Shelby built 34 race-spec 1965 GT350R Mustangs specifically for competition.
The GT350R was the competition version of the 1965 Shelby GT350, developed from the first-generation Ford Mustang fastback. Shelby American modified the cars for Sports Car Club of America racing, removing or simplifying equipment and adding changes intended to improve speed, braking, handling, and durability on a circuit.
The R models were far more competition-focused than the regular GT350. They featured weight-saving measures, racing-oriented suspension and chassis modifications, larger brake components, and other track equipment. Their success was significant: the GT350R helped make the Mustang a serious production-based racing contender and won the SCCA B-Production championship for three consecutive years.
The number can be confused with the total production of 1965 Shelby Mustangs. Shelby produced 562 GT350s in that model year, but only 34 were built as GT350R competition cars. Some historical production tables list slightly different GT350R totals when prototypes, reclassifications, or related competition vehicles are counted, but 34 is the standard answer for race-spec cars built specifically for SCCA competition.