20 Greatest Ford Mustangs Ever Built

Patrick Oziegbe
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For decades, the Ford Mustang has captivated car enthusiasts with its performance, style, and cultural impact. Among its many models, the 1965 Shelby GT350 and the 1968 Bullitt Mustang are legendary.

From the track-focused 2000 SVT Cobra R to the powerful 2013 Shelby GT500, these iconic Mustangs highlight Ford’s innovation. Each model, known for its design, speed, or historical significance, appeals to both classic car lovers and modern speed enthusiasts.

Curious about what makes these Mustangs exceptional? Explore their history and specs to see why they’re beloved by car fans everywhere.

1965 Shelby GT350

1965 Shelby GT350
©Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

The 1965 Shelby GT350, a true legend, often considered the quintessential American muscle car, the GT350 was a race-bred version of the Mustang fastback, featuring a high-performance 289 cubic inch V8 and handling upgrades

Built by Carroll Shelby, it quickly became an icon in the muscle car world. Many fans recognize it as one of the greatest Mustangs ever.

1967 Mustang GT500

1967 Mustang GT500
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 1967 Mustang GT500, designed by Carroll Shelby, featured a powerful 428-cubic-inch V8 engine. It remains a favorite among performance enthusiasts.

1968 Mustang GT Fastback (Bullitt)

1968 Mustang GT Fastback (Bullitt)
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback from the movie Bullitt stands as an iconic muscle car driven by Steve McQueen.

1969 Boss 429

1969 Mustang Boss 429
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, nicknamed the “Shotgun,” boasts an enormous semi-hemispherical 429 V8 engine. Ford produced only 859 units in 1969, making it a rare collectible. To fit the big-block engine, the car required substantial modifications.

1970 Boss 302

1970 Mustang Boss 302
©Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

The 1970 Boss 302 was a standout in the muscle car era. Its 302 cubic-inch V8 delivered impressive power. Equipped with specially-tuned Cleveland heads, it was designed for speed and performance.

1971 Boss 351

1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
©Photo Credit: American Muscle Car Museum

Powered by a 330 horsepower engine, the 1971 Boss 351 was strong and quick. It hit 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest Mustangs. The Boss 351 featured a high compression ratio of 11.7:1, which was higher than many of its contemporaries. A special block and a 9-inch differential helped it stand out.

1971 Mustang Mach 1

1971 Mustang Mach 1
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

Peak of early Mustang performance before the oil crisis. Big, powerful muscle car. Wide and long. 351CJ V-8 engine. Known for its performance and distinctive styling.

1984 Mustang SVO

1984 Ford Mustang SVO
©Photo Credit: Hemmings

The Mustang SVO was ahead of its time with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine, offering a blend of performance and fuel efficiency, along with advanced suspension components. Advanced suspension, unique styling elements. 175 horsepower with 14 pounds of boost. Six-second sprint to 60 mph.

1993 SVT Cobra

1993 Mustang SVT Cobra
©Photo Credit: American Muscle Car Museum

First Cobra from Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Impressive 235 horsepower V8 engine. High Flow GT-40 cylinder heads. Limited production, only 4,993 units. Enhanced suspension tuning for better performance. Extensive chassis stiffening. Sporty and sleek exterior design. Truly a track-ready machine.

2000 Cobra R

2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
©Photo Credit: Mustang Specs

The 2000 Cobra R is a limited-edition Mustang designed for performance enthusiasts. Equipped with a 5.4L DOHC V8 engine and producing 385 horsepower, it’s a formidable track car with no rear seats, air conditioning, or radio to save weight. Only 300 units were built, making it rare and highly collectible.

2003-2004 SVT Cobra (Terminator)

2003-2004 Mustang SVT Cobra (Terminator)
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 2003-2004 SVT Cobra, known as the “Terminator,” added significant power to the Mustang lineup with its supercharged 4.6L V8 engine. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and has a redline of 6000 RPM.

Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, it emphasizes performance and durability. Key upgrades include a forged steel crankshaft, rods, and pistons. The drivetrain features a T56 6-speed transmission and a robust rear end.

2005 Mustang GT

2005 Ford Mustang GT
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 2005 Mustang GT marked a return to classic styling – introduced the retro-inspired S197 design. It featured a 300-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 engine. This model offered an engaging driving experience. A blend of modern and classic Mustang elements.

2007-2009 Shelby GT500

2007-2009 Shelby Mustang GT500
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 2007-2009 Shelby GT500 features a powerful 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine. With up to 500 horsepower, it’s a true performance beast found in 2007 models. It quickly became a legendary addition to the Mustang lineup.

2012-2013 Boss 302

2012-2013 Mustang Boss 302
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

Paying homage to the original, this modern Boss 302 featured a 5.0-liter V8 with 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A track-oriented suspension, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. In addition, the Boss 302 can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

2015-2020 Shelby GT350

2015-2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

With its 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8, the GT350 offered 526 horsepower and a spine-tingling exhaust note, along with advanced aerodynamics and suspension for track prowess. Produced in limited numbers, it’s a highly sought-after model. One notable version is the 2020 Heritage Edition, featuring a Wimbledon White paint finish.

2018 Mustang GT Performance Pack 2

2018 Mustang GT Performance Pack 2
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 2018 Mustang GT Performance Pack 2 boasts a potent 460-hp 5.0-liter V8. It features a front splitter, larger brakes, and adjustable dampers. Performance meets affordability at $46,075.

2020 Shelby GT500

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The latest GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang ever, boasting a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with 760 horsepower, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge technology. YES – it is the fastest Mustang built yet.

2015 Mustang GT

2015 Ford Mustang GT
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

The 2015 Mustang GT features a 5-liter V-8 engine producing 435 horsepower. This model also includes a redesigned rear suspension for improved performance and comfort. The sleek interior, with advanced technology and quieter design, appeals to many enthusiasts.

2021 Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E
©Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

Ford’s first all-electric Mustang. It merges classic Mustang styling with electric innovation. It’s equipped with up to 480 horsepower for a thrilling drive.

2022 Mustang Mach 1

2022 Ford Mustang Mach 1
©Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

The 2022 Mustang Mach 1 combines classic Mach 1 styling with modern performance enhancements. It delivers 470 horsepower with a 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, featuring a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission. It includes 3.73 Torsen rear gears and SelectShift automatic transmission options. This Mustang marks the end of the S550 generation.

10 Ultra-Rare Mustangs Most Ford Fanatics Never Heard About

Ford Mustang With Old Couple
©Photo Credit: MiramarSpeedCircuit

Introduced in April 1964, the Ford Mustang has become a highly successful American car and cultural icon, with its influence extending beyond the automotive industry. Ford has produced over 10 million Mustangs, recently debuting the 7th generation for the 2024 model year, showing no signs of slowing down. Among these millions of Mustangs, there are numerous unique and super-rare models that even the most dedicated Mustang enthusiasts might not know about.

READ GUIDE HERE:  10 Ultra-Rare Mustangs Most Ford Fanatics Never Heard About!

50 America’s Forgotten Postwar Sports Cars

Kurtis Sport Car
Editorial credit: Philip Pilosian / Shutterstock.com

The postwar era in America saw a resurgence in interest in sports cars, driven by returning World War II soldiers who had encountered sleek European designs. This inspiration led to a wave of innovation in the United States, resulting in numerous unique and largely forgotten American sports cars from the 1940s and 1950s. Among these creations, 50 stand out as true icons of postwar America. This article delves into the stories behind these captivating vehicles, celebrating the golden age of American sports cars.

READ GUIDE HERE:  50 America’s Forgotten Postwar Sports Cars!

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