Never has there been a Shelby Mustang like the current model. With 662 horsepower—the most offered by any mass-production V8—this ultimate muscle car can hit top speeds in excess of 200 mph. Without any promise that the Shelby will continue after the Mustang's 2015 redesign, many investors have paid huge sums over MSRP to get its monstrous supercharged 5.8-liter motor.
The Shelby GT500 is available in two new exterior colors, Oxford White and Ruby Red Metallic. It also offers an optional performance package featuring SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The offering can be coupled with a Track Package for all-out racetrack performance.
The first decision to make is whether you want your Shelby as a coupe or a convertible:
The drop-top Shelby uses a slight modified suspension and does not offer the track capability of the coupe, but for collectors and cruisers, the lower production variant might be the better choice.
Despite the displacement and power of the GT 500's engine, Ford engineers were also able to avoid any gas guzzler tax with fuel economy numbers of 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
There aren't many ways to customize the Shelby—it's pretty much loaded straight from the factory with niceties like Brembo brakes. The sole transmission is a six-speed manual. (This is unlike GT 500s of the 1960s, which usually offered an automatic option.)
Major options include an all-glass roof, a Shaker pro audio system and Recaro sport seats. The optional performance and track packages add even more aggressive suspension tuning.
If you want a Shelby, grab one now. Although Ford is likely to unveil a new version in a year or two, there are no guarantees that it will return in 2014.
Choose your Ford Shelby GT 500 »
