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Van Nhieu
Mar 05 2025
8The Birth of
In 1965, the Ford Mustang had already become a phenomenon in the American automotive industry. However, for Carroll Shelby, it wasn’t yet the high-performance machine he envisioned. Shelby believed the Mustang could be transformed into a true racing car, and with support from Ford, Shelby American developed the GT350 Competition Model, also known as the 'OVC' GT350.
The name "OVC" (Original Venice Crew) refers to Shelby’s original team of engineers, who built this car at their workshop in Venice, California. The GT350 Competition Model was a special edition, designed specifically for racing, helping Mustang transition from a muscle car to a serious competitor in major racing events like the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America).
Only 36 units of the GT350 Competition Model were ever built, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Shelby Mustangs in history.
Pride
The GT350 Competition Model was more than just a Mustang – it was a symbol of pure performance and racing heritage. With its Fastback body, iconic Wimbledon White paint, and bold Guardsman Blue racing stripes, the car exuded both aggression and elegance.
Some standout features include:
- A minimalistic front grille, omitting the Mustang logo to reduce weight.
- A fiberglass hood, significantly reducing the car's overall weight.
- Side-exit exhaust pipes, producing a raw and aggressive sound.
- Cragar lightweight wheels, improving grip and reducing unsprung mass.
- No rear seats, reinforcing the car’s focus on weight reduction for peak performance.
The GT350 Competition Model perfectly embodied Shelby’s philosophy: "Less weight, more power."
Engineering
The GT350 Competition Model was not just about looks – it was built to dominate the track. Ford initially provided the 289 cu in (4.7L) V8 engine, but Shelby significantly upgraded it for maximum power.
Some key modifications include:
- Holley 715 CFM carburetor, allowing increased fuel and air intake.
- High-performance camshaft, enabling higher RPMs.
- Upgraded ignition system, ensuring precise spark timing for better power delivery.
- Extensive weight reduction, making it even lighter than the standard Mustang.
The suspension system was also improved, featuring adjustable front struts for better handling, while Kelsey-Hayes disc brakes provided reliable stopping power, essential for competitive racing.
Luxury Features Set the Standard
Since it was designed purely for performance, the GT350 Competition Model had almost no luxury features.
- No rear seats, reducing weight to optimize speed.
- No soundproofing, to keep the car as light as possible.
- Minimalist dashboard, with only essential racing gauges.
- No radio or air conditioning, ensuring the car remained as lightweight as possible.
For true speed enthusiasts, these "missing features" were actually its greatest luxuries – because every removed element made the GT350 Competition Model even faster.
Specifications, Outputs, and Understanding
Key specifications of the 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 Competition Model:
- Engine: 289 cu in (4.7L) V8
- Horsepower: 360 HP (significantly higher than the standard GT350)
- Torque: 450 Nm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual Borg-Warner T10
- Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
- Weight: 1,250 kg (lighter than a standard Mustang Fastback)
- Suspension: Adjustable shocks and reinforced struts
- Brakes: Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes
With its lightweight build and powerful engine, the GT350 Competition Model had an excellent power-to-weight ratio, giving it impressive acceleration and handling.
Speed
The Shelby GT350 Competition Model wasn’t just visually striking – it was a pure speed machine:
- 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, significantly quicker than regular Mustangs.
- 1/4 mile (402m) completed in around 13.6 seconds, a remarkable figure for its time.
- Top speed reaching 240 km/h, making it one of the fastest Mustangs of the 1960s.
These numbers proved that the GT350 Competition Model was not only powerful but fully capable of competing with some of the best race cars of its era.
Conclusion
The 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 Competition Model is one of the rarest and most sought-after Mustangs ever built. With its powerful V8 engine, lightweight race-focused design, and an ultra-limited production run of just 36 units, it is not just a car – it’s a legend.
Today, the GT350 Competition Model is highly coveted by collectors and can fetch millions of dollars at auctions. It remains an essential part of Mustang history and a symbol of Carroll Shelby’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation.
