1965 Mustang “R” Model Tribute Race Car

Ford went to Carroll Shelby to enhance had done so the muscle car image of the Mustang. He had done so much with the Cobras that Ford thought he could do it. Shelby wanted to beat Corvette specifically as it was considered to be Americas sport car. To do this, the Mustang had to be a two seater like the Corvette. This was done by eliminating the backseat and installing a fiberglass shelf.

Shelby needed to produce 100 cars in a very short time to homologate the Mustang for B production. Ford and Shelby did this together and they were on their way.

For competition purposes it needed to be lightened up. This was done numerous ways. As we said before the back seat was removed, still hood deleted, hood latches, grille bars, Mustang badges, radios, exhaust system, replaced by side exhaust, sound deadener, seam sealer and undercoating, window regulators, side glass, gas tank replaced with competition tank, door panels, headliners, heater/defroster system and carpet was deleted. A light weight fiberglass apron was added to the nose to help dual air to front brakes and add further engine cooling. The rear bumper was deleted and thin aluminum panels were riveted over the holes created when the heavy C-pillar air extracted vents were removed. The heavy rear back glass was replaced with Plexiglas was a one inch opening across its top which allowed air to come into the cockpit. Carroll Shelby said it helped top speed.

These “R” Model Shelby Mustangs did what Ford intended them to do. They dominated “B” production which was where the Corvette was and WON the National Championship in 1965, 1966 and 1967. The year 1965 was the only year they had a factory team. After that, they had independent teams and kick everyone’s tail!!!!!

This particular Mustang started life as a nice “C” Code car with a nice solid body from which to work. If you are interested in this car you are no doubt familiar with Cobra Automotive in Connecticut. They race a 65 Shelby and are VERY FAST and have been for years. They have made a multitude of “go fast" Mustangs and Shelby’s. The owner of this car spent thousands of dollars making this car into a fantastic car. You could not build this car for what we are asking for it. Go through the parts on our website and you will know what I mean.

The engine is a 302 block with high nickel content and has all the good stuff in it. Here is the list of items on this engine:

• 302 Dart 4- Bolt main racing block high nickel content
• Eagle forged steel crank shaft
• Eagle i beam rods
• ARP bolts and studs
• JE pistons 12.2 compression ratio
• Dart 170 cc heads (aluminum)
• Ferrera light weight valves
• Bullett roller camshaft / springs
• Comp cams roller rocker arms
• Weiand stealth manifold
• 650 CFM Holley carb set up by Walt Hane
• MSD IGNITION/DISTRIBUTOR

I can also get you the you sheets which shows that it put out 469 HP. The engine builder was Southwest Performance in Houston, Texas. They have a great reputation.

As you can see by the pictures, it has all the goodies that an “R” model had except the gas tank (twin gas tanks welded together) which is not needed as the races in which it would race are not long distance races. The wheels are American racing wheels and look the same as the original but are not magnesium. It also does not have the side Plexiglas windows because it is very hot during the summer in Texas and you want your windows down for the air. It does not have the R model gauges, but as you can see the gauges are all proper and have all the reading you wish.

Here is a list of the parts that have been placed on this great Race Car:

• Complete Competition Front Suspension System
• Competition Coil Spring Pivots
• Competition Coil Spring for Front
• Competition Front Street Rods
• Koni Shocks
• Competition Sway Bar and Cross Member
• New Quick Steering Box
• Roller bearing steering Kit
• Heavy Duty Tie Rod End Kit
• Bump Steer Kit
• Quick Steering Arm Kit
• Polyurethane bushings for all pieces including Konis
• Competition Springs with slider spring mounts
• Shelby style under ride tractor bars
• Competition U Bolts
• 12 inch Front Brake Cooling Kit
• Competition Brake Pads
• Dual Reservoir Master Cylinder
• Brake Line Junction Block
• Adjusting Brake Proportioning Valve
• Adjusting Brake Push Rod
• Competition Wheel Studs
• Carbon Kevlar Brake Shoes
• Balanced Aluminum Flywheel
• Competition Center-force Dual Friction Clutches
• Driveshaft Safety Loop
• Competition U – Joint and U Bolts
• Moser Heavy Duty Axles
• Special Axle Bearings and Seals
• Darts 302 Engine Black with High Nickel Content
• MSD Distributor and Coil and Ignition Box
• Eagle Cast and Forge Steel Cranks
• Eagle H-Beam Connecting Rod
• Custom JE and Diamond Pistons
• R Model Front Apron
• Shelby Fiberglass Hood
• Stainless Hood Pin Kit
• Plexiglas Rear Window
• Fuel Safe Fuel Cells
• R Model Dash Kits and instruments
• Radio Black out Plate
• Quick Release Hub for Steering Wheel
• Larger rear view Racing Mirrors
• Fire suppression Kit with 3 nozzles
• Master Kill Switch
• Export Brake and Monte Carlo Bar
• Battery Tray for Group 24 Battery
• Kirby Racing Seat with 5 point Racing Seat Belt

This is a very serious car and a very good looking car. Also, this is a car you can have a great deal of fun with.

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I now must clarify how important it is for you to ask questions BEFORE you bid. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have the car inspected BEFORE you bid. Because of a recent E-bay transaction feedback, I am taking this opportunity to respond to the allegations made.

The buyer that left this very negative feedback did not email or call us with ANY questions before he bought the car. We run 10 day auctions in order to give bidders PLENTY of time to ask questions or have the car inspected. This buyer had a representative from J.J. Best come to check the VIN number. The J.J. Best representative was very complementary of the car. We tried on numerous occasions to work with this buyer. We asked numerous times for pictures of the “rust” areas he was concerned about. He did not respond. We offered to sell the car for him so that he could get his money back. He refused. As far as the accusation that the engine was not original, it has its original engine tag. This picture is still available for public viewing at the same location shown on the pictures in this listing. We have in our description that the A/C was inoperable. We have been in the Classic Car business for 45 years and give VERY detailed information and pictures of the cars we sell. This car has 60 pictures currently on our public location. There are MANY pictures of the original date codes all over the car. Included are the bottom of the rust free doors. Go to our public location and look at all the pictures of the 1965 Light Green with Black Vinyl top with red interior and YOU can be the judge!! We are not able to respond to accusations made against us. This is our only opportunity.

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I WILL ANSWER ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CAR. BUT, PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME FOR MY RESERVE. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THIS AUCTION AT ANY TIME IN THAT THE CAR IS FOR SALE LOCALLY.