Classic Recreations 1966 Shelby G.T.350CR is a Mustang Greatest Hits Album

on July 3, 2013 at 10:14 pm

Few car shapes – maybe no car shapes – to emerge from the United States have become more iconic and recognizable than that of the first generation Ford Mustang 2+2 (more commonly known as the Fastback). And few period versions of the Mustang 2+2 offered as much performance potential as the Shelby G.T.350. Introduced in 1966, the G.T.350 featured less weight, a more track-focused suspension, and more power from the 289 cubic-inch V8 relative to the regular Mustang 2+2.

Naturally, genuine Shelby G.T.350s are worth beaucoup bucks these days. And because they were made in quite limited numbers, not even everybody who can afford one can get one. As a result, there are quite a few replicas floating around. However, we can’t think of a G.T.350 replica that’s as spectacular as Classic Recreations’ new G.T.350CR.

Starting with an original 1965 or ‘66 Mustang 2+2 shell, the folks at Yukon, Oklahoma based Classic Recreations add genuine fiberglass bodywork from Shelby American, including front valence, scooped hood, side scoops and quarter window filler panels (Real G.T.350s had plain quarter windows, while regular Mustang Fastbacks had louvered inserts.). They also add Shelby stripes on the hood, roof, trunk, rear fascia and rocker panels, and there are four regular body and stripe color combinations available, though custom ones will be available for extra cost. And speaking of extra cost, you can spend more for wheels and tires that are bigger than the standard 17×8” hoops: 17×9.5” wheels for the rear are $850 more, 18” alloys from HRE and correspondingly-sized tires are an extra $1,500, and 18×11” rear rollers (and minitubbed rear wheel wells to accommodate them) are an additional $5,500.

Inside, CR fits a set of high-back Shelby bucket seats with five-point belts, wood-rimmed steering wheel, Shelby gauges (with a standard or metric speedometer), an air conditioning system from Old Air Products, and a Pioneer sound system that plays through a Digital Designs amp and speakers. Interior options include leather upholstery ($1,200), an upgraded center console ($850) and – for customers in Australia, the UK, Japan and elsewhere – a right-hand drive conversion for a princely $12,500.

Regardless of which side the steering wheel is on, it will be attached to a Flaming River tilt column and a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup. Suspension is coilover front and rear with big fat anti-roll bars, while the brakes are mammoth Shelby/Wilwood slotted and crossdrilled discs with four-piston calipers (Front and rear 6-piston calipers are a $3,500 option.) And there are subframe connectors for additional chassis rigidity.

And that chassis needs to be mighty rigid, considering what’s under the hood. The fuel-injected 427 cubic-inch V8 crate motor from Ford Racing makes a very healthy 545 horsepower in standard form but, as with just about every other area of the car, there are numerous upgrades available. These include an aluminum engine block ($4,000), a supercharger that elevates peak output above 645hp ($4,500), an intercooler to go with the supercharger for over 745hp ($1,000), and a twin-turbo and intercooler setup that yields over 1,000hp ($9,000). There’s also a two-bottle nitrous oxide system from NOS present in the prototype G.T.350CR pictured here, though we’re not sure if it will be standard or optional on subsequent examples. Those varying levels of oomph get sent rearward through a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission.

We do, however, know what the base price for “production” G.T.350CRs will be: $119,000. That might seem steep, but think about all the equipment you get for that sum. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a legit Shelby American serial number, and it will be entered in the Shelby American Worldwide Registry.

Want one of these bad boys? Better get your order in quickly, because Classic Recreations will only assemble 10 per year. Want to get your hands on the prototype? You’re in luck; it will be crossing the block at Mecum’s Monterey auction on Friday, August 16th. So what are you waiting for? Your couch cushions aren’t going to upturn themselves!