The Ford Mustang GT350: A 1965-70 Icon of Speed, Style, and Performance

The Ford Mustang GT350: A 1965-70 Icon of Speed, Style, and Performance

How Shelby and Ford Redefined the American Muscle Car Era

The Ford Mustang GT350 is one of the most iconic muscle cars to ever grace the streets and race tracks of America. Produced between 1965 and 1970, the GT350 represented the culmination of speed, style, and raw power. Born from a partnership between Ford and the legendary Carroll Shelby, the GT350 was designed to be both a street machine and a racing powerhouse. Over its six-year production run, the GT350 became more than just a car—it became a symbol of American performance, rebellion, and automotive excellence.

This article dives into the development, drivetrain specifications, racing legacy, celebrity endorsements, and the enduring influence of the Shelby Mustang GT350 across its production years.

The Birth of the GT350: Carroll Shelby's Vision

In the early 1960s, Ford’s Mustang was already a hit, but the automaker wanted to push the envelope by introducing a high-performance variant. Enter Carroll Shelby, the Texas-born racer and car designer known for his work with the AC Cobra. Shelby had made a name for himself by creating lightweight, high-performance cars, and Ford tasked him with taking their popular Mustang and transforming it into a road and racing machine.

Shelby’s vision for the Mustang was clear: take the basic production car and build a purpose-driven sports car. The result was the Shelby GT350, which debuted in 1965. Shelby's modification turned the Mustang into an incredible performance car while maintaining its street appeal. Shelby’s partnership with Ford lasted until 1970, and the GT350 went through several variations during these years.

1965-66: The Birth of the GT350

The first-generation GT350 (1965-66) established the template for the performance icon. The initial model was a stripped-down, race-ready machine, focusing on performance above luxury.

Drivetrain Specifications (1965-66)

  • Engine: 289-cubic-inch (4.7 L) V8
    • Horsepower: 306 hp @ 6,000 rpm
    • Torque: 329 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
    • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
    • Induction: Single 715 CFM Holley carburetor
    • Cylinder Heads: Aluminum intake manifold
    • Exhaust: Dual exhaust system with chrome tips
  • Transmission:
    • Standard: Borg-Warner T10 4-speed manual
    • Optional: Rare automatic transmission (a few produced)
  • Rear Axle:
    • Standard: 3.89:1 ratio
    • Optional: 4.11:1 ratio
  • Suspension:
    • Front: Heavy-duty coil springs with Koni shock absorbers
    • Rear: Leaf spring suspension with Koni shock absorbers
  • Brakes:
    • Front: Disc brakes
    • Rear: Drum brakes
  • Wheels/Tires:
    • Standard: 6.70-15 tires on 15-inch steel wheels
    • Optional: 7.75-15 tires with wider wheels

Racing Pedigree: Dominating the Track

From its inception, the GT350 was built with racing in mind. Shelby’s racing expertise and the performance enhancements he brought to the Mustang quickly paid off. The GT350 was a dominant force in the SCCA’s B-Production class, taking the racing world by storm in 1965.

1965 SCCA B-Production Class

In 1965, the GT350 entered the SCCA B-Production class, a competition for factory-prepared production cars. The Shelby Mustang was a standout, easily outpacing competitors like the Chevrolet Corvette and Jaguar E-Type. Shelby’s racing success helped establish the GT350 as a car with serious racing credentials.

Trans-Am Racing

The Shelby GT350’s involvement in the Trans-Am Championship was another key moment in its legacy. In 1965, Shelby helped Ford secure a victory in the highly competitive SCCA Trans-Am series. The GT350’s combination of raw power and handling capability made it a formidable competitor, both in the professional racing circuits and on the street.

1967: A New Look and More Power

By 1967, Ford’s Mustang had undergone a redesign, and the GT350 was no exception. While still retaining the iconic Shelby appearance, the 1967 GT350 was larger, more refined, and packed with more power.

