5S112 - Broad Arrow Auction - Nov 18-19, 2022

[silverton_ford]

Link:  https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/pb22_0092/1965-shelby-gt350-public-relations-race-car



Description:

1965 Shelby GT350 'Public Relations' Race Car
West Palm Beach | Estimate: $350,000 - $400,000

One of five 1965 GT350 Shelbys used for public relations
Original GT350 converted to GT350R specifications
Restored by Cobra Automotive of Wallingford, Connecticut
Extensive documentation from new
Prepared for vintage racing but also street registered
Description
Chassis No. SFM 5S112

An early Shelby Mustang, SFM 5S112 was ordered in December 1964 and was completed on May 6, 1965. Days later it was shipped to Ford's "Glass House" headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan along with four other 1965 GT350s and four Cobras, all at the request of Ford's Shelby American liaison, Ray Geddes. Howard C. Pardee, 1965 and 1966 GT350 Registrar of the Shelby American Automobile Club, confirmed 5S112 was used by Ford for "Public Relations" duties. Those testing Ford's must have thoroughly enjoyed the performance of 5S112 – it was returned to Shelby American just four months later needing a complete engine rebuild. Just 1000 miles were on the odometer, and Hi-Performance Motors of Los Angeles charged $343.93 for the warranty work.

Late in 1965 5S112 was sold to Hank Smith, who converted it to Shelby's "R" specifications, obtaining its SCCA Log Book in 1971. The first Shelby Mustangs were bred for racing, with 36 GT350R racers created (including two prototypes), but SCCA rules required at least 100 street versions be produced. Except for the GT350R's roll bar and race-ready engine, the 1965 GT350 was literally a race car for the street. With so few GT350Rs available, it was not uncommon for a GT350 to be converted to R-spec. Smith and subsequent owners raced 5S112 for the next eight years. It was restored by vintage race specialists Cobra Automotive of Wallingford, Connecticut to FIA Historic and HMSA standards, and made its debut at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in 2015. But 5S112 is also registered for street use, and both front seats are retained. Historic "Public Relations" car and long-time B-Production racer, this Shelby is truly a unique road-and-race ready GT350.