From what I have read, Shelby Amercian was in the Venice facility from October 1962 to March of 1965 when they move to the West Imperial Highway address. We have all seen the famous photo of the 65 GT-350's lined up at the airport and listed as the first 100 cars. It seems that that is really not the case. In looking at the information on my car, SFM5026, it was completed on February 8, and delivered to Hayward Motors on February 18, 1965. It was made in Venice and was long gone from Shelby when that photo was taken. I wonder what the last number car that came out of the Venice plant was. Anyone know? Just curious.
Hi, That picture was taken in the end of May 65 and the cars are above serial number 200. My car #275 is the 3:rd in the front line. 1:st is #290 and 2:nd #283. They have Ford serial numbers starting with 5R09K217XXX. /Texas Swede
That pretty much agrees with some of my information. I know of a car in the 5S350 range that has a 217XXX vin. Thanks Bill
No that would not be a Venice car. I have #275 and it was produced on May 17-20, 1965, at the LAX plant. It was received on May 13th. The move to LAX was made in March. The picture can be found on Mark Hovanders web site: www.1965gt350mustang.com. It was taken in the end of May for a promotion packet that Shelby handed out to visitors on June 16th, I believe it was. Texas Swede
