Breakdown | 1965 Shelby GT350

Steve Beck bought this 1965 GT350 for $900 on his 18th birthday, hoping to make an impression at his first big job interview as a mechanic. He got the job as soon as they saw the Shelby, and after years of track days, vintage racing, and more than a few speeding tickets, Beck is still going pedal to the metal in the legendary pony car. A veteran of California’s Willow Springs International Raceway since the 1970s, Beck returns in his GT350, looks through the windshield, and feels 18 years old all over again.

This is a Breakdown of Hagerty’s Flat Out video series, where we dig deeper into the stories and people behind the cars tearing it up on the track. Be sure to check out the GT350 on the move in its Flat Out episode here.

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[Watcher]

So proud to have this guy as my friend since I was 14 and business partners for the past 24 years. Drove that car a number of times
, what a treat! What a cool story, Chris.

[GarlicKnot]

‘65 GT350 is one of my favorite mustangs ever

[jeepguy]

the sound that Shelby makes u feel young and so alive! the new stuff can't compete with the feel, sound and smell of an old fast car!! this makes me think about Friday and Saturday nights and my 68 camaro ss 327 4 speed back in the 80s.

[steviedee]

That is one of the coolest car stories I’ve ever heard 💯

[GETUPANDGO]

He's had it since he was 18, wow, that's how ya do it right there

[edwardmorales]

I was the owner of one of the first Shelby Mustangs brought to the Midwest back in 1965. It was delivered to McAnary Ford dealer in Gary, Indiana ....it was one of the first Shelbys built. the vin # was 5S173

[asphaltcowboy]

Hands down, one of the coolest real-life stories I've ever heard!!! What an exciting life you've led. Thank you so much for giving us such a detailed & interesting look into your life & that amazing Shelby of yours!!!

[sarahdell]

This guy has a great story. Amazing he still has it after all these years. Nice to see someone actually using one of these, vs letting it sit and rot or the occasional car show.

[YukonDemon]

That's awesome that he's had the car that long. The car is an absolute heart stopper to this day. I can only imagine what it must have been like when these were new. Must have been mind bending...

[deanishere]

I own one of these in United Kingdom... Let me tell you it was a struggle getting it here but worth it !!!

[nickefgen]

Great video, I’ve still got my first car a 1967 mustang fastback white with black interior, I got it when I was 17, it’s got the six cylinder engine in it, I’ve swapped out the rear axle for a V8 rear axle and swapped the front hubs over to the V8 ones so I have the five lug pattern on the car now, I also swapped in the top loader 4 speed tranny also. 36 years I’ve owned it, got it when I was in high school. I’m owner number three and I still keep in contact with the lady I got from.

[ThomasPartida]

This man is a legend, to own something like this for so long and still enjoying it and letting it stretch its legs while most that have one only keep it like museum pieces just make my day.

[akfunnyguy]

I don't have a GT350 but....I did buy a 1966 Coupe with a 289 when I was 28 from the original owner in SoCal...and I'm 58 now. In July, its been 30 years of driving my coupe. I live in Alaska so it only gets usually 7 months of driving from April thru October each year. It is a super fun car to drive. The valve covers have never even been off & it's got 210, 000 miles on it. Had 124, 000 on it when I bought it. I wish I would of got a '66 GT350 but the ole '66 Coupe works for me!

[bobkins]

I loved them when they first came out, and I still do. And no crazy electronics! You drove, you controlled. Cars today are way to complicated to enjoy. When you set your butt in this car, and your cruising at 80 + there's no fluff to damper the vibrations. Just pure exhilaration from head to toe.

[moparedtn]

Great car with the best kind of owner/steward - and a great story to go with it.
Leno talks a lot about not buying certain cars as much as he buys their stories.
I'm 57 and I can appreciate what he means. I imagine so can this fella.

[suntzu]

I am so proud of envious...You have lived my dream....My first was a 66 a 73 Mach 1....Great Story!

[gary]

Great story... '65 Shelby Mustang..one of my all time favorite musclecars. love that part..."I've got one of those Shelby things!" lol...indeed!

[RaiderX]

Very, very cool, love the fact you've had the car for all those years, nostalgia is good for the soul.

[johnjuarez]

This is why one has a car like it. Drive it hard. Enjoy it.

[유찬호-oi]

So sad that I can see these beautiful old cars only on the Internet :/