This year’s Shelby GT350 Tour was a thrilling five-day adventure through rural New Mexico. With 54 GT350 models participating, the tour showcased an impressive collection of 1965 and 1966 GT350s, as well as some 1967 models and even a 1969 GT350 Convertible. All GT350s were welcome – no GT500s need apply!
Shelby GT350 Tour: A High-Altitude, Scenic Journey Across New Mexico
The route took participants to altitudes ranging from a minimum of 7,000 feet to a maximum of 10,818 feet, testing both the cars’ carburetors and the drivers’ lung capacity. Many owners adjusted their carb jets to compensate for the thinner air at these high elevations, while those who did not were seen fiddling with their carbs after day one. However, a support vehicle was available for any needed assistance, and the tour ran remarkably smoothly with very few mechanical issues.
Day One began on NM Rt 4, where the GT350s climbed to over 10,000 feet in Los Alamos, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The group gathered at the Fuller Lodge, which once served as a community center for Manhattan Project workers in the early 1940s. From there, the route continued back to Santa Fe, totaling 226.5 miles.
Day Two featured a 106-mile drive to Chama, where the group boarded a 100-year-old steam train for a 60-mile journey to Colorado. Following the train ride, the group returned to the host hotel.
Wednesday was a rest day, during which participants could explore local attractions or simply relax. Some GT350 owners opted for a tour of the Bradbury Museum in Los Alamos, to learn more about the Manhattan project.
Thursday saw another 225-mile drive, this time to the artist colony of Taos, New Mexico. In Taos, the GT350s stopped for a private tour of a collection of cars and motorcycles.
For the final day, the group covered over 350 miles, traveling to Dolce, New Mexico, the tribal headquarters of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. There, the tour participants were treated to the hospitality of the tribe at their beautiful community center.
The return drive provided the best road yet, featuring two-lane twisties, breathtaking views extending more than 30 miles, and peak altitudes higher than 10,800 feet. In total, the 54 GT350s traveled almost 58,000 miles during the week, covering a distance equal to approximately 1,100 miles times 54 cars. Carroll Shelby would be proud to know that his cars were being used as they were intended.
This year’s Shelby GT350 Tour was a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic Mustangs, and a reminder of just how much fun it is to drive them on challenging roads with like-minded enthusiasts. With its scenic routes, high-altitude challenges, and camaraderie among participants, the 2024 Shelby GT350 Tour was truly unforgettable!