1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT350R – “Ken Miles Flying Mustang Tribute”

My favorite classic car is a 1965 Shelby GT350. Although I’ve never owned an authentic 1965 model, I’ve owned a few very nice tributes over the years. Finding a high quality 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT350 tribute isn’t easy. I purchased the example you’re about to witness in September of 2024 and it’s the best tribute I’ve ever seen. Since it was restored to similar to a GT350 “R” model, I decided to make it a “Ken Miles Flying Mustang Tribute”. Once you learn about the quality and all the upgrades made to this car you’ll understand it’s actually a big improvement over Ken Miles original car. This is officially my favorite vehicle I’ve ever owned and a one-of-a-kind. Not only will I be happy for the new owner but I’ll be envious.” – Marc Schiliro

This exceptional 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Shelby GT350R “Ken Miles Flying Mustang Tribute” is just AWESOME! The original 1965 Shelby GT350R “Ken Miles Flying Mustang” sold at the Mecum Auction in 2020 for $3.8 million and again in 2022 for $3.7 million. As the VIN number indicates this example was built in Dearborn, Michigan as a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback with a 6-cylinder engine. From the information gathered it was a great candidate for a Shelby GT350R tribute because it was in very good original condition. This car was the product of a rotisserie restoration that was finished in 2022 and has 939 miles since completion. This car is in high show quality condition throughout.

The exterior of this car is simply stunning with its stylish factory design, body features and color combination. The body was outfitted with an original steel hood with functional Shelby hood scoop and a Shelby front apron. The rear quarter panel vents were covered with block-off plates and so was the rear gas filler in tail panel. Countless hours were obviously invested in making the body straight throughout. To be clear, the body and gaps are at a much high level of quality then when it originally left the factory. The body was painted in the correct color of Wimbledon White with Lemans Blue stripes and blue lower rocker stripes. The painted racing stripes and lower rocker stripes were also clear-coated during the painting process to ensure protection. The paint is in show quality condition. The decals on the vehicle are removable and there is also a set of magnetic decals so the new owner has multiple choices. The front windshield and rear glass was replaced new. The original Carlite stamped vent glass and door glass is in very good condition. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced new such as the glass stainless trim, wipers, hood pins, front grille with Mustang emblem, parking light bezels, dual Shelby bullet mirrors, door handles, taillight bezels and rear bumper. It’s equipped with functional headlights that have black covers which are secured by Velcro. It’s also equipped with LED taillights. It was setup with 3” Competition wheel studs to support the 15” Torque Thrust GT350 style wheels that have gray centers with a polished lip. The wheels were wrapped with the correct style 15” Goodyear Blue Streak Sports Car Special 6.00-15 tires with white raised letters.

The interior of this car was restored very closely to resemble an original Shelby GT350R model and is in like-new condition throughout. Everything in the interior was replaced new during the restoration process including the door sill plates, headliner, sun visors, seats and carpeting. When the cabin was stripped the floor was insulated to keep it cooler and quieter. It has a 16 circuit fuse panel and dash wiring. It was outfitted with a new 4-point roll bar that was powder-coated black. It was setup with an “R” style black dash that houses the Stewart Warner black gauges, toggle switch for horn, defrost, cooling, oil cooler and GT350 emblem. The horn and defrost are operational and the cooling and oil cooler are not. The dual fresh air vents, glove box, dash mounted SW temperature gauge and interior courtesy lights are functional. Some of the other features include a correct style Corso Feroce 3-spoke wood grip Mahogany steering wheel, Hurst shifter, roller bearing swing pedals, painted aluminum door panels, period correct Kirker Racing driver’s seat, 3” Competition seat belts, 1966 custom carpeted rear deck, new black Shelby GT350 carpeted floor mats and red fire extinguisher. The rear trunk compartment was painted satin black and the correct style “R” model fuel tank with built in fuel cell was added. The battery was relocated to the rear and has a power cut off knob. A new battery was added and is covered with a correct style Autolite battery topper.

The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many upgraded parts. The backside of the hood was painted body color. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support was painted in the correct color of stain black. The driver’s side inner fender retains the original VIN stamp under the reproduction Shelby metal tag. It’s equipped with a Shelby style export brace and Monte Carlo bar. The car is powered by a professionally built 347 stroker V8 engine with roughly 400hp. The engine has 351 Windsor 64cc ported and polished heads with GT40 valves. Some other upgrades include a Ford Racing Ram Air intake, Cobra finned tall valve covers, black breather caps, Ford Racing timing cover, remote oil filter with red painted cover and cooler, Hi-Flow mechanical fuel pump, Flow Kooler Hi-Flow water pump, 7.5 QT. Cobra oil pan, upgraded motor mounts, Power Master high-torque starter, MSD distributor with digital 6AL ignition control box, Scott plug wires, GM 1 wire alternator, AED Holley 750 CFM carburetor, custom air cleaner with chrome cover. The engine is cooled by an aluminum radiator that was painted black. It also has a custom aluminum overfill canister that was also painted black. The engine breathes through stainless Tri-Y headers and a correct style 2 ½ dual side exhaust system with Flow Master mufflers. The engine is coupled to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission with modern driveline Kevlar clutch and pressure plate. It’s equipped with a Denny’s 3” driveshaft and driveshaft loop. The power is transferred to a 9” POSI rear end with Yukon axles and 411 gears.

The undercarriage is nicely detailed throughout with many upgraded parts. The floors were painted in a textured satin black material for durability. It was set up with frame rail connectors for extra strength. It has a Borgeson power steering conversion system. The front suspension consists of Shelby upper control arms with 1” drop, adjustable lower control arm kit and 1” lowering front coils. The rear suspension consists of Shelby override traction bars with inside traction bar covers and Koni red shocks. The power braking system consists of a black brake booster, dual master cylinder assembly with gold cover, front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers and 1967 Ford Galaxie 10×2- ¼ rear drums.