Franklin Mint 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 - unsigned

With 289 Hi-Po engine tweeked to 306 HP, and chassis tuned to put it to the pavement on curves, this road car gave Ford license to compete - with alacrity - in international production car racing. For the price of a "low end" Corvette, one got a far more exclusive two-seater (the spare tire was located in the rear seat area to make room for an enlarged fuel tank), as just a few hundred '65 GT350s were completed at the Venice, CA Shelby works.

This is one of FM's finest efforts on a post-WWII subject. The shape is captured to perfection, and the obligatory U.S. racing finish is flawless. You couldn't ask for better fitting doors, hood (authentically made of fiberglass) and deck lid, and interior detailing is sublime - right down to highly realistic competition-style lap belts. The Autolite heavy-duty battery is properly located in the trunk, next to the jack, and atop a correct tartan pattern mat.

The engine bay is another highlight; but also a sore point on my example. Time was spent rectifying a side-leaning carburetor, askew accessory drive assembly and glue globs. The lettered Goodyear Power Cushion tires on Shelby alloy wheels add authentic character, as do the exhaust pipes exiting ahead of the rear tires. If the Carroll Shelby-autographed version is worth $495, this must be an absolute steal at the issue price which is $105.

-John Luthi