SUMMARY
1-owner car that's logged only 45 milesBy now, there's really no need for a Carroll Shelby history lesson. We're all very familiar with Shelby's contributions to the automotive world, especially in regard to the legendary Mustang. Shel's pony cars have always been great to look at and even better to drive, giving examples like this tailored drop-top virtually universal appeal. 1 of just 2,070 GT500 convertibles built for the 2008 model year, and 1 of just 223 to leave the line in Vapor and Black aesthetics, this Ford is a fairly rare piece any way you slice it. More impressive numbers live under the hood, where a completely unaltered drivetrain twists 500 horsepower into 480 lb./ft. of torque. And the car's most impressive stats come via history, with only one owner who logged a mere 45 miles of road time! Looking for a future collectable? Want a genuinely fun weekend warrior? This clean convertible is a great solution for a relatively tidy sum!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Wearing a silky layer of Vapor Metallic 2-stage under sinister Shelby call-outs, this spotless Mustang has a history of meticulous care. Like most of our low-mileage, factory-fresh pieces, its body presents as new in every conceivable way. That body's shiny, wet-look panels are 100% straight and, according to a clean CARFAX, have no history of accidents or damage. And a close look down the car's sculpted fuselage reveals world-class finishing that, by far, creates one of the nicest late-model Fords we've ever seen!
When up close and personal with Ford's GT500, it becomes clear the firm's designers focused on creating a car that looks tailored and substantial in comparison to its "lesser" counterparts. And this killer Mustang, with its high quality body kit, panther-like stance and fully detailed exterior, is about as "substantial" as it gets! At the front of the mean mare, a familiar Mustang grille hangs an offset Cobra emblem between optional HID headlights, a small splitter and a sculpted valance that's complete with traditional fog lamps. At the top of that grille, an aluminum hood centers racy LeMans striping in front of a tight top and chip-free glass. At the base of that glass, black rockers and black mirrors frame tough Shelby emblems. And behind those rockers, factory taillights, a bold trunk script and a GT500-exclusive faux fuel filler reflect a large, trunk-mounted spoiler and an aggressive valance that's pierced by polished Borla exhaust tips.
ENGINE
The reborn GT500 celebrated one of the most successful partnerships in performance car history. Take a look under this Mustang's lightweight hood and you'll find a blown 'mod motor' that was heavily influenced by Ford's GT super car. And what's better: by utilizing a cast iron block, aluminum heads, forged internals and dual overhead camshafts, this rowdy torque monster makes great power while mixing surprising efficiency with a docile nature. Twist the key and the big V8 rumbles to life, pushing baritone notes through an X-shaped crossover and Borla cat-back exhaust system. Goose the throttle and a roots-style supercharger creates 10 to 12 pounds of pressure while zinging the engine toward redline. Deliver one serious jab at the go-pedal, and you'll find out why dictionaries are starting to list the name "Carroll Shelby" under the word "performance". Aesthetically, this Ford's spotless bay looks assembly line-fresh, eschewing the kind flash you'd expect from such a pedigreed car for, dare I say, a bit of a 'sleeper' vibe. But to anyone who knows anything about performance, the big blower, small SVT badging and silver "POWERED BY SVT" cam covers are a dead giveaway that they're looking at something real special!
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
As most performance car fans already know, this Mustang's SVT-tuned chassis is nothing short of excellent. Behind the smooth engine, a slick-shifting Tremec TR6060 6-speed spins power to a tough Ford 8.8-inch axle. At the corners of the car, power-assisted Brembo calipers join power-assisted Ford calipers in squeezing big, vented rotors. Turns come courtesy of Ford's super-efficient power rack-and-pinion steering. Exhaust flows through large-diameter pipes to throaty Borla mufflers and polished Borla tips. Naturally, Ford's standard ABS and traction control systems are present and accounted for. And all this first class agility rides on "SVT" branded kicks, which twist 255/45ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1s in front of 285/40ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1s.
INTERIOR
Inside this Ford, bolstered seats, which feature embossed Cobra insignias, ride opposite a monochromatic, leather-wrapped steering wheel that's adorned with convenient thumb buttons. The dash is a familiar Mustang layout, which frames satin-trimmed instruments and a programmable "SVT" shift light. Below that dash, a powerful Shaker 500 stereo combines MP3 compatibility with a 6-disc CD changer to become a one-stop shop for all your audio entertainment needs. Below that stereo, a short-throw shifter leads an impressive console that, like the aforementioned steering wheel, is detailed in red French stitching. Beneath that console, rich carpet flows past color-keyed floor mats and metal-trimmed foot pedals to "SVT" branded sills. And naturally, all the luxuries you'd expect in a high dollar modern car are ready and waiting including: cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, a power driver's seat and Remote Keyless Entry.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Here's a look at this factory-fresh Shelby's factory-supplied window sticker:
STANDARD EQUIPMENT INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
18 x 9.5 bright machined aluminum wheelsOPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Black cloth convertible roof ($00)STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE: $46,755
TOTAL OPTIONS: $2,910
DESTINATION & DELIVERY: $745
TOTAL MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $50,410
ASSEMBLED IN: Flat Rock, Michigan
DELIVERED TO: Johnson Family Ford in Woodlawn, Virginia
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
The aforementioned window stickerConsidering its supercharged mod motor, great chassis dynamics and instantly recognizable looks, it's hard to beat this Ford's mix of desirability and affordability. Add in the Shelby name, limited production and super low miles and this thoroughbred starts to look like a great buy. If you have room for one of the baddest production Mustangs ever assembled, don't miss the chance to own this awesome GT500 convertible!