Lately, we have been captivated by vintage race cars here at The Status Life. Our recent obsession has led us to frequent the website of Silverstone Auctions as they are about to put some remarkable cars up for auction. Among the standout offerings is the striking 1965 Ford Mustang 289 Sport Coupe (Notchback) Race Car, with an estimated price tag ranging from £44k to £55k.
The 1965 Ford Mustang 289 Sport Coupe (Notchback) Race Car from Silverstone Auctions is a meticulously crafted FIA Mk1 Mustang 4.7-liter Historic Touring Car. A rarity like this has stirred up enthusiasm among classic car enthusiasts. This car is finished with the Black and Gold design reminiscent of the famous Hertz ‘Rent-A-Racer’ Shelby GT350s from 1966, making it a head-turner at any race car gathering.
Fascinating History
The story began when Carroll Shelby persuaded Hertz Car Rental to order 1,001 Ford Mustangs modified by his workshop for a “Rent-A-Racer” initiative in 1966. Thus, the Shelby G.T 350H was born (H for Hertz), instantly becoming legendary once these vehicles hit the tracks and drag strips.
Equipped with the K-code 289 V-8 engine, tuned to 306 horsepower in Shelby’s Venice, California workshop, the 1965 Ford Mustang 289 Sport Coupe (Notchback) Race Cars closely resembled the standard G.T. 350. The majority were painted in Hertz’s Raven Black and Sunlit Gold corporate colors, just like this impressive example from Silverstone Auctions.
The majority of the restoration work was carried out by Heritage AutoWerks of Berkshire. The Mustang underwent a thorough process including stripping, media blasting, reinforcing the body and chassis, and adding a multi-point cage with door bars. The car was meticulously painted to a high standard, showcasing the iconic black and gold colors of Hertz.
Impeccable Condition
This 1965 Ford Mustang 289 Sport Coupe (Notchback) Race Car from Silverstone Auctions boasts a heat-treated HiPo crank, Eagle con rods, big-valve heads with NASCAR retainers, ARP bolts, hardened FIA-spec tappets, Crane pushrods, and Cobra pistons and cams. The manifolds are chambered, replicating a ‘65 Shelby intake, with the exhaust leading to Tech-craft ‘Mega-Flow’ mufflers.
The car features a baffled sump, a high-capacity oil pump, and a Holly 650 ‘double-pumper’ carburetor fed by a Holly fuel pump with high-flow filters. Priced between £44k and £55k, this gem doesn’t come cheap, but for classic race car aficionados, it’s hard to find a better option.
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