3. 1965 Shelby GT350R (34 Made)
In 1965, Carroll Shelby tuned the Mustang into the GT350R—a race-ready machine designed to dominate SCCA competition. Starting with a high-revving 289-cubic-inch V8, Shelby’s team added high-performance camshafts, free-flowing headers, and a Holley four-barrel carburetor, pushing output to around 350 horsepower. Lightweight aluminum components, fiberglass doors, and a stripped-down interior shaved precious pounds, enabling a 0-60 mph time in the low six-second range.
The GT350R’s competition suspension, front disc brakes, and side-exit exhausts delivered uncompromising track performance. With only 34 produced, these GT350Rs became instant icons—combining Shelby’s racing expertise with raw, unfiltered muscle.