Finding a modern track weapon that stays true to its vintage roots is tough enough, but tracking down a genuine R model finished in the most iconic livery in American racing history is a rare opportunity. Built in April of 2017 and authenticated by its dash plaque as Chassis HR452, this 2017 Ford Shelby GT350R is a prime collector grade example of Ford Performance engineering. Finished in factory code YZ Oxford White, this fastback wears the timeless combination of blue over the top racing stripes bordered by sharp red pinstripes.
Pop the hood and you are greeted by one of the greatest naturally aspirated engines ever put into a production muscle car, the 5.2 liter flat plane crank Voodoo V8. Designed to scream all the way past 8,000 rpm, this powerplant sits beneath a heavy duty Ford Performance alloy strut tower brace and breathes through a high flow open element air intake. Right up front, you can spot the lightweight carbon fiber composite radiator core support that helps keep weight off the nose. All that high revving fury is routed through a crisp six speed manual transmission to a stout 3.73 rear axle, barking out an unmistakable exhaust note through the quad tip rear diffuser.
While a standard GT350 is a great driver, the R package elevates the platform into an uncompromising corner carver. This specific car showcases all the factory R hardware that collectors hunt for, starting with the aggressive front chin splitter featuring red Shelby lettering and the towering carbon fiber rear wing out back. The real stars of the show are the ultra lightweight 19 inch carbon fiber wheels, measuring a massive 11 inches wide up front and 11.5 inches in the rear. Wrapped in wide 305 front and 315 rear performance rubber, those gloss black seven spoke wheels frame massive red Brembo brake calipers and two piece cross drilled rotors.
Stepping into the cockpit reveals why this particular GT350R is the exact one you want in your garage. From the factory, the R model strips out the back seats for a clean, carpeted rear seat delete that makes it a dedicated two passenger machine. However, this chassis was smartly ordered with the highly desirable R Electronics Package. Alongside the deeply bolstered Recaro suede bucket seats with red contrast stitching, the Alcantara flat bottom steering wheel with its red sight stripe, and the red cue ball shifter, you still get the everyday usability of dual zone automatic climate control and the large center touchscreen display. It delivers the raw, lightweight pedigree of a true R model without sacrificing the creature comforts you want on a weekend road trip.
