Ford Shelby GT500 Review

If you're a driving enthusiast, you owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Ford Mustang. Once that pony car hit the market in 1964, affordable and stylish performance was finally in reach for the average American. Even though early versions weren't exceptionally fast, it didn't take long for Ford to pump the car up with some real muscle. Shortly after the first 'Stang hit the streets, Ford teamed up with racing legend Carroll Shelby to produce the high-performance GT350. Two years later, the fierce Ford Shelby GT500 showed up, equipped with a 428-cubic-inch big-block V8.

Only a few thousand of the original Ford Shelby GT500s were built from 1967-'70, and they've remained very popular with Mustang enthusiasts and collectors. As expected, the modern version is obviously a much better car in terms of comfort and overall performance. However, potential buyers of the modern-era GT500 should know that the first few years of the car were let down by disappointing handling capabilities. Newer (2010 and up) GT500s are much more appealing by virtue of a lighter engine and revised suspension tuning.

Current Ford Shelby GT500
The newest Ford Shelby GT500 boasts a number of significant improvements, including an aluminum engine block (replacing the previously heavier iron block) which takes about 100 pounds off the front end and sharpens handling. Now rated at 550 horsepower, the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 is also more fuel efficient, allowing it to avoid a gas-guzzler tax. Once again the sole transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox that routes all that power through a limited-slip solid rear axle.

Standard feature highlights for the GT500 include 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, air-conditioning, leather/suede-upholstered sport bucket seats, a power driver seat, the Sync multimedia voice-control system and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary/USB audio jacks and satellite radio. The GT500 convertible also comes with a power-operated soft top.

Options include a glass roof for the coupe, a navigation system (with HD radio and dual-zone climate control), an upgraded sound system and the SVT Performance package (unique 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels, higher-performance tires, revised suspension calibrations, unique stripes/rear spoiler and a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle).

In reviews we've been impressed by this Shelby GT500's incredible performance potential (it can blast down the quarter-mile in just 12.4 seconds), precise gearbox, crisp steering response, agile handling, fairly comfortable ride and improved cabin quality. Also making this supercar an agreeable daily driver are its supportive seats and thoughtful features such as the Sync system and hard-drive-based navigation system.

Used Ford Shelby GT500 Models
The reincarnated (and current-generation) Shelby GT500 debuted for 2007. At the time, its supercharged 5.4-liter V8 had an iron block and produced 500 hp. Standard front-seat side airbags and optional xenon headlights arrived the following year. Notably, the 2007-'09 models lacked handling precision.

If you're shopping for a used GT500, going with a 2010 or newer model is recommended if you can swing it. That was the first year that Ford retuned the suspension for improved handling. Other desirable improvements this year included an increase in power to 540 hp, standard stability control, updated styling, dual-zone climate control, the Sync multimedia voice-control system and better cabin materials.

The Shelby's spiritual successor is the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. If the GT500 is outside of your budget, a used Cobra is a more price-friendly alternative.