AIRBORNE! Ken Miles driving the 1965 Shelby GT350R “Flying Mustang”

Officially Licensed Product by Carroll Shelby Licensing®

Original painting

AND

Limited-Edition Prints (L.E. Prints)

Ken Miles driving the 1965 Shelby GT350R “Flying Mustang”. 

Famously, Ken Miles took the car airborne at the Green Valley Raceway in February of 1965. 

HAND EMBELLISHED PRINTS AVAILABLE

Along with the original painting, there are also hand-embellished prints available. These are special prints because I go back into the print with acrylic paint and completely repaint the car and some background imagery as well.

The version of this car made famous at Green Valley had a covering over the grill during that race. For this piece, I am depicting the car in a tribute fashion, emphasizing the mystique of it's unique place in racing history. That includes the grillwork because I think it's more interesting. (So, I'm not claiming this to depict the actual race itself. If I were, it would not have the dust cloud either, since the race track was paved.)If you choose to purchase any of the hand-detailed prints or the original, and have strong feelings about it, I am happy to paint out the grillwork and match the white element as seen in photos from the win at Green Valley. Contact me directly for this modification request.

ABOUT THE CAR

The 1965 Shelby GT350R 'Flying Mustang' holds a significant place in automotive history for several reasons:

1. Race-Ready Performance

• First Racing Mustang: The GT350R was the first Mustang specifically built for racing. It was a highly modified version of the standard Ford Mustang, created to dominate in motorsports.
• SCCA Championships: The car was designed to compete in the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) B-Production class, where it won multiple championships. This success cemented the Mustang’s reputation as a performance vehicle.

2. Carroll Shelby's Expertise

• The GT350R was the brainchild of Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in motorsport and performance car development. His modifications transformed the Mustang into a true race car.
• Shelby stripped unnecessary weight, added performance upgrades, and ensured the car met the strict requirements for competition.

3. Innovative Design and Features

• Lightweight Construction: The GT350R featured extensive use of lightweight materials, such as fiberglass for the hood and aluminum components.
• Powerful Engine: It was equipped with a high-performance 289-cubic-inch V8 engine that produced around 350 horsepower, a significant boost over the stock Mustang.
• Upgraded Suspension and Brakes: To handle the demands of racing, it had advanced suspension tuning and disc brakes, making it a well-balanced car on the track.

4. Limited Production

• Only 36 units of the GT350R were produced in 1965, making it incredibly rare and desirable among collectors and enthusiasts.

5. Cultural Impact

• Performance Legacy: The GT350R set a standard for performance variants of the Mustang, influencing generations of Shelby and Ford performance cars.
• Iconic Design: The car’s white paint with blue racing stripes and aggressive stance became emblematic of American muscle and performance.

6. Historical Milestones

• Ken Miles’ Contribution: Notable driver Ken Miles helped develop the GT350R, contributing to its race-winning capabilities.
• First Win for the Mustang: The GT350R secured the first professional race win for a Mustang at Green Valley Raceway in Texas, establishing its dominance in motorsports.

7. Collectibility

• High Value: Due to its rarity, historical significance, and connection to Carroll Shelby, the GT350R is one of the most sought-after classic cars.
• Record Sales: Some examples of the GT350R have sold for millions of dollars at auction, reflecting its legendary status.

Legacy

The 1965 Shelby GT350R Mustang was more than just a car—it was a turning point for Ford and Shelby, proving that American muscle could dominate the track while paving the way for performance-oriented Mustangs. It remains a symbol of innovation, speed, and American automotive excellence.