Jay Leno Tests OVC and Camilo Pardo's Shelby GT350 Roadster
Jay Leno recently received a visit from the original Venice Crew, bringing with him a new car and its designer. The designer happens to be Camilo Pardo, designer of the 2000s Ford GT, who teamed up with OVC founder Jim Marietta to explain all the details behind the new OVC GT350 roadster in the latest episode of "Jay Leno's Garage."
The OVC team is made up of people who worked at Shelby American's original headquarters in Venice, CA in the 1960s.
The crew consists of Peter Block, Marietta, and Ted Sutton. Late last year they began licensed production of a new version of the 1965 Shelby GT350 Competition (aka Shelby GT350R). And now they are back with something unique.
Their latest creation is a roadster-bodied Shelby GT350 penned by Pardo. The subtle changes to the new body are in keeping with the times, giving it the look that Carroll Shelby himself would have approved of at the time.
Unlike the GT350 Competition, the GT350 Roadster does not match the original specifications, leaving customers with several choices when it comes to powertrain and chassis. The standard powertrain is a 425-horsepower small-block Ford V-8, but customers can also opt for a 500-horsepower V-8, the same engine used in the GT350 Competition. The driver can also choose between an automatic or manual transmission, solid axle or independent rear suspension, and black with gold stripes instead of the Wimbledon White and Guardsman Blue color combination for the livery.
The OVC uses the original Donner Mustang. In addition, the rear seats can be removed to provide additional storage space under the aerodynamic rear panel.
Prices start at $289,000, and OVC has not indicated whether production will be limited; the GT350 Competition was limited to 36 units, the same number Shelby built in 1965.
Marietta and Pardo go deep into the changes made to the car and, as always, Leno takes it for a spin and talks affectionately about how it drives. As always, Leno takes the car for a spin and speaks affectionately about how it drives. For more, click on the video above.
