Champion 1965 Shelby 350GT R Model Scheduled to Cross Auction Block at Russo and Steele’s This is one of 37 R models built and documented in the Shelby registry. It will be sold at the Russo and Steele auction this January 14-18, 2009.
News-Antique.com - Dec 04,2008 - Russo and Steele’s 9th Annual Scottsdale auction event, January 14-18, 2009, will presents a range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobiles in Scottsdale, Arizona. Russo and Steele auction events earned its name as one of the Big Three auctions to watch by providing superior customer service and unparalleled quality automobiles. This 1965 Shelby GT-350R is one of the many examples of Russo and Steele’s rare, and high quality automobiles that will be featured in Scottsdale this January.
The Ford Mustang first appeared in 1964 and was immediately popular for its style and capabilities alike. The base engine was a six-cylinder power plant, with body styles including coupe, convertible and fastback variations. However, sports car enthusiasts seeing incredible potential in the Mustang wanted - and demanded - more power. Not deaf to these demands, Ford turned to the SCCA's national racing program to stir even more popularity for the car and to prove its true potential. Unfortunately, SCCA rules for sports cars required two seats - a requirement that the Mustang failed to qualify for since it had seating for four. Ford turned to the legendary Carroll Shelby to help them qualify for homologation requirements; 100 examples needed to be produced by January 1st, 1965. Amazingly, the cars were ready to go by the due date, all painted in Wimbledon White livery with Guardsman Blue stripes.
In 1965, a remarkable 562 Shelby GT 350 models were created with 36 being designated for racing and given the code 'R'. The exquisite and historically-important example seen here is one of the latter. Shelby GT-350R #5R530 was ordered by Shelby American on the 18th of March, 1965, initially assembled by Ford Motor Company on the 20th of April; it was issued the work order number 17527 a month later on the 24th of June.
Raced by purchaser Bratzo Vicich, the car was the South American Class Champion during the late 1960s as well as the Peruvian National Champion as late as 1973. A second South American owned the car and ran it actively until 1980. Returning to the United States in 1984 in the care of George Stauffer, the car has had numerous American owners since and was campaigned with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association with whom it has a permanent medallion as well as other well-known sanctioning bodies. Restored not long ago by Kurt Vogt of Cobra Automotive and in a museum for a number of years following, the car remains in excellent condition and will always be a top-tier invitee to vintage race events or exemplary concours events worldwide.
For additional information or images please contact Stephanie Quinn at Stephanie@russoandsteele.com or 602.252.2697.
About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of
