During 1965, the Mustang GT 350 models, built by Carroll Shelby, were introduced. The sleek fastback model generated high interest among sport car enthusiasts. All 1965-66 cars featured the K-code 271hp 289 modified to produce 306 hp. The GT 350 models were truly a street legal race machine that is considered rare. The current price tag on a mint condition model is $46,900.00.
Mustang GT 350
The Mustang design was beyond popular among all ages. During the 1960s, a Battery operated toy Mustang replica was released during the holiday season for $4.95. The AMF Company also designed and produced pedal cars resembling the downsize version of the 1965 Mustang.
Mr. Al Long, owner-president of Al Long Ford, briefs two prospects from the jet-age set on the performance quality of their kid-size Mustangs.
Shortly thereafter, F.W. & Associates generated a downsize version of the 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 pace car. The Mustang pace cars were made for off road usage only but it impressed so many kids and adults that soon the toy cars were sold throughout Ford Dealerships. A "downsized" version of the 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 pace car During 2005, Warehouse 36 recovered the tooling and brought back the Mustang toy design for collectors of all ages.
The Mustang slot kits were sold by the AMT Corporation located in Troy, Michigan. The Mustang models were produced in 1/25th scale, packaged 12 models to a case, and sold in hobby stores for $6.00 each. Currently, the Mustang slot car models, if in mint condition, can sell anywhere from $50.00 to $100.00 each.
Lastly, the 1965 Ford Mustang pool table is for the prestige collector. It includes a solid fiberglass body with high quality auto paint and clear job with chrome bumpers and decals. The starting price for the Mustang pool table is $9,995. On October 10th, 2010, Mustang Entertainment took things a step further and introduced the 1965 Shelby GT-350 Pool Table, each table being hand signed by Carroll Shelby himself.
From the Mustang pedal car to the downsized version of the 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 pace car, these items are considered collectibles that are sought after by many collectors willing to pay top dollar for mint condition items. Whether one is seek Mustang emblems or slot car models, an online auction may be your best investment when seeking Mustang memorabilia.
A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating the story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Photographs courtesy of National Automotive History Collection and some features of Bob Tate’s personal collection. Please do not use any photographs without the permission of MotorCities. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org
If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at: lambriez@motorcities.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------