Transition from Early Shifter Handle to Later Version?

[NC TRACKRAT]

On Brant's recent blog showing the details of the restoration of an early (VIN unknown) '65 GT350, he mentions and shows that this particular car has the early version '64-1/2 abrupt bend shifter handle.  I'm curious as to just when that was phased out.  I've been unable to find any information in cyberspace that answers this question so I'm posting it here. 

[Brant]

On Brant's recent blog showing the details of the restoration of an early (VIN unknown) '65 GT350, he mentions and shows that this particular car has the early version '64-1/2 abrupt bend shifter handle.  I'm curious as to just when that was phased out.  I've been unable to find any information in cyberspace that answers this question so I'm posting it here.

From my observations, you see them on the "first batch" of '65 GT350s. After that, I'm not so sure that you will see.

[NC TRACKRAT]

Brant, that's really the point of my question:  Just how many of the "first batch"?  Surely, not all 100+.  Can we hear from those with the early cars? Please indicate if you have a "bent stick" or a "curved stick".   Sorry, it's just a great way to describe this.

[Brant]

Brant, that's really the point of my question:  Just how many of the "first batch"?  Surely, not all 100+.  Can we hear from those with the early cars? Please indicate if you have a "bent stick" or a "curved stick".   Sorry, it's just a great way to describe this.

Based upon my observations, those in that Ford VIN range had the early shift handles. That's based on later VINS having the early handle in addition to earlier ones. It's a pretty tight group of the same first three digits as you probably know. Of course, there is no way anyone can say every one had the early handle.

I will say that I have even seen an early handle in a car in the "next batch". Is it original to the car? We will probably never know.