In 1965 Shelby American modified a lot of Wimbledon White fastbacks directly from the San Jose factory with the 271hp(289ci, V8) engine. The converted cars were named the GT-350 because there was 350 feet between Shelby's main assembly line and the engine room. Engine modifications boost its performance up to 306hp with a Cobra aluminum high rise intake manifold, 715cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor, Cobra cast aluminum finned valve covers and 6.5 quart oil pan, steel tubing "Try-Y" exhaust headers, low restriction mufflers, and dual side-exit exhaust pipes. Body modifications included a fiberglass hood with NASCAR-style pins and functional scoop, a cleaned up grille with a mustang logo which will become the 1969 Mustang standard, and all were Wimbledon White with blue 10 inch wide racing "LeMans" stripes. Interior modification included a high performance instrumented dash, a collection of different wooden steering wheels, removing the back seats and placing the spare tire there to classify it as a SCCA racing series sports car, and many others. Shelby VIN plates were affixed directly over the Ford VIN numbers. 562 units where built in 1965 which included 521 street versions($4547),
34 of the converted cars were named the GT-350R race-prepared models($5995), 4 drag racing versions, and 3 prototypes.
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