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Out there in the world are just three original 1965 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang prototypes. Two of those prototypes belong to Mark Hovander and John Atzbach, two friends who are now touring the United States together planning to bring their rare rides to nine events throughout the year.
These two cars bring with them a rich history that first started in mid-1964, and these two friends had them restored together to appear completely identical side by side. Their first appearance together this year was in March at Florida’s Amelia Island Concours d”Elegance. They also made an appearance together in April at the east coast’s 50th Mustang Birthday Celebration held inside Charlotte Motor Speedway. Just recently the duo graced Tulsa, Oklahoma for the 40th annual Mid America and Shelby Nationals.
Back to the rich history from 1964, Shelby and Ford decided to work together on a race-ready Mustang to compete in the Sports Car Club of American’s B-production class in 1965. Created for the task were the two aforementioned Shelby GT350s, numbers SFM5S003 and SFM5R003, created by Shelby American.
At least 100 production street cars with all of the necessary suspension and chassis upgrades had to be ready to go by January 1, 1965 in order to compete. To complete the task, Carroll Shelby and the team at Shelby American started with three white K-code 1965 Mustang fastbacks stuffed with 289-cubic-inch 4.7-liter V8 engines capable of 271 horsepower.
As for the third Shelby GT50-R model that isn’t touring with the pair (SFM5R001), it has been part of an undisclosed private collection and has been tucked away from the public for years.
