Isham Shelby's Rangoon Red 5R09K125001 fastback is nearly complete in a South Carolina garage.

Isham Shelby, otherwise known as "JR" hit pay dirt give or take a year ago when he bought 5R09K125001 - the first 1965 San Jose plant production fastback.  We're not sure JR knew what he was buying at the time, but what a pleasant surprise for a guy looking to buy a classic fastback to play with.  The car had been sitting in the corner of a South Carolina shop for three decades with a ton of dust on it.  It had been a drag racer since new with an amazing story coupled with low mileage.  It still had the original matching number 289 High Performance V-8, Top Loader four-speed and 9-inch rear end. Everything was still there, which is great fortune for an old drag racer.  As most of you know, old race cars don't get much respect.  They typically get tossed aside and forgotten much as this one did a lifetime ago.

JR brought his fastback home and went right to work burning gallons of midnight oil, getting this car finished in less than a year.  He has kept updates coming our way at Mustang Monthly.  Looks like JR has kept his period drag racer true to its heritage.  It looks terrific with its teardrop Thunderbolt hood, huge five-spoke wheels, dressed up Hi-Po engine, and a host of other goodies you will get to see in Mustang Monthly next year.  Stay tuned for the action.