Low-Mileage Shelby Heads Shannons Motorclassica Line-Up

MELBOURNE – Aug 9, 2010: A genuine low mileage early Shelby GT350 (Mustang) is one of he highlight vehicles of the exclusive Shannons Collectors’ Auction being staged in conjunction with the inaugural Motorclassica at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from October 22-24 this year.

The matching numbers car, chassis 6S263, was built in late 1965 and being an early Shelby has several important features later phased out to keep costs down. These include lowered front control arms, traction over-ride bars, the axle-limiting cable and the deletion of the bonnet latch, enhancing its collectability.

One of only 2,377 1966-model Shelbys, the car was delivered in the classic Shelby racing colours of white with blue Le Mans stripes and spent 30 years stored in the shed of an American Ford dealer until his death in 2001, when it was discovered with just 40,950 miles on its odometer.

The Shelby then underwent a comprehensive, ground-up rotisserie restoration back to its original factory specification and factory colour scheme in the hands of a subsequent owner.

The exhaust was changed to 1965 side pipe system using a correct reproduction system and the transmission was changed to a T-5 five-speed gearbox for improved highway driving, although the original transmission and components remain with the car.

The car arrived in Australia with 41,600 miles on the clock shortly after the restoration was completed in mid-2004, and has the Shelby has since covered a further 1,000 miles since.

Because of its excellent provenance – including Shelby American Club verification – low mileage, and its important status as an early Shelby, Shannons expect the car to sell in the $220,000 to $260,000 range.

The Shelby is one of 40 vehicles and around 30 items of memorabilia in the Shannons Collectors’ Auction at Motorclassica. All lots will be on display in the Royal Exhibition Building throughout the Motorclassica weekend, with the auction held at 2.30pm on Sunday October 24.