Base Model R Club

[Tomster]

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.

Well, in the end, all that matters is that each person is happy. Im glad you are. I'm pleased to have one of these, but honestly it isn't the end all be all. It's a purpose built R with an emphasis on weight reduction for the track. But how many take them to the track? Most sit in garages and collect dust. I dont know if these will ever amount to a collector. I'm leaning towards using it for what it is, a track car.

Above, please find the photos of JR357, my contribution to this base R thread. I'll keep my opinions here on out to myself because they probably dont jive with the intent of this thread.

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[PP0001]

Well, in the end, all that matters is that each person is happy. Im glad you are. I'm pleased to have one of these, but honestly it isn't the end all be all. It's a purpose built R with an emphasis on weight reduction for the track. But how many take them to the track? Most sit in garages and collect dust. I dont know if these will ever amount to a collector. I'm leaning towards using it for what it is, a track car.

Above, please find the photos of JR357, my contribution to this base R thread. I'll keep my opinions here on out to myself because they probably dont jive with the intent of this thread.

Who cares if some of these Base R's sit in garages collecting dust and to take it even a step even further with a much more track savvy car how many of the 4038 owners of the 2005/2006 Ford GT's have ever headed to the track with their cars compared to our measly number of 135 cars produced?

In the case of GR107, HR019 and HR001 I know each of these owners well and they drive their cars on a regular basis.

Happy to hear that you intend to track your Base R but in my case and being close to 70 years old my track days are over but that certainly won't stop me from enjoying my car for what it is and that is a cool track ready vehicle that I can drive on the street whenever I choose to.

 

[obspsd]

A friend of mine has this 2016 base GT350R

Will try to get a picture of the dash plaque sometime.
Here’s a picture of the car.

 

[jpsomner]

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.

See this post as the centerpoint of that discussion in another thread: Whose Race Red R in North FTW?

 

[JR369]

See this post as the centerpoint of that discussion in another thread: Whose Race Red R in North FTW?

I should've known @PP0001 (the GT350/R encyclopedia) addressed this already.

BTW, @PP0001, I say that with respect.

 

[jpsomner]

Who cares if some of these Base R's sit in garages collecting dust and to take it even a step even further with a much more track savvy car how many of the 4038 owners of the 2005/2006 Ford GT's have ever headed to the track with their cars compared to our measly number of 135 cars produced?

In the case of GR107, HR019 and HR001 I know each of these owners well and they drive their cars on a regular basis.

Happy to hear that you intend to track your Base R but in my case and being close to 70 years old my track days are over but that certainly won't stop me from enjoying my car for what it is and that is a cool track ready vehicle that I can drive on the street whenever I choose to.

FWIW, mine is technically track only as it's not registered or inspected (further weight reduction, ha!). I do drive it on street to the occasional C&C or to keep the battery up.

 

[D_cow]

Hello,
HR437 here Ox White with Black OTT
Check me out on Instagram @golfncars

 

[Trj3]

So how livable is the base R. Ive never had a car without ac but looking at one.......

 

[Tomster]

So how livable is the base R. Ive never had a car without ac but looking at one.......

Where do you live?

Here is my take on it...... keep it in your garage when not driving it. Take it out for a spin in the heat of the FL summer and it's no problem. Park it in the sun for any appreciable amount of time and return.... it is heat soaked and almost unbearable.

So moral of the story.... If you can only have one, dont buy a base in a hot humid climate and expect it to be a functional year round car. It may be great for the northern states with seasonal or track use, but the purpose of a base R is reduction of weight in a (commercially acceptable) absolute manner that ultimately has a track focus.

 

[Trj3]

Great how much of a weight difference is the car without the AC?. I am in Virginia.

 

[Trj3]

Great how much of a weight difference is the car without the AC?. I am in Virginia.

I just found it. 60 lbs.

 

[CoolHandLuke]

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.

Nice! Where did you get the certification paperwork form Ford?

 

[JR369]

Nice! Where did you get the certification paperwork form Ford?

The letter is part of your Owners Supplement Package. Be patient. It took about 13 days for that to arrive to me.

 

[ltcolton]

Purchased an Trackhawk over the summer so I haven't had much time to take my base "R" out lately but it's still my favorite ride.

 

[Unoefx]

I am new here. I purchased GR018 from a Ford Factory auction. I am the first owner besides someone at Ford owning it. I would some more info on this car, if anyone knows how to obtain it. There are no service records anywhere on this car. I am doing a serious paint correction now and that’s why there is tape all over it. Paint was in poor shape. This car is definitely used as there are a lot of chips. Car has 25k on it now. I am looking forward to driving it as it’s been sitting since I got it in September

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