ACME 1:18 1965 Shelby GT350R #18: Pedro Rodriguez

The Shelby American G.T. 350R was created with a singular purpose in mind: transform the image of the Ford Mustang from "sporty car" into "proven race winner." Gene Hamon Ford raced cars, too, relying upon the services of talented regional drivers to produce satisfactory finishes. At an SCCA Regional at Green Valley Raceway in Smithfield, Texas, Bill Steele was tasked with driving 5R108, as he'd previously delivered wins behind the wheel of a Shelby Cobra and a Shelby G.T. 350. For whatever reason, 5R108 intimidated the experienced racer, who begged off driving the car, leaving Gene Hamon with few good options. Sports car star Pedro Rodriguez was on hand, so when Hamon asked if he could handle the Shelby, his reply in broken English was reportedly, "Si, I win."