Base Model R Club

[jpsomner]

Since there's only 135 or so of us, I was wondering how many members on this forum have Base Model R's and if this thread could serve as a gallery for their cars, VINs, Chassis #s, etc. Here's mine:

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[honeybadger]

Best variation made of this car

 

[Demonic]

*PP0001 drops what he's doing*

 

[1MEAN18]

I'd say it deserves its own section. Sweet ride!

 

[JR369]

Since there's only 135 or so of us, I was wondering how many members on this forum have Base Model R's and if this thread could serve as a gallery for their cars, VINs, Chassis #s, etc. Here's mine:

Interesting conflict between the Dash Tag, VIN, and paperwork stating GR015. I believe my paperwork states JR369 and matches my Dash Tag of JR369 for my 18 R. Now my VIN last three numbers do not end in 369.

 

[TDC]

^^^ that’s confusing. My paperwork matches my plate # in the car, G0050, non-R car. Maybe that is something specific to R’s?

Does the # found on the model crankshaft stand have the same number mismatch?

 

[Tomster]

Well.... actually, I think there are only about 125 or so in circulation.

 

[PP0001]

From a production numbers standpoint the FRAP produced a total of 2138 R models for the first 4 MY's namely 2015 thru 2018 with no other Base R's being assembled after April 30th, 2018.

Of the 2138 R's produced over that time period Ford produced 2003 Electronic Package R's and 135 Base R's.

The initiative to cease production for the Base R model as of April 30th, 2018 was based on Ford's mandate to have all of their vehicles to come standard with back up cameras thus all future R models would come standard with the Electronics Package as of May 1st, 2018.

Base R model production numbers as follows:

2015 - 6
2016 - 64
2017 - 44
2018 - 21
Total - 135

The above production numbers include all pre-production Base R models as well with Ford not producing any pre-production R models for the 2015 MY.

Of the 135 Base R models assembled it is estimated that between 5 and 10 pre-production R models were produced over those 4 years with one of the most recognizable pre-production Base R's being built over that time was for Raj Nair with his car being specifically built back in February, 2016 as a 2017 model vehicle and having chassis number "HR001".

Obviously "GR015" was also a very early pre-production 2016 Base R model that was assembled shortly after production of the 137 GT350/R's were built for the 2015 MY.

It would not surprise me that "GR015" may be the first and earliest pre-production Base R that the FRAP produced.

The very first regular production Base R was "F0001" and was built and sold to one of the senior Ford family with no thought in mind for the very first R model to be built with the Electronics Package.

Of the 37 R's built for the 2015 MY chassis number "F0036" went to Jay Leno and chassis number "F0037" went to John Atzbach in the Pacific Northwest who just happens to own the very first of the 36 "R" models built back in 1965.

[/QUOTE]

 

[svassh]

We really need to have PP001's history of R and Pre/Pilot Production models posted as a sticky. I've seen the poor guy spell it out numerous times already, or some variation of it multiple times. I've only been here 2 months.

 

[Tomster]

From a production numbers standpoint the FRAP produced a total of 2138 R models for the first 4 MY's namely 2015 thru 2018 with no other Base R's being assembled after April 30th, 2018.

Of the 2138 R's produced over that time period Ford produced 2003 Electronic Package R's and 135 Base R's.

The initiative to cease production for the Base R model as of April 30th, 2018 was based on Ford's mandate to have all of their vehicles to come standard with back up cameras thus all future R models would come standard with the Electronics Package as of May 1st, 2018.

Base R model production numbers as follows:

2015 - 6
2016 - 64
2017 - 44
2018 - 21
Total - 135

The above production numbers include all pre-production Base R models as well with Ford not producing any pre-production R models for the 2015 MY.

Of the 135 Base R models assembled it is estimated that between 5 and 10 pre-production R models were produced over those 4 years with one of the most recognizable pre-production Base R's being built over that time was for Raj Nair with his car being specifically built back in February, 2016 as a 2017 model vehicle and having chassis number "HR001".

Obviously "GR015" was also a very early pre-production 2016 Base R model that was assembled shortly after production of the 137 GT350/R's were built for the 2015 MY.

It would not surprise me that "GR015" may be the first and earliest pre-production Base R that the FRAP produced.

The very first regular production Base R was "F0001" and was built and sold to one of the senior Ford family with no thought in mind for the very first R model to be built with the Electronics Package.

