The 8 Essential Mustangs

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:

Original 1964 ½ (1965) Ford Mustang 289

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.

1965 Shelby GT 350

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.

1968 Mustang GT/CS California Special

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.

1969 Boss 429

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.

Ford Mustang Mach 1

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.

1978 King Cobra

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.

2008 Mustang Bullitt

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.

2016 Shelby GT350

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

10 Fastest American Cars Ever Made

The American auto industry is in an era some people call the second coming of the golden age of vehicle production. The sheer power of muscle cars that once shook American highways during the 1960s and 1970s is reborn with contemporary technologies and designs. Many American-made vehicles in production today compete with or are even superior to the supercars from European master mechanics.

So, what are the fastest American cars ever made? Well, the term “fastest cars” in relation to vehicle speed can be considered several ways. First, the term “fastest cars” could relate to a vehicle’s acceleration speed. Acceleration speed is how quickly a vehicle can travel from 0 miles per hour (MPH), or resting, to another predetermined speed—usually to 60 MPH.

Second, the term “fastest cars” could refer to a vehicle’s potential top speed. A vehicle’s potential top speed can be defined as the maximum speed a vehicle could achieve under any operating condition.

Finally, the term “fastest cars” could relate to a vehicle’s sustainable top speed. A vehicle’s sustainable top speed refers to how fast a vehicle can travel at a constant rate without damaging its mechanical integrity.

American auto manufacturers produce their vehicles with safety and integrity in mind. American vehicle manufacturers integrate speed governors into their vehicles for the benefit of the vehicle’s equipment and the consumer’s investment. For example, if a car’s tires are speed tested to handle 200 MPH, then the vehicle’s speed governor will be calibrated to prevent that car from exceeding 200 MPH. Therefore, many of the fastest manufactured cars in America have potential top speeds greater than their factory calibrated sustainable top speeds.

We have compiled a top ten list that focuses on the fastest manufactured American made cars of all time that have sustainable tops speeds and maintain a street-legal status. Where there are discrepancies between models with similar sustainable top speeds, acceleration speed is also considered.

There are many privately built and customized vehicles in America. There are also many unique American-made vehicle prototypes that could leave the fastest manufactured vehicles in a cloud of burnt rubber. These vehicle types will not be considered on this list.

Here are the top 10 fastest street legal, sustainable speed, American-manufactured cars ever made:

10. Tesla P90D

Although the Tesla P90D is among many vehicles with a 155 MPH sustainable top speed, it is a noteworthy way to start the list because of its sheer internal power. The P90D packs an impressive 762 horsepower under the hood. Surely, without a speed governor, this 762-horsepower beast could go much faster.

However, the P90D is one of the most luxurious fastest American cars, and it is also among the very fastest when considering acceleration speed. The P90D’s acceleration speed is an awesome 0-60 MPH in just 2.8 seconds. This may not be the fastest sustainable speed car made in America, but it is competing with the top 3 for quickest acceleration speed.

9. Ford Shelby GT350

This Mustang has a sustainable speed of 180 MPH. Unlike its predecessors, however, the Shelby GT350 provides its driver several advantages. First, the vehicle’s handling has been significantly improved since earlier Shelby models. The car was also lightened by removing the rear seat and air conditioner. Also, the wheels are not made from carbon fiber. Considering these new features, combined with the vehicle’s 526 horsepower V8 engine, the GT350 can make 0-60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds. It is proudly produced in Flat Rock, Michigan.

8. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The supercharged 650 horsepower V8 in the Camaro ZL1 has a sustainable speed of 184 MPH. Overall, the Ford Shelby GT350 is widely considered a superior vehicle. However, an updated version of the ZL1 is expected sometime in 2017. This updated ZL1 is expected to compete with the GT350 for best overall muscle car for sheer power and overall value.

Where sustainable top speed is concerned, the ZL1 still beats the GT350 by a few MPH. It also slightly edges out the Shelby in acceleration speed, making it from 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds. This is another American-made beast assembled in Michigan.

7. Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Chevrolet has always been a top competitor when it comes to American sports cars, and the Corvette Z06 helps prove their worth. Although some Corvettes from Chevrolet’s past broke the iconic 200 MPH mark, the Z06 keeps its sustainable top speed at a comfortable 185 MPH.

What makes this model special, compared to its antiquated predecessors, is its refined design and 650 horsepower V8 engine. The 0-60 acceleration speed of only 2.95 seconds testifies to the massive power of this vehicle and helps assure its place as the 7^th fastest sustainable speed American-made vehicle of all time.

6. Dodge Hellcat Challenger

Many believe Fiat Chrysler automobiles outdid themselves with the creation of the Dodge Hellcat Challenger. Not only does this vehicle look like a contemporary version of golden age muscle cars, but it also houses an enormous 707 horsepower supercharged V8 for less than 60,000 dollars.

The Hellcat Challenger comes in at number 6 of America’s fastest cars ever made because of its sustainable top speed of 199 MPH and 0-60 acceleration speed of 3.9 seconds. The Hellcat is unique because it is also available with an automatic transmission, which increases the acceleration speed to 3.6 seconds.

5. Equus Bass 770

Another powerhouse from the state of Michigan, this 640-horsepower sports car was revealed in 2014 and can maintain a sustainable top speed of 200 MPH. The Equus Bass gained a reputation not only for its speed and overall power but, also, for its design. Its design combines classic elements of the ‘67 Mustang Fastback, the ‘68 Camaro, and the ’71 Plymouth Satellite. The Bass 770 can accelerate from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds.

4. Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac has a reputation for combining quality, luxury, and power. Known as “the four-door Corvette” among auto enthusiasts, the Cadillac CTS-V achieves a sustainable top speed of 200 MPH. The Plymouth Superbird was also a contender for the number 4 spot, but it got pushed out because of this Cadillac’s acceleration speed. The CTS-V’s 640 horsepower supercharged V8 allows it to go from 0-60 MPH in only 3.7 seconds, also making in one of the fastest sedans on the market.

3. Dodge Hellcat Charger

If you like fast sedans, then you’ll love the Dodge Hellcat Charger. The Hellcat Charger is American made but is the fastest manufactured sedan in the world. With a sustainable top speed of 204 MPH and an acceleration speed of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, this car just edges out the Cadillac CTS-V for the number-three fastest American car ever made. Housing a 707-horsepower engine under the hood, it’s not hard to see why.

2. Dodge SRT Viper

This massive 645 horsepower V10 engine can safely propel the Dodge Viper SRT at a sustainable top speed of 206 MPH. The SRT also has one of the fastest acceleration speeds of any American-made vehicle: 0-60 in 3.0 seconds. This vehicle is a testament to Dodge’s devotion to extraordinary sports car design and manufacturing, and it is another victory for Michigan automotive manufacturing since it is assembled in Detroit.

1. Hennessey Venom GT

The Hennessey Venom GT is the king of American-made sports cars. Although not as widely produced or affordable as many of the other cars on this list, the Hennessey Venom has the fastest sustainable top speed of any car in the world: 253 MPH (it can reach 270 MPH), and it has a 1,244 horsepower Twin Turbocharged V8 under the hood.

The 1,200 horsepower can propel this vehicle from 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds, and it can accelerate from 0-200 MPH in just 14.5 seconds. This car is proudly manufactured at Hennessey Performance Engineering in Texas.

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