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Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham
In addition to Shelby heritage that includes Carroll himself, this 1966 GT350 headed to Houston with No Reserve was owned and vintage-raced by Sir Stirling Moss, who is on record stating that it was his favorite car for such contests.
When two giants of motorsports cross paths, you can expect excitement and tales worth telling to follow. That’s the case with this 1966 Shelby GT350, which will cross the block with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18. In addition to Shelby heritage that includes Carroll himself, the car was owned and vintage-raced by Sir Stirling Moss, who is on record stating that it was his favorite car for such contests.
Racing fans won’t need much of an introduction to Sir Stirling Moss’s achievements, but it never hurts to take a moment to recall greatness. An inductee into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Moss won 212 races in his professional career, driving all the top racing cars of his era. He was the winner of 16 Formula 1 Grands Prix, including the British Grand Prix, Monaco, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and the United States Grand Prix. Other notable victories included the Mille Miglia 1,000-mile endurance race in 1955 behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, and the 1954 12 Hours of Sebring driving an O.S.C.A. MT4.
Although Moss officially retired in 1962 following a devastating crash, he never completely walked away from the sport. As vintage racing grew from an obscure hobby into an organized circuit, Moss became an active participant.
As for the 1966 Shelby GT350, SFM 6S089, its early ownership trail kicked off in San Antonio, Texas. It was later sold and moved to Boston, and then purchased by Peter Livanos of Greenwich, Connecticut. Livanos sent the GT350 to Chris Liebenberg of Danbury Connecticut, who converted it to R specifications, in the process creating an ideal candidate for vintage racing.
In the course of Sir Stirling’s vintage racing tours, he’d had the opportunity to drive a GT350 at the Monterey Historics and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Consequently, Moss purchased SFM6S089 in 1992 and first raced it at the Targa Tasmania with his wife Susie as co-driver, where they won their class, the Classic Division B7 for Touring and GT cars over 4000cc. He raced the Shelby in vintage competitions all across Europe, including at Silverstone in 1995 and 1996. In later interviews, he noted he was particularly fond of the car’s handling. Moss owned and raced the car until 1999.
It was at the 2007 Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance – an event held annually in Seabrook, Texas, that celebrates both fine automobiles and vintage boats – that all the players assembled together in a public setting. Sir Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby and their wives were guests of honor, and Carroll Shelby himself drove the car up on stage. Shelby announced that the car would hereafter be known as “The Moss car,” and Sir Stirling Moss made it official by signing his name inside the trunk.
The car comes with substantial documentation, including photos from Sir Stirling’s personal files, photos from Keels & Wheels, and a video in which Stirling and Lady Susie discuss the car. It remains in competition configuration, with a 289ci V8, 4-speed transmission, trunk-mounted battery and period racing seats. SFM 6S089 still wears its original paint, adorned with Number 7 roundels and “Driver Stirling Moss” on the doors, ensuring this Shelby will always be recognized as something special.
To register as a bidder for the 2021 Houston Auction, click HERE. To purchase tickets to the event, click HERE (VIP Packages are also available).
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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: DUAL LEGACY: Carroll Shelby and Sir Stirling Moss both had a hand in this 1966 GT350’s storied past
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/sir-stirling-moss-1966-shelby-gt350-for-sale-no-reserve-2021-houston-auction/
Published Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:52:35 +0000
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