Of the 37 R's built for the 2015 MY chassis number "F0036" went to Jay Leno and chassis number "F0037" went to John Atzbach in the Pacific Northwest who just happens to own the very first of the 36 "R" models built back in 1965.

[/QUOTE]
Yes, the short version is only about 125 in circulation. Of which, a few have been lost along the way.

 

[PP0001]

Yes, the short version is only about 125 in circulation. Of which, a few have been lost along the way.[/QUOTE]


Agreed that some of the ~125 cars will never see the light of day especially the 6 Base R's that were produced for the 2015 MY.

In the spirit of helping with information for the poster and his cool initiative please see following the chassis numbers for the 6 Base R's assembled at the FRAP in late July 2015.

F0001
F0004
F0008
F0011
F0012
F0029

FWIW, chassis number F0001 was ordered in Oxford White with Black OTT stripes.

BTW Tom, what is the chassis number for your 2018 Base R?

 

[Tomster]

Yes, the short version is only about 125 in circulation. Of which, a few have been lost along the way.


Agreed that some of the ~125 cars will never see the light of day especially the 6 Base R's that were produced for the 2015 MY.

In the spirit of helping with information for the poster and his cool initiative please see following the chassis numbers for the 6 Base R's assembled at the FRAP in late July 2015.

F0001
F0004
F0008
F0011
F0012
F0029

FWIW, chassis number F0001 was ordered in Oxford White with Black OTT stripes.

BTW Tom, what is the chassis number for your 2018 Base R?

JR357. The second to last if not the last to roll off the line. Our mutual friend seems to think it was mine, but going by chassis number, that black one out in San Diego was last.

 

[PP0001]

JR357. The second to last if not the last to roll off the line. Our mutual friend seems to think it was mine, but going by chassis number, that black one out in San Diego was last.

Yes, how I could have I forgotten about that whole scenario and our friend Phil F. out in California who was able to purchase the last Base R Model before production of these cars was eliminated permanently on April 30th, 2018.

His chassis number is "JR394".

 

[Tomster]

Yes, how I could have I forgotten about that whole scenario and our friend Phil F. out in California who was able to purchase the last Base R Model before production of these cars was eliminated permanently on April 30th, 2018.

His chassis number is "JR394".

I never met or talked to the guy. I reached out, but never really heard anything substantial. I'm glad you are in contact, because if it is indeed the last bade R? Well that is significant. Leo seems to recall otherwise. But nobody is certain. You had stated chassis number isn't always definitive.

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter one bit. We all have what we have for whatever reason. The fact of the matter is that many really dont care about base Rs. As rare as they are, they could about be compared to '16 base models. A rare color or equipment config sometimes doesnt mean squat.

 

[PP0001]

I never met or talked to the guy. I reached out, but never really heard anything substantial. I'm glad you are in contact, because if it is indeed the last bade R? Well that is significant. Leo seems to recall otherwise. But nobody is certain. You had stated chassis number isn't always definitive.

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter one bit. We all have what we have for whatever reason. The fact of the matter is that many really dont care about base Rs. As rare as they are, they could about be compared to '16 base models. A rare color or equipment config sometimes doesnt mean squat.

Based on my conversations with Phil he has confirmed that he has the last Base R built but if Leo seems to recall differently then he needs to speak up.

I bought 3 Base R's because they are very cool cars and they take me back to my youth back in the 60's when radio delete, AC delete and many other weight savings initiatives that were implemented to help with the power to weight ratio.

Quite simply put the Base R's are the purist form of performance and function for the GT350's and that they just happen to be rare and low on production numbers just happens to be a bonus in my opinion and could care less what anyone else thinks about these cool cars.

Just the fact the first R model ever ordered and assembled back in July 2015 is a Base R and was spec'd out by one of the senior Ford family which certainly indicates to me what the Ford Family thinks of these delete and spartan R models.

I get it that most Shelby GT350R enthusiasts want a radio, speakers, AC, floor mats, tire inflator kits, sound deadener, back up cameras, Sync, etc. but for me these Base R's hit all of the right buttons and can't wait to get JR157 out to The Valley of the Sun over the next few weeks in order to spend some quality time with her in the desert.

Attached are some pictures of GR107, HR019 and JR157 with GR107 now residing with an acquaintance in Phoenix and HR019 now residing with a terrific friend of mine in Northeastern PA. and JR157 finally coming out to Arizona at the end of this month.

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