odometer reading of just 6,950 miles, Christy drove the car very sparingly. He also fastidiously preserved it in as-new condition, as did all its subsequent owners. According to the Shelby Registry, Steve J. Karlock of Camarillo, California, purchased 5013 in 1976. It changed ownership several times in the late 1980s, passing between several noted California collectors and vintage racers until landing with its present owner (also a highly regarded California collector and racer) in 1989. Recognizing the car’s uniquely original condition, its current owner chose not to so much as move it, except to have it serviced and to maintain its mechanical and cosmetic fitness; otherwise, it remained under cover and well protected. As a result, Shelby GT350 No. SFM5013 is, as the legendary Peter Brock describes it, “probably the only example extant today that remains virtually untouched.” A more ringing endorsement would be hard to imagine, especially coming from a man of Brock’s vast experience and historic contributions to all things Shelby. In the words of Shelby American Designer Peter Brock: Among the thousands of Mustang coupes originally built by the Ford Motor Company, only a relative few were selected to be modified by Carroll Shelby. Among today’s generation of young car enthusiasts, who weren’t around when the charismatic Texan’s “Hot Rod Mustangs” debuted some 55 years ago, the rarity and historical significance of this amazing automobile might be missed. But for those of any age who know and love fine cars, any of Shelby’s GT350 Mustangs are a rare and wonderful sight … with a sound that’s pure music to those who can remember when it signaled the approach of true automotive wonder. For the last couple of decades, discerning collectors have been trying to unearth a “real Shelby” as the dwindling number of still undiscovered examples has shrunk to almost zero. So, when any previously undiscovered GT350 is found in a barn or some dank, distant garage, it’s a cause for real celebration. Most “lost” GT350s, however, are in pretty wretched condition when discovered, and that’s probably why no one paid much attention to the rumors of some “old car” that was stored away years ago. Today, finding a GT350 Mustang in almost pristine condition is more than a minor miracle; it’s headline news on the automotive internet and the source of inestimable car guy conversations. The recent announcement that GT350 No. 013, in almost perfect condition, had been carefully stored away years ago was met with worldwide astonishment and disbelief that such an especially rare example still existed. Originally constructed as an “Advanced Prototype” for the Shelby team’s own promotion and development at Shelby’s legendary racing facility in Venice, California, the car never really left Shelby’s oversight. He sold it to good friend and magazine editor John Christy, who was honored by Shelby as one of the very first to ever drive a GT350, which became the subject of Christy’s road test for Sports Car Graphic. Christy fell in love with the car, and was then given an opportunity to buy Shelby GT350 No. 13 by Carroll Shelby. When seen today it appears almost as it did back in 1965 when it was first constructed for promotional photos; that was the level of attention that Christy paid to this very special Mustang. Realizing the unique condition the car was in when purchased, its current owner never changed a thing, preferring to keep it as an historic icon of the Shelby era … it’s probably the only example extant today that remains virtually untouched.