This great car was on display in our air-conditioned showroom at the Mount Dora Museum of Speed in Fla. for over 20 years, removed and driven only for showroom rotation, car shows and Concours events. The research noted below was gathered and published at the time of purchase. We recently updated it with new published information. It was Originally born in Guardsman Blue/no stripe/4-speed with the fiberglass-steel frame hood /14" Magnum 'painted' wheels/override traction bars and no package shelf, according the the hardback S.A.A.C. WORLD Registry (publ.1977). It was delivered to El Paso Auto Center (Ford Dealer #173) in El Paso,Texas on 5/31/1966. First owner purchased: Grover Johnson 11/26/66. It saw 3 more owners through two dealers, after that until it was given a frame-off restoration by Ziegler Coachworks, in California in 1987. Current miles shown after Resto.: 6,454.
At that time, 1987, it was owned by a couple from Canoga Park, CA. and according to the '97 SAAC Registry, it carried a Paxton Supercharger in '88. Based on the Doc's that came w/ it, they show it left the factory Supercharged, however, we are not in the business of research or 'puffing' and you are welcome to verify for yourself ( All records are here for the viewing). Repainted 'Wimbleton White' in '88 and Set-up as a "R" Model for Laguna Seca Racing Events... It recvd. an "R" Model features; Valance, Roll Bar, Orig. Racing Bucket Seats, correct Plexi-Glas Vented Rear Window, 22 gallon Aluminum Fuel Tank, Trunk Pin, Heavy Duty Clutch Pak, Big Block Oil Cooler, Side Exhaust, Trunk-Mounted Battery, Backseat-Delete Package Shelf, and Period-correct American Racing Magnesium Wheels (15x8-8.5')with Non-Drilled Centers ( invoice cost, 1987; $1700,). It comes with another set of orig. used Goodyear Blue Streak Racing Tires. It also features an orig. 'Detroit Locker' Differential Rear-end. It was then purchased by T. Anderson (Ca.)in 2001. Records show it was displayed and run at Laguna Seca in 1996 and Willow Springs up to 1997. Purchased in 1999 by a classic car dealer/ Collector in 1999, who ran the Track (2x) in Illinois in 2003 and traded to us, w/o the Paxton, in 2004. Based on the Intriguing Story, and the remaining factory installed features, we had the Paxton re-fitted in 2004.
The huge 1997 hardback bound S.A.A.C. Registry also shows it also carried the "hollow letter" Cobra Valve Covers, 4-Spd., and the original "Wood" Riveted Steering Wheel in lieu of the common plastic version. Receipts show, in the late 1980's, (coveted) Draille Engineering in Los Angeles completely 'built' the 289 c.i. Motor to produce the published 435+ h.p. It also features original Chrome Hood Pins, and a set of Dual Paxton Under-Dash Gauges. The Supercharger was rebuilt by Paxton in California and, please note, it retains the orig. “Lower Radiator Support Blower Vent", & correct black "Cobra" Blower Box. The Supercharger is date coded. The Glove box was autographed by "Carroll Shelby". The Documentation includes copies of the original "Shipping Report", that shows this VIN was shipped June 1,1966 by Shelby-American's staff member 'Carol Stevens'. As well as the Delivery Manifest #793 to El Paso Ford, which calls for Inv @ $4436.57 ( well above the others). The Shipping Report states "SFM6S2168 El Paso Ford Inc., Blue-Pax Unit". Further, it notes, it was shipped at the same time as the documented "SFM6S021 "Drag Unit", along with 6 other Shelby GT350's and 3 Cobra's. SAAC says 11 Paxton's were shipped new. Motor Trend Magazine states “50-100 Paxton's sold”. Since this would not include Dealer Sold & Installed, that seems reasonable. This car was also accompanied by a letter from S.A.A.C. Headquarters signed by Rick Kopec, National Director, stating " the car is indeed a matching number (Ford VIN to Shelby)". These doc's helped make our decision to buy it . This Shelby also carries it's Vintage Sportscar Driver Association I.D.#, as well as, it's original V.A.R.A. (Vintage Auto Racing Assoc.) Log Book. She's outfitted in Vintage Racing Trim, Show or Go Circuit. It is no longer pristine, Concours condition but, shows Very Well. It has been invited & displayed twice at the Winter Park Concours here in FL. It won First Place in it's class at the Detroit 2003 Autorama, as well as, many local cars shows since. For us, the TX and CA. History translates to; it never was, your typical rust-bucket. It replaced our documented 1965 "R" Model as the Museum display vehicle. Priced at $287,000. (Price based on the Average of the last 4 sold at date of publishing -none w/Paxton )
