1966 Shelby Group II Mustang "The Legacy Continues"
1966
{{ galleryProps.activeIndex + 1 }}/140
Transmission:
4-Speed Manual
Cylinders:
8
Auction Estimate:
$800,000 - $2,000,000
Description
**IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION ADDED 07-22-2022**
- Carroll Shelby confirms in interview with long-term owner Gary Spraggins that this 1966 Shelby Group II Racer #12 was originally intended for Ken Miles to race. This is fully documented in the Special Collectors Edition of Mustang Monthly January 1995 Magazine. This magazine was provided by Gary Spraggins and is included with the car. See added…
**IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION ADDED 07-22-2022**
- Carroll Shelby confirms in interview with long-term owner Gary Spraggins that this 1966 Shelby Group II Racer #12 was originally intended for Ken Miles to race. This is fully documented in the Special Collectors Edition of Mustang Monthly January 1995 Magazine. This magazine was provided by Gary Spraggins and is included with the car. See added photos in the photo gallery.
- Copies of photos from 1984 of long-term owner Gary Spraggins with the 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang when the car was discovered. These photos were provided by Gary Spraggins and are included with the car.
- Copy of SAAC Headquarters letter from 1984 addressed to Gary Spraggins regarding the 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang #12. This letter was provided by Gary Spraggins and is included with the car.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:
- ONE OF THE RAREST SHELBY MUSTANGS’S EVER BUILT!
- In 1965 a total of 562 Shelby GT350 models were built which included 33 Competition Production Cars referred to as the R-model. In 1966, a total of 2,378 Shelby GT350 models were built which included 20 Production Racers referred to as Shelby Group 1 and Group II Mustangs. These were built to the R-model specifications. This example is one of those 20.
- One of only 16 Shelby Group II Mustangs built in 1966.
- One of only 53 Shelby Group II Mustangs built between 1966-1969.
- Originally built for famous Shelby American driver – Ken Miles. This is documented in the SAAC Shelby Registry 1965-1966-1967 4th Edition.
- Purchased new and raced by legendary driver – John McComb from 1966-1969.
- One of 7 Shelby Group II Mustangs that raced in the Trans-Am series in 1966 which helped Ford claim The Trans Am Manufacturers Championship for 1966.
- Participant of over 30 documented races from 1966-1973 with 22 top 3 finishes.
- 1st Place at Pan American Trans-Am in Green Valley, TX in 1966.
- 1st Place at Continental Divide SCCA National in 1966.
- Finished 1st in SCCA Midwest Division in 1966 and 1967.
- Finished 2nd in the SCCA A/Sedan Midwest in 1967.
- Raced at Daytona 300 Trans-Am and 24-Hours of Daytona in 1967.
- 1st Place at SCCA National in Wichita, KS in 1968. It set an A/Sedan lap record and tied A/Production Corvette of Don Yenko for 2nd fastest lap ever run at Lake Afton.
- Limited ownership history.
- Show quality concours restoration to era correct specifications by Legendary Motorcar in 2015 with only test miles since completion.
- Powered by an era correct Shelby built 289 Hi-Po V8 engine with Hi-Po heads, aluminum high rise intake, Holley 715CFM carburetor and modified valve covers with an era correct Borg-Warner close ratio 4-speed and 9” Detroit Locker rear end.
- Signed by Carroll Shelby, John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty in various places on the vehicle.
- Featured in the cover and inside Sports Car Graphic December 1966 magazine which was signed by John McComb and included with the sale.
- Featured inside Sports Car Graphic June 1967 magazine which was signed by John McComb and included with the sale.
- Featured in Motor Trend World Automotive Yearbook for 1967 which was signed by John McComb and included with the sale.
- Fully documented in the SAAC Shelby Registry 1965-1966-1967 4th Edition. A new version of this book which was signed by John McComb is included with the sale.
- Verified by 1965-1966 Shelby Registrar – Howard Pardee. A copy of the email from Howard Pardee will be included with the sale.
- Verified by Shelby Trans Am Registrar – Gary Underwood. Information mailed from Gary Underwood will be included with the sale.
- John McComb and his wife Vici McComb were reunited with the car after roughly 25 years in June of 2022. Photos are included with the sale.
- John McComb was interviewed by Toby Stinson of the Owls Head Transportation Museum in June of 2022. A transcript of the interview which as signed by John McComb will be included with the sale.
- Miscellaneous books and articles will be included with the sale.
- Authentic John McComb Racing stickers and reproduction magnetic stickers will be included with the sale.
- John McComb donated many items surrounding his career and this car to the Owls Head Transportation Museum which can be viewed in person but aren’t included with the sale. Photo copies of everything will be included with the sale.
- Completely serviced and detailed by MS CLASSIC CARS in June of 2022 which is documented with an invoice that is included with the sale.
