Ford Mustang GT350R: A Racing Icon From Past to Present

Ford Mustang GT350R: A Racing Icon From Past to Present

The creation of a track version GT350

The Ford Mustang GT350R redefined Mustang performance when it debuted in 1965. Created by Carroll Shelby and Shelby American, it was designed to dominate the track—and it did just that. With a lightweight build and race-focused engineering, the GT350R quickly became a motorsports powerhouse, forever securing its place in racing history.

The Birth of the GT350R (1965-1966)

In 1965, Ford sought to improve the Mustang’s reputation as more than just a stylish pony car. Ford enlisted Carroll Shelby, already known for his success with the AC Cobra, to create a high-performance version of the Mustang suitable for racing.

Shelby and his team at Shelby American took the standard Mustang Fastback and transformed it into the GT350, a street-legal race car with upgraded suspension, a high-revving 289-cubic-inch V8 engine, and improved aerodynamics. However, Shelby wasn’t done yet. He developed a more aggressive, track-focused variant—the GT350R, designed specifically for competition use.

Key features of the 1965 GT350R:

  • Engine: 289ci Hi-Po V8 producing over 350 hp
  • Weight Reduction: Lightweight metal panels, fiberglass hood and body parts.
  • Brakes: Ford Galaxie rear drum with metallic-linings and Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes.
  • Suspension: Added traction bars, front-end suspension pick-up point alteration.
  • Color: Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes.

Dominance in Motorsports

As soon as it hit the track, the GT350R proved itself as a formidable competitor. It debuted in the SCCA B-Production Class and quickly became the car to beat. The GT350R’s combination of lightweight design, high-revving power, and superior handling gave it a competitive edge over European rivals such as Porsches and Jaguars.

Notable Race Wins

  • Inaugural Triumphs (Green Valley Raceway, Texas) - The GT350R made its competitive debut at Green Valley Raceway. Driven by Ken Miles, it won a preliminary race and secured second place in two feature heats.
  • 1965 SCCA B-Production Championship – Jerry Titus, driving a GT350R, dominated the season and secured the championship for Shelby American.
  • Record-Breaking Performance (1968-1969) - Chassis number SFM5R538, driven by Charlie Kemp, won an incredible 17 consecutive races. It recorded a top speed of 184 mph at Daytona in 1968, the highest speed achieved by any 289-powered Shelby, including Cobras.

These victories cemented the 1965 Shelby GT350R as one of the most dominant and historically significant race cars in American motorsports.

The GT350R's Legacy

The impact of the GT350R went far beyond just race wins. It established the Mustang as a legitimate performance car, influencing generations of Mustang models that followed.

  • Influence on Later Mustangs: The racing heritage of the GT350R set the tone for future high-performance Mustangs, including the Boss 302, Cobra R, and the modern GT350/GT500 models.
  • Collector's Item: Due to its limited production (only 36 original 1965 GT350Rs were built), surviving models command millions at auction. A pristine 1965 GT350R sold for $3.85 million at Mecum Auctions in 2020.

The Return of the GT350R (2015-2020)

After a long hiatus, Ford revived the GT350R nameplate in 2015 as part of the sixth-generation Mustang lineup. This modern incarnation of the GT350R was developed to honor the legacy of the original while incorporating cutting-edge technology for the track.

Key features of the 2015+ GT350R:

  • Engine: 5.2L "Voodoo" V8 producing 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque
  • Weight Reduction: Carbon fiber wheels, no rear seats, minimal insulation
  • Aerodynamics: Large front splitter, carbon fiber wing for downforce
  • Track-Ready: MagneRide adaptive suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes

Ford didn’t stop there—its racing legacy continued with the GT350R-C, a competition-ready variant developed by Multimatic Motorsports for IMSA endurance racing. Equipped with a race-tuned 5.2L V8, advanced aerodynamics, and a lightweight chassis, the GT350R-C upheld the Mustang’s tradition of dominating the track.

A Trend Setter

The Ford Mustang GT350R is one of the most significant race cars in American motorsports history. From its early dominance in SCCA to its modern revival in 2015, the GT350R has proven itself as a world-class performance machine. Its influence can be seen in every performance Mustang built since, ensuring that its legacy will live on for generations to come.