Messages

Hello everyone,
Recently completed an interview with John McComb with Shelby Group II #12/16 and also we hosted a wonderful event here at Owls Head with John McComb and Tom Cotter together with the car.   Opportunities like this are becoming rare as people age, and I thought people would appreciate the words and history coming directly from John.    The YouTube video is less than 4 mins, the Vimeo is of our entire program that evening with Tom talking about, and with John.

I hope you enjoy the video's.  I love to hear John's words, it must have been an amazing experience to be a part of. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMdmrgP5Blw

https://vimeo.com/730166513

Hello All,
I love the SAAC forums and follow them often.  Today I made multiple posts in multiple portions of the forum, specifically to many regions and have recieved a great deal of feedback on the posting numbers.  Had I had known that a post in one region would end up going to so many people and being annoying I never would have done that.   Another forum I use, posts among areas are not shared among the group as they are here.  Simply stated, I do recognize that for right now I am "THAT GUY."   Again, not my intent, but it did happen and I am a bit embarrassed and accept that.

My friends in the Shelby world are some of the nicest people I know.  These forums are great and I DO understand what happens when trolls dilute the validity and the usefulness of the discussion with senseless cannon fodder.   Had I been on the other end... I would feel as you do.  Today I am sorry that I am "that troll."   Will not happen again.   My excitement was fueled by my love for two very special people to me. 

So to everyone is the SAAC Forum,  My sincerest apology.  This is a great place full of great people.

Sincerely,
Toby E. Stinson

https://auction.owlshead.org/listing/1966-shelby-group-ii-mustang-the-legacy-continues/




Description
For Full Description and Photos
https://auction.owlshead.org/listing/1966-shelby-group-ii-mustang-the-legacy-continues/

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

ONE OF THE RAREST SHELBY MUSTANGS'S EVER BUILT!
In 1965 a total of 562 Shelby GT350 models were built which included 33 Competition Production Cars referred to as the R-model. In 1966, a total of 2,378 Shelby GT350 models were built which included 20 Production Racers referred to as Shelby Group 1 and Group II Mustangs. These were built to the R-model specifications. This example is one of those 20.

One of only 16 Shelby Group II Mustangs built in 1966.
One of only 53 Shelby Group II Mustangs built between 1966-1969.
Originally built for famous Shelby American driver – Ken Miles. This is documented in the SAAC Shelby Registry 1965-1966-1967 4th Edition.
Purchased new and raced by legendary driver – John McComb from 1966-1969.
One of 7 Shelby Group II Mustangs that raced in the Trans-Am series in 1966 which helped Ford claim The Trans Am Manufacturers Championship for 1966.
Participant of over 30 documented races from 1966-1973 with 22 top 3 finishes.
1st Place at Pan American Trans-Am in Green Valley, TX in 1966.
1st Place at Continental Divide SCCA National in 1966.
Finished 1st in SCCA Midwest Division in 1966 and 1967.
Finished 2nd in the SCCA A/Sedan Midwest in 1967.
Raced at Daytona 300 Trans-Am and 24-Hours of Daytona in 1967.
1st Place at SCCA National in Wichita, KS in 1968. It set an A/Sedan lap record and tied A/Production Corvette of Don Yenko for 2nd fastest lap ever run at Lake Afton.
Limited ownership history.

