1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible

There are some grail cars that immediately capture the imagination of classic car aficionados the world over and there are few more alluring than that of a 1960s Shelby. Well, safe to say, you’ll not get many better opportunities to own a piece of automotive history than with this 1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible which is going under the hammer with Mecum Auctions.

This stunning 1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible was one of just four GT350 convertibles built in 1966 (and the first of the year by serial number) so it will be in exclusive company if you add this to your line up of vintage vehicles. In addition, it is the only 1966 GT350 convertible remaining today with its original engine so it retains its authenticity – something which is extremely important to most classic car collectors.

Old School Cool

There are all sorts of cool features to be appreciated with this 1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible from Mecum Auctions not least the fact it was the Shelby American Factory pool car that was used for test purposes in anticipation of the 1967 ½ Shelby convertible and it appeared in the background of a photo in the December 7, 1967 issue of Autoweek with once controversial Hertz Gold rocker stripes clearly in view making it the only 1966 Shelby to have Hertz Gold rocker stripes with no “H”.

The 1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible from Mecum Auctions comes equipped with factory air conditioning and an automatic transmission. It was finished in Ivy Green with a black interior and white top that offers an effortlessly cool aesthetic that will make it the stand out vehicle in any vintage collector’s line up.

In the mid-1970s, Clifford Hornback of Vinita, Oklahoma, found the car in poor condition, but as he was well aware of its rarity and value, he began a careful restoration with the help of noted Shelby enthusiast Jim Wicks. The correct Shelby components were retained, which included the original engine and factory suspension pieces. The only two alterations were the additions of a Paxton supercharger and Hertz Gold over the top “Le Mans” stripes to match the rocker stripes on the car.

Ultimate Collector’s Edition

In this collector car world where rare rag-top muscle cars usually command the most premium of price tags, the four 1966 Shelby GT350 convertibles stand out as displaying a level of scarcity and desirability that would be extremely difficult to match so, needless to say, excitement will be high and bidding mighty competitive when this lot goes under the hammer with Mecum Auctions.

In addition, though all four of the original 1966 GT350 convertibles remain in existence today, the balance of the other three cars outside of 6S2375 have now found homes in collections where it remains extremely doubtful that these other three cars will ever change hands again. The opportunity to purchase this stunning Shelby is one which will almost certainly never occur again.