This iconic 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang #12 is one of the rarest Shelby Mustang’s ever built and is fully documented in the SAAC Shelby Registry which includes its historic SCCA and Trans-Am racing pedigree. It was one of only sixteen 1966 Shelby Group II Mustangs built to R-model specifications to compete in the SCCA and Trans-Am A/Sedan class. It was one of only seven that actually competed. As documented it was originally built for the famous Shelby American driver Ken Miles, who was killed testing A J-car at Riverside before he could drive it. After the tragic death of Ken Miles, it was offered to John McComb by automotive design engineer Chuck Cantwell of Carroll Shelby’s legendary racing shop. Chuck was the Shelby project engineer for the GT350. It was invoiced on August 24th, 1966 to Turner Ford located in Hutchinson, KS and purchased by John McComb who lived in Hutchinson, KS. John McComb and this Shelby Mustang helped Ford claim The Trans-American Sedan Championship for 1966. This Shelby Mustang participated in over 30 documented races including SCCA, Trans-Am, ARRC and 24 Hours of Daytona. Some notable races in 1966 included 1st Place at Pan-American Trans-Am in Green Valley, TX and 1st Place at Continental Divide SCCA National. It was featured on the cover and in Sports Car Graphic December 1966 magazine. It was also featured in Sports Car Graphic June 1967 magazine and Motor Trend World Automotive Yearbook for 1967. It was purchased in 1967 by Keith Thomas. It won 1st Place at SCCA National in Wichita, KS in 1968 where it set a A/Sedan lap record and tied A/Production Corvette of Don Yenko for the 2nd fastest lap ever run at Lake Afton. It was raced consistently in 1969 but had a limited race schedule between 1971 and 1973. It was purchased by Melvin Hammontree in 1973. It was purchased by Max Anderson in 1978. It was purchased by Gary Spraggins in 1984. Gary had the car restored early on during his 28 years of ownership and had it signed in various places by Carroll Shelby, John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty. It was purchased by Rick Davis in 2012. It was purchased and then purchased by Chris Turner of Dockery Ford in 2013. The car made its way to Shelby experts Legendary Motorcar in Canada where it received a show quality concours restoration to Shelby correct specifications. A great deal of time and money was invested in the restoration which was completed in 2015. It’s been signed by Carroll Shelby, John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty. Since completion it’s been handled with white gloves and stored in a climate controlled facility. MS CLASSIC CARS purchased the car in 2022. This Shelby Mustang was verified by 1965-1966 Shelby Registrar Howard Pardee and Shelby Trans Am Registrar Gary Underwood. John McComb and his wife Vici McComb were reunited with the car in June of 2022. Many items will be included with the car such as restoration photos, SAAC Shelby 1965-1966-1967 4th Edition book signed by John McComb, interview transcript with John McComb which he signed, photos of reunion with John and Vici McComb, miscellaneous books signed by John McComb and miscellaneous articles. John McComb donated many items surrounding his career and this car to the Owls Head Transportation Museum which can be viewed in person but aren’t included with the sale. This car was recently serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.
In 1966, the Sports Car Club of America announced it would recognize sedans as a National Championship category for the first time. Eligible cars fell under the provisions of the FIA Appendix “J” Group II and classes were based on engine displacements. The SCCA planned two concurrent racing series for these sedans which included one amateur and one professional each leading to a national championship. The amateur series included over 50 SCCA sanctioned national events throughout the United States, culminating with an invitation to the American Road Race of Champions (ARRC) for the top three finishers in each class in each of SCCA’s six geographical divisions. The professional series, called the Trans-American Sedan Championship was to be made up of seven professional races at road circuits across the United States. Points would be given to each manufacturer’s on their cars finishing positions leading to a manufacturer’s trophy. While many of the same driver’s participated in both the SCCA nationals and the Trans-Am that first year, it was the lure of a manufacturer’s trophy that attracted Ford’s interest. Instead of doing anything in-house or going to a lesser known race shop, they turned to Shelby American to develop the Mustang into a Group II sedan racer. On November 29th, 1965 a meeting was held in Daytona, following the AARC. Shelby American competition director, Lew Spencer sat down with Ford’s Sam Smith, Shelby American marketing director, George Merwin and Chuck Cantwell, Shelby GT350 project engineer. The subject was FIA Group I and Group II Sedans and how Shelby American would build them. It was decided that cars would be purchased by Shelby American from Ford, on a DSO basis and sold by Shelby. However, they would be considered Ford products and would carry Ford serial numbers. They would be reworked in a manner similar to the GT350 competition model. Cantwell’s first job, in December of 1965, was to assemble the homologation papers. For required photographs he took pictures of a stock white Mustang notchback sitting on a dealer’s lot in downtown Los Angeles. The actual work of building the cars fell to Chuck Cantwell and race fabricators Jerry Schwarz and Bernie Kretzschmar. The Group II Sedan and GT350 R-Model were mechanically identical but the rules required that the Group II car retain its stock steel hood (without a scoop). It also had to retain the original glass windows, seats for four and full interior upholstery including dash padding and door panels. The front steel valance was allowed to be notched to permit airflow to the oil cooler which was the size of a license plate on the notchback. A total of 16 Shelby Group II Mustangs were built in 1966 not including the Prototype. Of the 16 only 12 are currently existing. Car #5, #7 and #10 were destroyed racing. Car #13 history and whereabouts is unknown.