Show quality concours restoration to era correct specifications by Legendary Motorcar in 2015 with only test miles since completion.
Powered by an era correct Shelby built 289 Hi-Po V8 engine with Hi-Po heads, aluminum high rise intake, Holley 715CFM carburetor and modified valve covers with an era correct Borg-Warner close ratio 4-speed and 9" Detroit Locker rear end.
Signed by Carroll Shelby, John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty in various places on the vehicle.
Featured in the cover and inside Sports Car Graphic December 1966 magazine which was signed by John McComb and included with the sale.
Featured inside Sports Car Graphic June 1967 magazine which was signed by John McComb and included with the sale.
Featured in Motor Trend World Automotive Yearbook for 1967 which was signed by John McComb and included with the sale.
Fully documented in the SAAC Shelby Registry 1965-1966-1967 4th Edition. A new version of this book which was signed by John McComb is included with the sale.
Verified by 1965-1966 Shelby Registrar – Howard Pardee. A copy of the email from Howard Pardee will be included with the sale.
Verified by Shelby Trans Am Registrar – Gary Underwood. Information mailed from Gary Underwood will be included with the sale.
John McComb and his wife Vici McComb were reunited with the car after roughly 25 years in June of 2022. Photos are included with the sale.
John McComb was interviewed by Toby Stinson of the Owls Head Transportation Museum in June of 2022. A transcript of the interview which as signed by John McComb will be included with the sale.
Miscellaneous books and articles will be included with the sale.
Authentic John McComb Racing stickers and reproduction magnetic stickers will be included with the sale.
John McComb donated many items surrounding his career and this car to the Owls Head Transportation Museum which can be viewed in person but aren't included with the sale. Photo copies of everything will be included with the sale.
Completely serviced and detailed by MS CLASSIC CARS in June of 2022 which is documented with an invoice that is included with the sale.

This iconic 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang #12 is one of the rarest Shelby Mustang's ever built and is fully documented in the SAAC Shelby Registry which includes its historic SCCA and Trans-Am racing pedigree. It was one of only sixteen 1966 Shelby Group II Mustangs built to R-model specifications to compete in the SCCA and Trans-Am A/Sedan class. It was one of only seven that actually competed. As documented it was originally built for the famous Shelby American driver Ken Miles, who was killed testing A J-car at Riverside before he could drive it. After the tragic death of Ken Miles, it was offered to John McComb by automotive design engineer Chuck Cantwell of Carroll Shelby's legendary racing shop. Chuck was the Shelby project engineer for the GT350. It was invoiced on August 24th, 1966 to Turner Ford located in Hutchinson, KS and purchased by John McComb who lived in Hutchinson, KS. John McComb and this Shelby Mustang helped Ford claim The Trans-American Sedan Championship for 1966. This Shelby Mustang participated in over 30 documented races including SCCA, Trans-Am, ARRC and 24 Hours of Daytona. Some notable races in 1966 included 1st Place at Pan-American Trans-Am in Green Valley, TX and 1st Place at Continental Divide SCCA National. It was featured on the cover and in Sports Car Graphic December 1966 magazine. It was also featured in Sports Car Graphic June 1967 magazine and Motor Trend World Automotive Yearbook for 1967. It was purchased in 1967 by Keith Thomas. It won 1st Place at SCCA National in Wichita, KS in 1968 where it set a A/Sedan lap record and tied A/Production Corvette of Don Yenko for the 2nd fastest lap ever run at Lake Afton. It was raced consistently in 1969 but had a limited race schedule between 1971 and 1973. It was purchased by Melvin Hammontree in 1973. It was purchased by Max Anderson in 1978. It was purchased by Gary Spraggins in 1986. Gary had the car restored early on during his 26 years of ownership and had it signed in various places by Carroll Shelby, John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty. It was purchased by Rick Davis in 2012. It was purchased and then purchased by Chris Turner of Dockery Ford in 2013. The car made its way to Shelby experts Legendary Motorcar in Canada where it received a show quality concours restoration to Shelby correct specifications. A great deal of time and money was invested in the restoration which was completed in 2015. It's been signed by Carroll Shelby, John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty. Since completion it's been handled with white gloves and stored in a climate controlled facility. MS CLASSIC CARS purchased the car in 2022. This Shelby Mustang was verified by 1965-1966 Shelby Registrar Howard Pardee and Shelby Trans Am Registrar Gary Underwood. John McComb and his wife Vici McComb were reunited with the car in June of 2022. Many items will be included with the car such as restoration photos, SAAC Shelby 1965-1966-1967 4th Edition book signed by John McComb, interview transcript with John McComb which he signed, photos of reunion with John and Vici McComb, miscellaneous books signed by John McComb and miscellaneous articles. John McComb donated many items surrounding his career and this car to the Owls Head Transportation Museum which can be viewed in person but aren't included with the sale. This car was recently serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.

