This 1965 Shelby GT350R is now the most expensive Mustang of all time – Robb Report

While the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Steve McQueen entered Bullitt It can always be the coolest Mustang of all time, you can no longer claim to be the most expensive. That title, which he kept until last weekend, now belongs to the first Shelby GT350R.

Considered the most historically significant Mustang, the 1965 GT350R prototype sold for a staggering $ 3.85 million at Mecum Auction’s Indy 2020 sale on Friday. The Flying Mustang, as it was affectionately known, was the first example of the muscle car built for competition, the first to win a race, and was also widely driven by Ken Miles, the legendary race car driver who was portrayed by Christian Bale. . in the past year Ford v Ferrari, during the development.

This specific GT350R, production code R5002, played a crucial role in the Mustang’s evolution from a fun car for young drivers, some initially calling it a “secretarial car”, one of the most iconic muscle cars of all. It was designed by Carroll Shelby to qualify and compete in the SCCA Production Sports Car series, which it would do with great success. But it was also used as a factory-engineered mule to test parts for the Model R stagnation and as a demo car for potential customers. In 1966, it was sold to a Ford employee, but it would compete for a few more years before it almost disappeared from public view for decades to come.

The car underwent a much-researched restoration in 2014 for the Mustang’s 50th anniversary and would take home a Best in Class award at that year’s Amelia Island Contest. Finished in Wimbledon White, it is topped with two blue racing stripes and has chewing gum, with the number 98 on the hood, doors and trunk. Inside, you’ll find a bareback-style interior with black leather seats, a wood-framed steering wheel, and correct gauges and dials.

The hammer price for the R5002 was reportedly $ 3.5 million, with fees that brought the sale to $ 3.85 million. That comfortably overshadows the $ 3.74 million ($ 3.4 million plus fee) than the Bullitt Mustang sold in January and at the Mecum Kissimmee sales event.