1965 SHELBY GT350

Craig Jackson's personal 1965 Shelby GT350. Finished in Wimbledon White with blue LeMans stripes, it was restored to factory original specifications by SAAC Head Judge John Brown of Thoroughbred Restorations. It's powered by the original high-performance 289ci V8 engine producing a Shelby-enhanced 306hp. Shifting duties are handled by the original all-aluminum BorgWarner T10M 4-speed manual transmission and power is planted by way of the original 9-inch Ford rear end housing a Detroit Locker and 3.89 gears. A barn find in 2016, Craig Jackson commenced a no-expense-spared restoration in his quest to produce the finest 1965 GT350 example to exist. He accomplished that goal as this car, 5S553, was the very first '65 GT350 to ever be awarded the "Triple Crown" - the prestigious MCA (Mustang Club of America) Authenticity Award, Gold in the Thoroughbred Class and SAAC's Premier Award at SAAC-43, all in 2018, the highest honors that can be achieved in each of the highly respected clubs. 5S553 was factory-equipped with LeMans stripes, Shelby/Cragar 15x6 alloy wheels, Goodyear Blue-Dot tires, 15-inch wood steering wheel, Fiberglass hood with steel frame and rear-exiting exhaust per California requirements. SFM5S553 was owned by one family (two brothers) from new until the summer of 2016. At that time, the owner of the car had recently passed away and his son found it sitting in the barn, where it had been moved from the garage some 15 years earlier. Craig Jackson was in search of the best '65 GT350 at the time and received word of this car's discovery. A deal was made and the Shelby was shipped to John Brown of Thoroughbred Restorations in Oklahoma for restoration. This Shelby would receive no ordinary restoration; Brown was instructed to make this one-family-owned GT350 the best Shelby on the planet. He did just that. The original drivetrain was pulled from the car and completely gone through. All original components were rebuilt or, if deemed subpar, replaced with correctly date-coded superior original components. Having spent its life in California before its move to South Texas, the Shelby was in remarkable condition. One of 5S553's many unique points of historical significance it that it is one of the last 10 1965 Shelby GT350s produced.