In 1966, the Sports Car Club of America announced it would recognize sedans as a National Championship category for the first time. Eligible cars fell under the provisions of the FIA Appendix "J" Group II and classes were based on engine displacements. The SCCA planned two concurrent racing series for these sedans which included one amateur and one professional each leading to a national championship. The amateur series included over 50 SCCA sanctioned national events throughout the United States, culminating with an invitation to the American Road Race of Champions (ARRC) for the top three finishers in each class in each of SCCA's six geographical divisions. The professional series, called the Trans-American Sedan Championship was to be made up of seven professional races at road circuits across the United States. Points would be given to each manufacturer's on their cars finishing positions leading to a manufacturer's trophy. While many of the same driver's participated in both the SCCA nationals and the Trans-Am that first year, it was the lure of a manufacturer's trophy that attracted Ford's interest. Instead of doing anything in-house or going to a lesser known race shop, they turned to Shelby American to develop the Mustang into a Group II sedan racer. On November 29th, 1965 a meeting was held in Daytona, following the AARC. Shelby American competition director, Lew Spencer sat down with Ford's Sam Smith, Shelby American marketing director, George Merwin and Chuck Cantwell, Shelby GT350 project engineer. The subject was FIA Group I and Group II Sedans and how Shelby American would build them. It was decided that cars would be purchased by Shelby American from Ford, on a DSO basis and sold by Shelby. However, they would be considered Ford products and would carry Ford serial numbers. They would be reworked in a manner similar to the GT350 competition model. Cantwell's first job, in December of 1965, was to assemble the homologation papers. For required photographs he took pictures of a stock white Mustang notchback sitting on a dealer's lot in downtown Los Angeles. The actual work of building the cars fell to Chuck Cantwell and race fabricators Jerry Schwarz and Bernie Kretzschmar. The Group II Sedan and GT350 R-Model were mechanically identical but the rules required that the Group II car retain its stock steel hood (without a scoop). It also had to retain the original glass windows, seats for four and full interior upholstery including dash padding and door panels. The front steel valance was allowed to be notched to permit airflow to the oil cooler which was the size of a license plate on the notchback. A total of 16 Shelby Group II Mustangs were built in 1966 not including the Prototype. Of the 16 only 12 are currently existing. Car #5, #7 and #10 were destroyed racing. Car #13 history and whereabouts is unknown.

This 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang #12 made its way to Legendary Motorcar located in Halton Hills, ON in 2014 for a complete restoration. Legendary Motorcar is well respected in the Shelby community and they're some of the finest restorers of vintage automobiles. This car was carefully disassembled and stripped to bare metal. It then received a no-expense spared rotisserie restoration. It was restored very accurately to Shelby correct specifications. The body is very straight and it has nice gap lines throughout. It's equipped with the Shelby correct racing type hood and trunk locks. The hood, doors and trunk close effortlessly. It was refinished in its original factory Wimbledon White paint with Lemans Blue stripes. The paint is show quality but intentionally wasn't wet sanded to have the proper amount of orange peel as it did when it left the factory. The numbers 41 were painted on the hood and trunk lid. The numbers 41 and letter A were painted on the doors. The front windshield was replaced new and has a Car-Lite stamp. The vent glass, door glass and rear glass is original with factory Car-Lite stamps. A Shelby Cobra Association of Texas "SCAT" sticker was added to the front windshield. A Sports Car Club of America sticker was added to each rear quarter glass. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as the window trim, wipers, driver's side mirror, front grill, parking light bezels and lenses, door handles, lower side molding, quarter trim, tail light bezels and lenses and emblems. The lights were covered and the bumpers were removed for per racing guidelines. The car sits on the correct 15×7 American Racing Magnesium wheels that show some patina. The wheels are wrapped with correct style Firestone Indy 9.20 x 15 tires.

