No chassis number available
To ensure that Shelby American would have its 1966 GT350 models in dealerships when Ford released the new ’66 Mustangs, Shelby ordered an additional 252 cars from Ford’s San Jose plant at the very end of 1965 production.
These change-over cars (often referred to as carry-overs) were essentially Shelby-spec ’65 GT350s. They received the same performance modifications as the ’65s, as well as full-length exhaust, functional rear brake-cooling ductwork and Plexiglas rear-quarter windows. To many collectors and experts, these cars represent the best of both worlds, since they fully reflected Carroll Shelby’s original, harder-core vision for the ’66 GT350, along with the updated visual cues of the new-generation cars.
This 1966 Shelby GT350 change-over car, serial number 6S213, was shipped from Shelby American to McFaydens Ford, in Omaha, NE, on October 15, 1965. It was delivered to its original owner, Ralph Barbe, on November 20. Barbe was a life-long active member of the Nebraska Region SCCA and used 6S213 for time-distance rallies, gymkhanas, and other club-related events before selling it in 1990 with only 23,617 miles on the clock.
While 6S213 was a one-owner, rust-free and undamaged car not needing restoration, it was restored nonetheless. The restoration work was performed by Jim Cowles and Shane Whiting of Shelby Parts and Restoration, and Bob Perkins of Perkins Restoration. Complete photographic documentation collected during disassembly confirmed all factory paint codes and inspection marks.
The Shelby retains its complete, matching-numbers drivetrain. Only the original and first-design, date-coded NOS parts were utilized in the restoration, which were located and collected over a 12-year timeframe, including entire NOS front suspension, full NOS 1965-dated exhaust system, correct assembly-line battery, restored Cragar wheels retaining the original outer rims, four excellent original Goodyear Blue Dot tires, and an NOS spare. Further setting this outstanding GT350 apart from the rest, it is devoid of the usual Le Mans stripes seen on the majority of other examples of the breed.
This GT350 is one of only two Shelbys to earn the SAAC National Convention Division I Concours Premier Award (perfect authenticity score), the Mustang Club of America (MCA) Grand National Thoroughbred Division Gold Award (twice), and the MCA Authenticity Award (only open to Silver or Gold Thoroughbred Division winners).
Additional items include the GT350’s original window sticker, manuals, Koni shock absorber instructions, Rohm & Haas Plexiglas Care sheet, a copy of the invoice issued to the selling dealer, dealer key fob, documentation from the vehicle’s original owner, and judging sheets.
