August seems ages away but already we're receiving press releases promoting various events during the Pebble Beach/Monterey classic car week. Which explains the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R in the photo, to be sold at "Russo and Steele's auction" August 16-18, 2007. The "R" stands for "racing, as these cars were built for competition only. The engine generated between 325 and 360 horsepower and just about everything was modified, or removed in the case of interior luxuries. Russo and Steele claims 36 were built, David Newhardt's Mustang book gives the number as 37. Serial numbers can be a bit confusing as R models were not numbered consecutively.
The restored race car is all correct, with no contemporary restoration parts. The original racing seat belts and fire extinguisher are dated and coded and it has all four NOS Goodyear Bluestrike tires with the original painted stickers on the tread. The block itself was replaced with an original 289 Hi-Po that came from the same San Jose California factory where 5R213 was assembled; 5R09K is stamped on the side. Quite possibly one of the finest 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 R's ever to come up for sale, this ferocious machine would be a perfect vintage racer if the new owner has the courage. Regardless, it will certainly shake the earth when it goes on the block in August.