The interior of this car is in beautiful condition throughout. It was refinished in its color of black which complements the exterior white very nicely. The headliner, carpeting and radio were deleted for racing purposes. Everything was restored or replaced such as the rear view mirror, dash pad, dash fascia, dash knobs, door panels, shifter, pedals, bucket seats and rear seat. It's equipped with the Shelby correct four point roll bar, 3" competition lap belts, 16" three spoke steering wheel and 6 Carroll Shelby gauges. It has a floor mounted red fire extinguisher and custom made floor mats. The glove box door was signed by Carroll Shelby and the driver's side door panel was signed by John McComb. The trunk compartment was correctly restored and painted body color. Its home to the auxiliary fuel pump, original style reproduction battery and 34 gallon fuel tank with 3 ½ quick release cap with splash funnel.

The engine compartment is highly detailed with many correct parts throughout. The backside of the hood was signed by John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty. The driver's side inner fender has the original Ford VIN stamp. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support were painted in the correct shade of black. Everything was restored or replaced such as the hinges, brake master cylinder, wiring, hoses, alternator, coil, etc. It's equipped with an export brace and Monte Carlo stabilizer bar. The car is powered by an era correct Shelby American racing 289 Hi-Po V8 engine with estimated 350-400HP. This engine was completely rebuilt and runs excellent. The engine casting date is #C5AE-6015-E with a build date of October 14th, 1964. It' been outfitted with the correct Hi-Po heads, aluminum hi-rise intake manifold #S2MS-9424-A , Holley 715 CFM carburetor #S2MS-3510-A, steel valve covers with specially fabricated breathers and 7 ½ quart Aviaid oil pan. It's equipped with a heavy duty oil cooler with remote Cobra oil filter adaptor and the 18 quart Ford Galaxie radiator The engine breathes through the Tri-Y headers leading to 2 ½" straight exhausts terminating ahead of the rear wheels. The engine is coupled to an era correct Borg Warner T-10 close ratio 4-speed manual transmission. The transmission was completely rebuilt and has a build date of July 27th, 1965. The power is transferred to Ford 9" Detroit Locker rear end with 3.89 gears.

The undercarriage is also highly detailed with many correct parts throughout. This undercarriage should be displayed with mirrors at car shows. The floors were painted in the correct red oxide primer and then over sprayed with white like they were on the factory assembly line. Everything was restored or replaced such as the steering system, suspension system and braking system. It's equipped with a 19.1 quick steering box, 1" sway bar, override traction bars, Koni shocks 11.3" front disc brakes and 10×2 ½ wide rear drum brakes.

This vehicle has recently been completely serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.

This is the first time this vehicle has been made available from the distinguished MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.

silverton_ford,
Thank you so much for sharing this.  This truly is one of the most significant and historic Shelby Mustangs ever built.   My name is Toby Stinson with the Owls Head Transportation Museum.  John McComb is one of my closest personal friends and he also loves and supports Owls Head, both he and Vici.   Owls Head is honored to work with MS Classic Cars to finally properly prepare, document, and curate this vehicle into the proper place that it deserves.    John McComb last year donated his personal racing collection and John is an enthusiastic participant in this process.   Recently we were able to reunite not only John and Vici with this vehicle but the history as well.  This is a highly restored, concours quality Shelby done to authentic specifications as well as now being fully documented with known history, and artifacts.  Original artifacts signed by John McComb himself are included as well as his written personal story and history, signed by him.  Other original personal documents and photographs known only to John McComb have been donated to the archives of the Owls Head Transportation Museum but authorized copies are included to the next owner.   For example, these include never before seen photo's of the car being prepared in a driveway the day it came home to Kansas, and John reading the Dec'66 Sports car traffic.  More importantly, John has reunited his true story, with the car.   John cares so much for the Owls Head Museum, and the true history of this era of racing.  Now is the time, and the circles have properly been rejoined.

