In the early 60’s, many American families were now in the market for a second car, and market research showed women especially thought the full-size car had grown too large and cumbersome.
At the same time, research showed many buyers would prefer to buy US or Canadian if the domestic manufacturers offered a smaller car with lower cost of ownership. Thus, all three introduced compact cars: the Ford Falcon being Ford’s answer.
The only time a V8 option was available in a first-generation Falcon was the 1963½ model, and these cars were produced in very limited numbers (Sprint two-door hardtop (bucket seats) 10,479 produced and Sprint convertible (bucket seats) 4,602 produced).
These first-generation Falcon Sprint cars were the basis for the 1964½ Mustangs released by Ford one year later. Many (if not most) of the interior, chassis, suspension, and drivetrain components were derived from those used on the 1963½ Ford Falcon Sprint and/or Fairlane models. In simplest terms, the 1963½ Falcon Sprint is nearly mechanically identical to the 1964½ Mustang while being aesthetically different.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The 1965–1966 cars were the smallest and lightest of the GT 350 models. These cars are often called “Cobras”, which was the Ford-powered AC-based two-seat sports car also produced by Shelby American during the same period. Both models use the Cobra emblem, similar paint scheme, and the optional “Cobra” valve covers on many GT350s that were part of a marketing tie-in by Shelby, as well as one of his iconic symbols.
The 1965 and 1966 G.T. 350s were delivered from Ford’s San Jose assembly plant in body in white form for modification by Carroll Shelby’s operation, originally in Venice Beach and later at Los Angeles International Airport. San Jose cars carried an “R” in the Ford VIN denoting that facility. The only year that Shelby Mustangs from the 1960s came from another plant was 1968, where they came from New Jersey, “T” in the VIN,[4] and were modified by A.O. Smith.
For 1966, the GT 350 lost its Mustang tag and was marketed simply as the Shelby GT 350. The new model year also saw the introduction of non-white colors, including blue, red, green, and black. Other changes included special rear quarter-panel windows replacing the factory extractor vents, functional brake scoops on each side, and optional SelectShift 3-speed automatic, as well as an optional Paxton supercharger. The battery was no longer relocated to the trunk for 1966, and the over-rider traction bars were discontinued. The normal factory fold-down rear seat was optional. While early 1965 cars had black engine blocks, 1966 and later cars had their engines painted the regular factory Ford dark blue. The 1966 models came with a dual-exhaust exiting in the rear.
The first 252 GT 350s for 1966 began as 1965 Mustang K-Code Fastbacks. These cars were specifically ordered by Shelby American for conversion into 1966 GT 350s. Upon delivery to Shelby-American, the cars were randomly picked for conversion. The Shelby VINs do not correspond in numerical order with Ford VINs. The Ford VINs were shipped in ‘blocks,’ but many differ significantly because the order they were taken for conversions.
Total production for 1966 was 1,373 fastbacks, including two prototypes and four drag cars, and the 252 early production models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. In order to help Shelby sales, Ford, the major shareholder of Hertz, persuaded the rental car giant to purchase 1,003 fastbacks, including two prototypes. Four “experimental” G.T. 350 convertibles were also built for test purposes in anticipation of a 1967-1/2 convertible offering, bringing total production to 2,378 units for 1966. A small number of the 1966 models were fitted from the factory with Paxton superchargers, but not the No-Spin limited slip differential; with an option price of $670 USD, the engine was rated at 440 hp.
1966 Shelby G.T. 350 Hertz models
’66 G.T.350-H
The deal with the Hertz Corporation to offer ~1,000 G.T. 350s for rental that, after their rental-car lives were finished, were returned to Ford, refurbished, and sold to the public as “G.T. 350H” models. Most Hertz cars were black with gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes, although a few were white with blue stripes. The first 85 Hertz cars were available with four-speed manual transmissions and Hertz advertised them as “Rent-a-Racer” cars. During rental, these cars were sometimes used as production class cars at SCCA events, and were rumored to have been returned to Hertz with evidence of roll bars being welded in. Ford pushed another 800 models on Hertz with black paint, gold stripes and black interior, as well as automatic transmissions.
When the Hertz cars were returned to Ford to be prepared for sale to the public, the high-performance parts were often “lost” (presumably at the manufacturer) before final sale.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
An American classic, this GTO has power steering, power brakes, power windows, factory air, red line tires, with a four-speed Hurst shifter and Hurst wheels. Under the hood, find a 389, 360 horsepower tri-power engine. A rare find as it has matching numbers.
A teenager’s dream, when Mr. Malamut attended high school, the only car he could afford was a ’55 Chevy. The “rich kids” parents bought them GTOs, as this was the “hot car” to own and an automatic “chick magnet” for the guys.
After many years and in a position to afford one, he searched but never found the right combination of color and equipment. In January 2002, while attending the Barrett-Jackson auction, destiny arrived.. About midway through the auction, his wife, Barbara, came running, exclaiming, “Mike! There’s a great looking GTO in line to be auctioned. You must take a look at it.”
They both went running and made it to the podium as the GTO became the next in line to go on the block. Looking at the vehicle, it became love at first sight. Everything was perfect; the right color, interior, and options. As the bidding began, he kept his arm in the air, regardless of price, until the auctioneer’s gavel dropped.
After receiving congratulations from Barbara, the GTO became an important part of the Malamut family of cars.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
Originally owned by Southern California Chevrolet dealer Jack Wall, this was his personal car until obtained by the Malamut Museum after Mr. Wall became terminally ill. The car still sports his personal California license plate, “63 WALL.”
With a 327, 340 HP engine, it comes equipped with a stock four-speed, matching numbers, power steering, power windows, posi-traction, AM/FM radio, tinted glass, and original navy blue interior. This car has only 57,000 miles and is in number one condition. It is a high-scoring NCRS top-flight car.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
This 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport is powered by a 425ci Nailhead V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes a limited-slip differential, dual four-barrel carburetors, concealed headlights, Rally wheels, power windows, and air conditioning. The car was first sold through Dick Grihalva Buick in San Diego, California.
First-generation Rivieras were constructed between 1963 and 1965, although 1965 was the only model year equipped with the concealed fender headlights originally intended by GM chief stylist Bill Mitchell. Additional features include a pillarless roof line and ribbed rocker-panel moldings.
Featuring dual four-barrel carburetors, hydraulic lifters, and 10.25:1 compression, the 425ci Super Wildcat V8 was rated by the factory at 360 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
This was one of Mike’s bucket list cars for several years. This one checked all the boxes!
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection