Original Venice Crew Inks Distribution Agreement with DiMora Motorcar
The Original Venice Crew (OVC) signed an agreement making DiMora Motorcar an authorized distributor of the continuation 1965 Ford Shelby G.T.350 Competition Model sports cars. This agreement will extend the availability of the limited-edition Shelby cars worldwide.
“Our Shelby G.T.350 competition model continuation sports car is an incredible machine designed for those who demand the best,” said Jim Marietta, CEO of OVC. “It is crucial that this limited-edition Shelby is represented by individuals who recognize the rarity and importance of the car, and the unique requirements of enthusiasts who value it. DiMora Motorcar designs high-end luxury limited-edition cars for their clientele worldwide. We believe that this new agreement is the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship.”
OVC began with former Shelby American employees Peter Brock, Jim Marietta, and Ted Sutton, who worked on many key projects at Carroll Shelby’s Princeton Drive facility in 1965, including the first R- Model Shelby G.T.350 (5R002). Brock designed key features for the continuation car when Marietta and Sutton formed the Original Venice Crew in 2015. Sutton also helped create the prototype 427 Shelby Cobra and Sunbeam Tiger while at Shelby American in the 1960s.
OVC assembles the cars at the Shelby facility in Southern California, just as Carroll Shelby and the racers did in 1965. Each OVC built Shelby G.T.350 begins with the same Mustang, equipped with a High-Po 289 c.i.d. engine and a Borg Warner four-speed.
“OVC’s 1965 Shelby is the most authentic continuation car I’ve ever seen,” said Sir Alfred J. DiMora, founder of DiMora Motorcar. “Based on the original K code Mustangs and built by the same individuals who created the initial R model inside a Southern California Shelby facility, it is truly a piece of history. The degree of craftsmanship is so incredible that we’re proud to offer the automobiles through DiMora Motorcar.”
The car bodies are fully reconditioned and built to American competition specs. Customers can choose between the traditional 9-inch fixed rear end or independent rear suspension. All feature an engine supplied by the Carroll Shelby Engine Co., which is coupled to a period correct four-speed transmission and authentic Shelby shifter. Customers can also choose between an FIA model and Bondurant edition car, and the standard model.
OVC has licenses from Carroll Shelby Licensing and Ford Motor Co. to build a run of 36 of the continuation 1965 Ford Shelby G.T.350 Competition Model cars. OVC is the only company with this dual authority, according to OVC.
The sports cars receive an OVC/Shelby serial number. Documentation is submitted to the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry, and the official Shelby American Registry administered by Carroll Shelby International.