This 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang #12 made its way to Legendary Motorcar located in Halton Hills, ON in 2014 for a complete restoration. Legendary Motorcar is well respected in the Shelby community and they’re some of the finest restorers of vintage automobiles. This car was carefully disassembled and stripped to bare metal. It then received a no-expense spared rotisserie restoration. It was restored very accurately to Shelby correct specifications. The body is very straight and it has nice gap lines throughout. It’s equipped with the Shelby correct racing type hood and trunk locks. The hood, doors and trunk close effortlessly. It was refinished in its original factory Wimbledon White paint with Lemans Blue stripes. The paint is show quality but intentionally wasn’t wet sanded to have the proper amount of orange peel as it did when it left the factory. The numbers 41 were painted on the hood and trunk lid. The numbers 41 and letter A were painted on the doors. The front windshield was replaced new and has a Car-Lite stamp. The vent glass, door glass and rear glass is original with factory Car-Lite stamps. A Shelby Cobra Association of Texas “SCAT” sticker was added to the front windshield. A Sports Car Club of America sticker was added to each rear quarter glass. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as the window trim, wipers, driver’s side mirror, front grill, parking light bezels and lenses, door handles, lower side molding, quarter trim, tail light bezels and lenses and emblems. The lights were covered and the bumpers were removed for per racing guidelines. The car sits on the correct 15×7 American Racing Magnesium wheels that show some patina. The wheels are wrapped with correct style Firestone Indy 9.20 x 15 tires.
The interior of this car is in beautiful condition throughout. It was refinished in its color of black which complements the exterior white very nicely. The headliner, carpeting and radio were deleted for racing purposes. Everything was restored or replaced such as the rear view mirror, dash pad, dash fascia, dash knobs, door panels, shifter, pedals, bucket seats and rear seat. It’s equipped with the Shelby correct four point roll bar, 3” competition lap belts, 16” three spoke steering wheel and 6 Carroll Shelby gauges. It has a floor mounted red fire extinguisher and custom made floor mats. The glove box door was signed by Carroll Shelby and the driver’s side door panel was signed by John McComb. The trunk compartment was correctly restored and painted body color. Its home to the auxiliary fuel pump, original style reproduction battery and 34 gallon fuel tank with 3 ½ quick release cap with splash funnel.
The engine compartment is highly detailed with many correct parts throughout. The backside of the hood was signed by John McComb, Chuck Cantwell and Terry Doty. The driver’s side inner fender has the original Ford VIN stamp. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support were painted in the correct shade of black. Everything was restored or replaced such as the hinges, brake master cylinder, wiring, hoses, alternator, coil, etc. It’s equipped with an export brace and Monte Carlo stabilizer bar. The car is powered by an era correct Shelby American racing 289 Hi-Po V8 engine with estimated 350-400HP. This engine was completely rebuilt and runs excellent. The engine casting date is #C5AE-6015-E with a build date of October 14th, 1964. It’ been outfitted with the correct Hi-Po heads, aluminum hi-rise intake manifold #S2MS-9424-A , Holley 715 CFM carburetor #S2MS-3510-A, steel valve covers with specially fabricated breathers and Aviaid 7 ½ quart metal oil pan. It’s equipped with a heavy duty oil cooler with remote Cobra oil filter adaptor and the 18 quart Ford Galaxie radiator The engine breathes through the Tri-Y headers leading to 2 ½” straight exhausts terminating ahead of the rear wheels. The engine is coupled to an era correct Borg Warner T-10 close ratio 4-speed manual transmission. The transmission was completely rebuilt and has a build date of July 27th, 1965. The power is transferred to Ford 9” Detroit Locker rear end with 3.89 gears.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed with many correct parts throughout. This undercarriage should be displayed with mirrors at car shows. The floors were painted in the correct red oxide primer and then over sprayed with white like they were on the factory assembly line. Everything was restored or replaced such as the steering system, suspension system and braking system. It’s equipped with a 19.1 quick steering box, 1” sway bar, override traction bars, Koni shocks 11.3” front disc brakes and 10×2 ½ wide rear drum brakes.
This vehicle has recently been completely serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.
This is the first time this vehicle has been made available from the distinguished MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
1966 Shelby Group II Mustang "The Legacy Continues"
Lot #:
100
Auction Estimate:
$800,000 - $2,000,000
Sold For:
Passed
Year:
1966
Make:
Shelby
Model:
Group II Mustang
Body Style:
Notchback
Exterior Color:
White w/Blue Stripes
Interior Color:
Black
Cylinders:
8
Engine Size:
HiPo 289ci
Transmission:
4-Speed Manual
Consignor Ratings*
Engine:
Excellent
Body:
Excellent
Chassis/Frame:
Excellent
Tires:
Excellent
Coachwork/Interior:
Excellent
Electrical:
Excellent
Transmission:
Excellent
Paint:
Excellent
Overall Condition:
Excellent
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)
Send message
Other Listings
© 2023. All rights reserved.