The 1965 Shelby is
considered by many to be the purest of the breed, given its almost
feral nature compared to later versions. Flash forward forty-two
years and that first-edition Shelby is now a legend, but that
doesn’t mean it’s in the past. This Shelby-certified GT350 C.S.S.
Continuation issue is a bold yet faithful modernization of the
original, with a special bonus courtesy of another Ford performance
star.
It’s classic
GT350: Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue Le Mans stripes, 15-inch
Shelby Cragar wheels, front racing apron, scooped fiberglass hood,
chromed dual side-exit exhaust. The theme continues inside,
beginning with the view every Shelby driver appreciates; wood-rimmed
CS steering wheel, tachometer and oil pressure gauge, and Hurst
shifter. The white body color extends into the cockpit, accenting
the doors, steering column and rear paneling, adding a race-prep
feel. The rear seat is replaced with a fiberglass rear shelf/spare
tire mount behind an original spec R-model braced roll bar.
But this
classically beautiful beast is hiding a surprise under the hood: a
thoroughly modern evolution of the legendary Fairlane smallblock, in
the form of an all-aluminum, 465hp Roush 302. Handbuilt, dynoed and
tuned by Roush Performance, it’s packed with the power and
durability for which Roush engines have long been famous: A
high-flow Holley 4-bbl/Edelbrock intake combo, Roush camshaft,
aluminum 2.02 heads, forged aluminum pistons, forged 4340 steel rods
and crank, all fitted to a four-bolt main aluminum block. The Tremec
five-speed transmission is coupled to a good old-fashioned 3.50:1
Detroit Locker. Both engine and transmission are covered by
manufacturer’s warranties.
The Shelby
GT350C.S.S.- A 21st-century interpretation of a modern classic that
remains faithful to its roots.