Drivetrain Specifications (1967)

  • Engine: 289-cubic-inch (4.7 L) V8 or 428-cubic-inch (7.0 L) V8 (GT350 and GT500)
    • Horsepower: 306 hp (289) or 355 hp (428)
    • Torque: 329 lb-ft (289) or 420 lb-ft (428)
    • Induction: Holley carburetor with aluminum intake manifold
  • Transmission:
    • Standard: Borg-Warner T10 4-speed manual
    • Optional: 3-speed automatic
  • Suspension: Reinforced to accommodate the added power and weight.
  • Brakes: Disc brakes front and rear.

The addition of the 428-cubic-inch V8 in 1967 marked the first time that the GT350 saw an engine swap to a larger powertrain. The 428 V8 was eventually used in the Shelby GT500 model, while the GT350 retained the 289 V8 but with improved performance.

1968: Expanding the Lineup and New Features

For 1968, the Shelby GT350 underwent further refinements. The 1968 model featured more aggressive styling, including a redesigned grille, side scoops, and a fresh set of racing stripes. However, the 1968 model also marked a pivotal moment in Shelby’s history, as the Ford-Shelby partnership was beginning to shift.

Engine Options (1968)

  • Engine: 302-cubic-inch V8
    • Horsepower: 290 hp
    • Torque: 290 lb-ft

By 1968, Ford was offering more options for the GT350, though it was clear that the market for high-performance cars was beginning to diversify. In addition to the 302 V8, there were also more luxury options available.

1969-70: The Final Years of the GT350

The final years of the GT350 (1969-1970) marked the end of the collaboration between Ford and Shelby. By this time, the Mustang had gone through several redesigns, and the GT350 had become more of a luxury performance vehicle than the raw, track-focused car of its early years. Then skipped many decades of production until present day models.

Drivetrain Specifications (1969-70)

  • Engine: 351-cubic-inch (5.8 L) V8
    • Horsepower: 290 hp
    • Torque: 390 lb-ft
  • Transmission:
    • Standard: 4-speed manual
    • Optional: 3-speed automatic
  • Suspension: Improved for comfort and handling, still sporty but now more geared toward street performance than racing.

In 1970, Ford replaced the GT350 with the Shelby GT500, which featured even larger engines and was considered a new chapter for the Mustang brand. However, the GT350’s legacy remained firmly intact as one of the greatest American performance cars of the 1960s and early 1970s.

Celebrity Endorsements and Cultural Impact

The Shelby GT350 didn’t just appeal to racing fans; it also attracted the attention of Hollywood and other celebrity figures. Its association with American culture and its use in movies like Bullitt (featuring Steve McQueen) solidified the car’s status as a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and American power.

Steve McQueen: A Mustang Icon

The Shelby GT350 became intertwined with the persona of Steve McQueen, whose love for fast cars and racing was well-known. Though McQueen drove a 1968 Mustang GT in Bullitt, his admiration for the Shelby Mustangs and his general “cool factor” helped cement the GT350’s place in popular culture. McQueen’s style and persona fit perfectly with the aggressive, high-performance nature of the GT350.

Hollywood and Beyond

Celebrities from all walks of life—actors, athletes, and musicians—were drawn to the GT350. It became more than just a car; it became a status symbol. Owning a GT350 was seen as a way to connect with the world of speed, power, and success.

Why the GT350 Was an Icon

The Ford Mustang GT350 isn’t just another muscle car—it’s an icon. Here's why it became one of the most beloved American cars of all time:

Unmatched Performance

The GT350 delivered blistering acceleration and excellent handling, both on the track and on the street. Its powerful engine options, combined with Shelby’s racing knowledge, made it a car that was as much at home on the road as it was in the winner’s circle.

Racing Legacy

The GT350’s success in the SCCA B-Production class and the Trans-Am series solidified its place in motorsports history. The GT350 wasn’t just a car; it was a tool of domination on the race track, making it one of the most successful factory-backed performance cars of the era.

Cultural Influence

With its appearance in movies, its adoption by celebrities, and its

The Ford Mustang GT350, particularly the 1965-66 models, remains one of the most iconic muscle cars in history. It wasn’t just a car—it was a bold statement of American performance, style, and engineering. Born from a collaboration between Ford and legendary racer Carroll Shelby, the GT350 quickly gained fame for its blend of street-friendly driving dynamics and serious racing credentials. Today, it stands as one of the most revered muscle cars, admired for its raw power, its impact on motorsports, and its cultural significance.