Wednesday 17th December 2014

Carroll Shelby goes racing: Time For Tea?

Excited about the new Shelby GT350? Let this period film of the original help further!

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This 15-minute video is a treat for any Shelby fan. Because not only is the original Mustang GT350 detailed, there's also a fabulous GT40 prototype and early Cobras too. The latter almost makes whitewall tyres look cool...

Understandably given the initial success of the Cobras, Carroll Shelby comes across as confident and assured throughout the film. We see the first GT350s in assembly in the same factory as the GTs. In terms of racing significance the latter of course ranks higher but with a new track-focused Mustang exciting so many at present the 350 looks fantastic.

It gets better too. Testing for the Mustang involves Willow Springs, three pro drivers plus the Cobra and the GT at the same time. On top of one of the finest V8 noises you'll ever hear (even with 60s video quality), there's also some instruction on how best to drive Willow Springs.

Yes, it's quite long as a Time For Tea? (and some sections do drag) but it's really worth watching it all if possible. Make two cups perhaps.

Enjoy the vid.

 

[Yes, yes, the lead image isn't from the video but once you've seen the quality you'll see why there isn't a screengrab!]

[daytona365]

Less about the texture of Audi interiors and much more like this please !

[Maldini35]

God I want a V8

[DM525i]

There is a rawness, a simplicity and a magic to those cars. It's almost as if there is an attainability to American sports cars. All expensive now but modern American V8's seem to be way more affordable than European cars. What a sound and you can hear the similarity to the V8's in Bullitt. Great video.

[Jwhite84]

All this motor racing coverage and discussion about lines is all well and good...but what about the black swan moments, etc.?

This sort of no nonsense promotion really makes you wonder who marketing types are trying to appeal to nowadays....

[dinkel]

Always a cool sight and sound: Shelby Ford 350 GT. These cars rock so hard it will make your Lambo fail to make any impression at all.

[daytona365]

They are totally cool, but come on, a Lambo would beat it on every measurable level.