This Famous Shelby GT350R May Fetch More Than P 153 Million

For those who watched Ford v Ferrari, they’ll remember that Christian Bale played racer Ken Miles. Well, Shelby and Mustang enthusiasts will now get a chance to own a piece of history as a real Mustang driven by Ken Miles will be up for auction this May.

The white with blue stripes 1965 Shelby GT350R Competition Model packs a 4.73-liter V8 making 306 horsepower. But more than just a classic muscle car, this particular Mustang is known as the “Flying Mustang,” because of a memorable photo showing it with all four tires off the ground. It’s this exact car, driven by Miles, that won at the Green Valley Raceway in February 1965 that’s going under the hammer.

The first competition Shelby Mustang, the first to be raced, and the first to win, this Shelby GT350R is known as the 5R002. It simultaneously served as Shelby American’s factory engineering mule, a rolling test bed for ideas and components, including those that would constitute both the second team car (5R001) and all 34 customer R-models that followed.

This makes the 5R002 historically significant, and even more so because it’s intertwined not just with the Shelby name, but also because of Ken Miles—revered as one of the greatest figures in motorsports, and one who tragically died at the height of his career.

The GT350R Competition model will go on auction in where it’s expected to fetch more than USD 3 million (~ P 153.2 million).

No, We're Not Getting the Mustang GT500 or GT350R Anytime Soon

With the Autohub Group announcing that they’ve gotten the distributorship of Shelby parts and accessories for the Philippines, there are high hopes that we’ll finally see the Mustang Shelby GT500 or the Mustang Shelby GT350R. Errr…sorry to burst your bubble, but no.

Setting the record straight is Allen Pascual, who’s just been appointed as the head honcho of Shelby Philippines.

“Autohub group is the exclusive distributor of Shelby American Inc. which produces the aftermarket styling (kits and side skirts) and performance parts (supercharger).  

For non-V8 engines, we can install official and authorized Shelby kits only. For V8 engines, we can install kits and superchargers to existing Mustangs making them officially a Shelby GT or Super Snake. 

We will be sending our best technicians to Las Vegas for training and a member of the Shelby family will be here when we formally launch [in January 2020]. 

Regarding the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 [and by extension, the Mustang Shelby GT350R), unfortunately, that is not part of the distributorship Autohub got. These are officially the property of Ford USA and the exclusive rights belong to them.”

In short, if you want to see the Mustang Shelby GT500 or GT350R, please don’t go knocking on Autohub’s door—it’s best to bring this matter with Ford Philippines.

Shelby Now Has An Official Distributor in the Philippines

By January 2020, Ford Mustang owners who are looking to add even more oomph to their rides can rely on Shelby. This is after The Autohub Group of Companies announced that they will be adding the iconic American brand to their brand portfolio.

“It is our distinct honor to be the exclusive distributor of Shelby  in the country. As always, we will ensure that the Autohub Group will deliver top-notch service for our discerning clientele,” says Willy Tee Ten, President of The Autohub Group of Companies.

Synonymous with high-performance, Shelby is instantly recognizable with its cobra emblem and streamlined stripes. The “Cobra” nickname was used to describe the first generation of Shelby GT350 models—the smallest and lightest within their range—which were produced from 1965 to 1966.

Aside from the distribution of Shelby car parts and accessories, The Autohub Group is also responsible for catering to aftermarket services. And to ensure top-notch service, the group will send technicians to the United States for extensive training in time for its official launch next year.

Autohub Car Care Services Head Allen Pascual will serve as the General Manager for Shelby in the country.