Rare 1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype Heads to Auction

Auction offers a Pony that comes with very impressive pedigree.

Maybe if we all pooled our money together we could get our hands on this mint condition Shelby prototype? Not just any prototype, the protoype: #001. This car was the first 1966 Shelby GT350 built, and is registered and documented with the SAAC Shelby American World Registry. This car has the looks, the power, and one heck of a backstory.

Auctioned by Barrett-Jackson this was the first Shelby GT350 of 1966. It was used as a prototype by Mustang, and used in driving tests for the 1966 GT350 development program. This car was also shown throughout 1966 by Shelby American, and appeared in Shelby American brochures and marketing materials. This car is the only Shelby GT350 originally equipped with the upscale, factory-optional Pony upholstery that was only available with regular Mustangs.

It has a 289 cubic inch V8 engine, with a 4-speed manual transmission.

And naturally, a car this sexy should be shown off, and it has been. It received the Gold Award in Division II at the Mid-America Ford and Shelby Nationals, and displayed at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

We’re not sure of the price, and frankly, we’re not sure we want our bubble burst. But it is Shelby perfection, Shelby history, and truly one-of-a-kind. Enjoy.

S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.