2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Description

If you're looking for a stock 2008 Shelby GT500, there are plenty of nice, low-mileage examples around. But if you're in the mood for something a bit more powerful, say, something to the tune of 850 horsepower to the wheels, then this spectacular blown pony is what you've been waiting for.

This car is all about staying under the radar. Of course, a black Shelby GT500 isn't exactly subtle, but nobody will suspect what lives underneath. The bodywork is pretty much stock Shelby-issue, which is certainly not a bad thing, since it accentuates the already aggressive Mustang look with a deeper chin spoiler and a custom deck lid spoiler that's both subtle and effective. Other tricks include a billet grille and vented hood, which is definitely a good idea with all that supercharged horsepower underneath. This one sports a set of flat black stripes, which were a factory option, and that only enhances the predatory vibe. Sure, there are a few signs of age and use which are completely inevitable but with this much power under the hood, I don't think anyone is going to be looking there anyways.

The interior is standard Shelby GT500, including the retro-looking seats and instrument panel. Like the exterior, the black leather interior is pretty clean new with very few signs of use. Shelby logos everywhere remind you that you're not driving a run-of-the-mill Mustang and the instrument panel dazzles you with a light show every time you key it up. There's a Hurst shifter with white cue-ball knob for managing the 6-speed manual gearbox and if you look closely you'll see the switch for the locking rear differential, but all told, this sucker really plays it close to the vest. All Shelbys came loaded with just about every option Mustangs could carry, including power windows and locks, A/C, and a thumping stereo that puts many aftermarket units to shame. The trunk is also nicely preserved with factory mats that are in great shape.

Mechanically, the GT500 is no slouch in stock form, but with a laundry list of upgrades, this one manages to send 850 dyno-proven horsepower to the rear wheels. That power comes from a DOHC V8 that's been punched out to 5.8 liters for a little more grunt on the bottom end. The heart of the upgrade is a Kenne-Bell 2.8 supercharger with a custom tune that still keeps it docile enough to drive every day. The big blower sits on the engine like the stocker did, but channels vastly more boosted air pressure into the combustion chambers to make for impressive performance at any speed. Other upgrades include long-tube headers and an X-pipe with electric cut-outs, so this Shelby truly cackles. With 3.73 gears in the rear end, it's all you can do to keep it hooked up in the first three gears, but the Auburn locker does the best it can to put every pony to the pavement. The GT500 already had massive brakes, so it's good to go there, and those big Shelby alloys with staggered 18-inch Goodyear radials do their best to make it work.

If garden-variety is OK with you, then there are some nice cars out there. But if you've already been there and done that, then perhaps you're ready for this GT500, which takes it to an entirely different level. Call today!