Beginning July 8th, this Shelby will be available for anyone who wishes to preview it on display at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.   For more information email me at ts@ohtm.org    This is one of the rarest, most successful, and historic Shelby Mustangs ever produced.  Built for a Legend and helped to create and driven by a Legend.   The package, finally is now complete.   Ken Miles, John McComb, Keith Thomas.... who's next?   The Legacy Continues  Sincerely, Toby Stinson.   Owls Head Transportation Museum

Do you know about what time the car will cross the block?

It is lot #104 in the Auction,  estimate sometime between 12-1pm est time.  Auction is not streamed on line, but updates will be made through the Owls Head Tran Museum facebook and twitter accounts.

Auction for 6S144 is this Satiurday August 17, 2019.  Auction starts at 9am est.   Vehicle is Lot# 104.   Any inquires can contact me direct at ts@othm.org    contact bidder registration directly at bid@othm.org     Any questions please let me know.

Toby

The spoiler was the actual Barry Plastiglas option ordered through Shelby as well.  The wheels are the 1968 Boss Magnums, John M. thought girls liked the shiney wheel look. or so he told me.     

Toby, just out of curiosity, was the original trunk lid and end caps saved?  What about the original wheels?

Original Wheels sold when current ones were installed in late '60s.  Trunk lid..the same. He didn't hold on to it

Anyone know why the engine is painted blue.  Did he rebuild the engine?

The original owner, John M. ordered the car at Mutual Ford in '65 and picked it up in April 1966.  He was a young, highly trained and skilled mechanic in Ford dealerships, just out of the service.  At the time of purchase, he could not afford the R code.  In 1968, he had saved enough money to order directly from Shelby through an authorized dealer the high performance Valley Heads, 11:1 pistons, Deves rings etc. Did it at the dealership where he worked after hours.  When done, he said "we didn't think anything, there were gallons for Ford blue, we just painted it."   All the parts used in 1968 on the engine, the actual receipts with part numbers are included in the documentation. I cross reference the part numbers on the receipts with the actual catalogs looked at in 1968.   Hope that helps answer the blue paint question.  The spoiler was the actual Barry Plastiglas option ordered through Shelby as well.  The wheels are the 1968 Boss Magnums, John M. thought girls liked the shiney wheel look. or so he told me.     

1966 Carry Over GT350 6S144 will be auctioned off on August 17, 2019 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.  Two owner with currently 16,444 documented original miles.  Full complete original documentation and original owners notorized history of the vehicle, as well as full history documented in the GT350 registry avaliable.  A video of the vehicle can be seen here. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo5dv0K14rA
All aspects of this vehicle's entire history has been documented. Feel free to ask any questions.  Copies and scans of all documents can be provided on request. 
Vehicle posting with photos can be seen here  http://owlshead.org/auctions/detail/1966-shelby-gt350-fastback
Please let me know if you have any questions, I'll happy to answer.  Can also be contacted directly at auction@ohtm.org

Recent video of this vehicle, 6S144 can be seen here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo5dv0K14rA

Recent video of this vehicle, 6S144
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo5dv0K14rA

1966 Carry Over GT350 6S144 will be auctioned off on August 17, 2019 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.  Two owner with currently 16,444 documented original miles.  Full complete original documentation and original owners notorized history of the vehicle, as well as full history documented in the GT350 registry avaliable.  A video of the vehicle can be seen here. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo5dv0K14rA
All aspects of this vehicle's entire history has been documented. Feel free to ask any questions.  Copies and scans of all documents can be provided on request. 
Vehicle posting with photos can be seen here  http://owlshead.org/auctions/detail/1966-shelby-gt350-fastback
Please let me know if you have any questions, I'll happy to answer.  Can also be contacted directly at auction@ohtm.org