The Ford Mustang may be the most recognized American car in history. With a powerful V8 and stylish good looks, the Mustang has enjoyed decades of success, creating a loyal following of Mustang fanatics that rivals that of other American icons like the Corvette.
Much of its success and legendary status can be attributed to the various special edition models Ford has created over the years. Designed for the street, drag strip, or track, these low-volume, high-performance specials have excited even the most enthusiastic Mustang followers.
Here are eight of the best Mustangs to ever roll off the showroom floor:
While the 289 Mustang was not the first model released, it arrived a short four months after the original Mustang’s introduction. Equipped with a 200-hp., 289-cu.-in. (4.7-ltr.) V8 and two-barrel carburetor, the fast, agile, and stylish Mustang proved wildly popular and inspired a host of competition. It captured the imagination of the public and kicked off the so-called “Pony Car” craze that is still alive and well to this day.
Many Mustang enthusiasts consider the 1965 Shelby GT 350 to be the best Mustang ever. The engineers at Ford and Shelby modified the 289-cubic-inch V8 power plant to produce a remarkable (for the period) 306 horsepower engine. The engine was called the “Cobra hi-riser” due to its high-riser intake manifold. The 1965 Shelby also removed the unnecessary rear seats; a move that was considered revolutionary at the time. The 1965 Shelby G.T. 350s were Wimbledon White and painted with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes.
In 1968, auto dealers in California convinced the Ford Motor Company to create a special version of the Mustang specifically for their state. Shelby Automotive, part of Ford at the time, was assigned the task of designing and engineering the GT/CS. Called the California Special, the car borrowed heavily from the styling elements of the earlier Shelby Mustangs. It looked sportier and drove faster than previous Mustangs. Only 4118 of these cars were produced. Today, they are in high demand by collectors and have sold at auction for more than $500,000.
Two very special Mustangs came into production in 1969 using the Boss moniker. Equipped with the smaller engine of the two, the Boss 302 was a near race car for the street. Designed to meet SCCA Trans-Am regulations, its exterior was stripped of any unneeded body cladding, a front lip spoiler was added, and it was fitted with an upgraded suspension and brakes.
However, as impressive as the Boss 302 was, the Boss 429 was superior. Ford made special modifications to the Mustang’s engine compartment to accommodate the 429-cubic-inch big-block V8 capable of producing 375 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque (the actual output was well over 500 horsepower).
In total, there were only 1358 original Boss 429s manufactured. Prized by automotive collectors and historians, many consider the Mustang Boss 429 to be the ultimate Mustang, for its exceptional style, impressive power, and excellent performance.
The name Mach 1 implied speed and, indeed, this Mustang was very fast. First introduced in 1969, the Mach 1 offered three beefy V8 options, including the monster 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet, and was only available in the “SportsRoof” (fastback) body style, never in the hardtop or convertible version.
The Mach 1 offered several engine options in 1971, including the 302-cu.in.-based Windsor motor, four 351-cu.in. Cleveland engines, and, at the top, were two 429-cu.in. high-performance mills. Probably the most recognizable feature of the ’71-’73 Mustangs is the unique hood with dual scoops. Though available as a visual, non-functional item, they could be made fully functional on models ordered with the Ram Air option.
The Mach 1 was featured in several films—most notable were the James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and a yellow 1973 Mach 1 was driven by H. B. Halicki in the 1974 film Gone in 60 Seconds.
The 1978 Mustang King Cobra is perhaps an exception to many of the downsized cars that epitomized the 1970s. The automobile marketplace was adjusting to the fuel crisis, increasing insurance rates, stricter emission standards, safety regulations, and downturns in the economy.
The King Cobra featured the then-innovative cobra snake hood decal and metal-spoked wheels with dash inserts. Offered only in a T-top, this car had style and power in equal measure. To help bolster The King Cobra’s performance image, it was available only with the V8.
Although criticized for being based on the much-maligned “Mustang II” that came out in 1976, the King Cobra was a dramatic improvement that included all the right exterior upgrades to look like a proper muscle car. With its 70s look, the King Cobra remains one of the top-selling Mustangs of all time and a favorite of Mustang purists everywhere.
The 2008 Mustang released by Ford was meant as a tribute to the classic 1968 movie Bullitt on its 40th anniversary. During the movie, actor Steve McQueen drives a Ford Mustang GT Fastback in what is, arguably, the best car chase in cinematic history. The 2008 signature Mustang Bullitt came complete with the same dark green paint and black wheels as the one featured in the film.
The Bullitt used a version of the Mustang GT’s aluminum 4.6 L SOHC V8. A cold air intake, improved engine calibration, and a revised exhaust system were designed to mimic the sound of the Mustang used in the Bullitt movie. The gas cover on the 2008 Mustang is even inscribed with the word “Bullitt” on it. The powerful V8 engine, oversized wheels, and retro styling of the 2008 edition make this car a true collector’s item. Certainly, Steve McQueen himself would have been proud to get behind the wheel of this car.
What makes this car deserving of a place in the halls of Mustang lore is that it manages to do such a great job of mixing the old with the new. It still has great power with a 5.2-liter, 526 hp., 429 lb-ft of torque, V8, capable of reaching a zero-to-60-mph speed in 4.3 seconds. That’s the old.
The new focuses on the multilink rear axle. The new live rear axle gives the Mustang its best handling capability ever. Ford finally built a muscle car that can hold its own through corners. Manufactured in limited numbers for the 2016 model year and available in Grabber Blue starting for the 2017 model year, the GT350R is the creme de la creme of Ford performance cars.
While this list is by no means complete, it represents some of the finest Mustang cars ever built and demonstrates the commitment Ford Motor Company had through the years of producing a muscle car that would be the envy of its competitors.
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