The engine in the Shelby GT350R. Photo Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.The engine in the Shelby GT350R.
Photo Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc. Following Miles in the driver’s seat, several legends of the race track took their turns with 5R002. Bob Bondurant, Jerry Titus, Peter Brock, Chuck Cantwell and Bill Clawson raced in the coupe. The car has changed hands a number of times over the years, moving from California to Michigan to Texas, and settling for a time in Mexico. In 1989, 5R002 returned to the United States, and found its way to the Shelby American Museum in Boulder, Colorado.
The interior of the Shelby GT350R.
Photo Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc. Collector John Atzbach, an antique dealer who is a leading authority in the field of Russian art, bought the car in 2010, and commissioned a full restoration to February 1965 condition by John Brown of Thoroughbred Restorations in Oklahoma City. The process took four years, and used mountains of research and information from documents and first-hand accounts from the car’s creators.
The most valuable Mustang in the world -- for now.
Photo Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc. The restored 5R002 made its debut at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours, where it won Best in Class for its division. In the years since, the car has been shown at numerous significant events, like the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the 2016 North American International Auto Show, and has been featured in advertisements and magazines.

The buyer of the Shelby GT350R remains anonymous so far. According to Mecum Auctions, the transaction was conducted by phone.
The Shelby GT350R will probably see little time on the track or road, and more time in a collection.
Photo Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc.