Description
There is one name that goes together with Mustang like no other and that is Shelby. There are countless variants of Shelby Mustang, from the early, and now iconic GT350 right up to today’s latest and greatest GT500. This particular Mustang, is what is known as a Ford Shelby GT, built on the basic GT platform, cars were sent from Ford’s production line directly to Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas, Nevada for final completion.
Visually, you’ll find a rear spoiler delete, retro style bonnet scoop, bumpers and grilles. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a cold-air intake to help the V8 suck in even more air and a Shelby specific exhaust system to help expel it. Underneath, upgraded suspension drops the ride height thanks to Shelby’s springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. The additional Shelby upgrades do really set these models apart from your average base Mustang or Mustang GT.
This example was supplied in July of 2008 to Woodbury, New York, and arrived in the UK a few years later. Outside, you’ll find a deep shade of Vista Blue with contrasting silver stripes. The paintwork is in excellent shape despite its age, but you can expect the odd age related mark. The five-spoke wheels are all in great shape, finished in a bright silver and wrapped in a matching set of tyres. The convertible roof works as it should and is in perfect shape too.
Settle into the vintage inspired black leather bucket seats and you’ll be greeted by a vintage inspired gauge cluster with a type-face similar to that of the original, but with all the modern accoutrements you really need. A simple three spoke, retro inspired steering wheel and ball-shifter complete the package with the final cherry on top inside, being the signed Shelby Automobiles dash plaque.
Fire up the V8, and “pop-the-hood” and you’re greeted by a clean, tidy and uncompromised engine bay. Sitting within it is Ford’s 4. 6-litre modular V8, a well known and reliable unit that is mated to a Tremec manual gearbox. The Shelby cold-air intake is in place as it should be, and the engine is leak free and runs perfectly, in part due to the car's low mileage of just under 26, 000 miles. There is also a Ford Racing strut brace to further stiffen up the handling.
There is no denying, Mustang’s are cool. But Shelby Mustangs, well they’re even cooler. Now a modern classic, the S197 platform has become iconic, synonymous with the resurgence of love for the modern-muscle car. The combination of Shelby heritage, open-top motoring and a manual gearbox V8, might be a tough one to beat!
As with all of our vehicles, we have a digital folder available on request containing more images, walkaround videos, pictures of the underside and scans of the service history. The car can be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
