The 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is a legend on four wheels. It combines the iconic design of the Ford Mustang with the performance-focused modifications of Carroll Shelby. This refined iteration of the Shelby GT350 for the 1966 model year boasts a 289 cubic inch V8 engine pumping out 306 horsepower, making it an actual muscle car of its era. The four-speed manual transmission and a well-tuned suspension deliver a thrilling driving experience that makes driving exceptionally fun. While the interior lacks modern amenities, the exterior features the classic lines of the Mustang with added aggressive touches that make it a sight to behold today. We shared our thoughts for the 1966 model year in this review.
The story of the Shelby GT-350 begins with Carroll Shelby, a visionary automotive designer and racer. He saw the Ford Mustang's potential and transformed it into a dominant force on the racetrack. This gave birth to the Shelby GT-350 in 1965 as a lightweight, stripped-down fast Mustang. While undeniably fast, it lacked the visual appeal to capture the public's attention. In 1966, Shelby addressed that, and the "Mustang" script was dropped, while the car became the Shelby GT-350. It retained the core performance DNA but gained a more aggressive exterior with functional brake scoops, unique quarter windows, and a wider range of colors beyond white (the only color available for 1965). The 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-350 also has a surprising connection to the world of rental vehicles. In a unique marketing partnership, Shelby American and rental car giant Hertz collaborated with Ford to create the Shelby GT-350H. These special edition Hertz versions, instantly recognizable by their black and gold paint scheme, were nearly identical to the standard GT-350 in terms of performance. Offered to Hertz customers as part of their "Rent-A-Racer" program, the GT-350H gave everyday folks a taste of what it was like to pilot a true American muscle car legend.
Under the hood of the 1966 Shelby GT-350 is a Ford 289 cubic inch (4.7L) Windsor K-code V8 engine. Shelby didn't leave it stock, though. They outfitted it with a high-rise aluminum intake manifold, a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and Tri-Y headers. These modifications unleashed a fury of 306 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, monumental figures for a car of its era. The GT-350 rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 6.5 seconds, leaving most competitors in the dust. The four-speed manual transmission directly connects the driver and machine, rewarding those who can handle its precise throws. Handling is sharp and responsive thanks to a heavy-duty suspension with upgraded components. A Paxton supercharger was available for an extra adrenaline dose in 1966. This further boosted horsepower and made an already cool ride a lot cooler.
Inside the 1966 Shelby GT-350, it's clear that performance reigned supreme in Shelby's design philosophy. The interior is purposeful and devoid of unnecessary frills. A wood-rimmed steering wheel with the Shelby GT-350 emblem provides a satisfying grip. Unlike its 1965 counterpart, which offered only Wimbledon White, the 1966 model year saw the introduction of a wider range of color options for the interior. Black vinyl remains the dominant material, covering the seats, door panels, and most of the dashboard. This might seem drab to the modern eye, accustomed to plush leather and contrasting stitching, but it serves a purpose. The black vinyl is lightweight and easy to maintain, which is ideal for a car designed for spirited driving sessions. The seats themselves are high-bolstered buckets. They're firm and unforgiving and feature a three-point seatbelt system. This system was a carryover from the racing world and replaced the standard lap belts found in Mustangs. The instrument cluster features essential gauges like a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, and coolant temperature, all housed in a black plastic bezel. No unnecessary buttons or redundant controls are cluttering the dashboard. Don’t consider the lack of amenities like air conditioning, power windows, or a radio as drawbacks. This isn't a luxury cruiser designed for long, comfortable journeys; it's a bare-knuckled fighter jet for the street, and the interior reflects that purpose perfectly.
The 1966 Shelby GT-350 retains the classic lines of the Ford Mustang but adds a layer of muscular aggression. The iconic hood scoop, introduced in 1965, remains a prominent feature of the 1966 model and, as always, hints at the potent engine lurking beneath. Functional brake scoops on the front fenders add a touch of purpose. Eliminating the extractor vents on the rear quarter panels in favor of unique side windows gives the car a sleeker, more streamlined profile. This allowed drivers to personalize their vehicles, choosing from iconic hues like Guardsman Blue or Candy Apple Red. The Shelby badges on the grille, fenders, and trunk lid leave no doubt about the car's pedigree. The 1966 Shelby GT-350 has a design that continues to turn heads wherever it goes.
There's no fancy infotainment system or advanced driver-assistance features in the 1966 Shelby GT-350. This car came into the market in an era when all you needed was a reliable, powerful engine, a responsive transmission, and a well-tuned suspension. If you’re seeking a technological marvel, you should look at modern Mustangs or elsewhere.
Due to its limited production numbers and legendary status, finding a used 1966 Shelby GT-350 on the market is rare. Expect to pay a hefty sum, with prices ranging from well over $200,000 for a car in good condition to exceeding $500,000 for pristine or historically significant examples.
The 1966 Shelby GT-350 offers power, sharp handling, and an instantly recognizable design. While the lack of modern amenities might deter some, it's able to capture the hearts of classic car lovers without much fuss. Exotic Car Trader is a great place to start if you're looking to buy or sell a classic or exotic car like the Shelby GT350. They offer some of the best deals on the market and provide a secure platform to connect with buyers and sellers worldwide. You can list your vehicles for sale easily in a few steps.
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