When you have the original Shelby crew wrenching on actual 1965 Ford Mustang coupes, you’re going to wind up with something great. The team is now called OVC, or Original Venice Crew, and they’re finding actual ’65 K-Code Mustangs to transform into Shelby GT350R race ready pony cars.
Under the hood is a reworked 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine, and now it’s cranking out 450 horsepower. That power still flows through a four-speed manual gearbox and on out to the rear wheels, but here we find an upgraded trick. You can stick with the classic solid axle, or OVC will provide you with an independent rear suspension setup… which is what they would’ve done back in the day had Ford let its prototype IRS live on.
OVC will build just 36 examples (just like Shelby did back in 1965). Each one starts at $250,000. That’s a ton of cash, but quite a bit less than an original ’65 Shelby GT350R will set you back as those are inching closer to seven figures.
You could roll up to your local high falutin’ valet stand in any exotic… or you can be a hero, and roll up in a car packing heritage, history, and one hell of a sound.
OVC is building a brand-new 1965 Shelby GT350R Mustang
By Jeff Glucker
May 15, 2018
By Jeff Glucker
Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff
Kamil Kaluski 
William Byrd
Wow… that exhaust sound is amazing, and it’s awesome that the original crew builds these cars. My mind can’t help wondering, though, how much it would cost to fix up a roller ’66 with a Boss 302 crate engine and Heidt’s IRS, and essentially duplicate what’s offered here. Better yet, I’d start with a ’63 Falcon wagon.
I digress. Regardless, this is a badassed car.
You could certainly recreate it for less. However, I think the appeal for some wealthy dude lies with the fact that it’s the OG team wrenching on the car, with an actual Mustang from ’65. Hence the price.
Also, if you think this one sounds good – they had the FIA-approved car on site as well (not for driving, just for looking as it was getting ready to go to its German owner). That car was uncorked and sound like a proper race car… unreal.