The collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Ford Mustang began in 1965 with the iconic Shelby GT350. This partnership injected high performance into the already popular Ford Mustang, creating an instant legend. In 1967, the introduction of the big-block Shelby GT500 further solidified the Mustang’s place in muscle car history. Forty years later, the legend was reignited with the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Boasting the title of the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced at the time, the question was not about power, but whether this new Shelby Mustang was a worthy successor to its legendary predecessors.
The Shelby and Mustang combination has always been synonymous with formidable performance. The challenge for the engineers behind the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 was to create an exceptional vehicle that not only honored the Shelby legacy but also elevated it for a new generation.
Built upon the robust foundation of the contemporary Mustang chassis, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), with guidance from Carroll Shelby himself, incorporated a suite of high-performance components to forge the most formidable production Mustang to date.
At the heart of this beast lies a supercharged 5.4-liter, 330 cubic-inch, twin-cam V8 engine. This powerhouse churns out an impressive 500 horsepower along with a substantial 480 pound-feet of torque. This peak power is achieved through an intercooled Roots-type supercharger generating 8.5 pounds of boost, complemented by high-flow cylinder heads derived from the Ford GT supercar.
To effectively manage and deliver this immense power to the rear wheels, the GT500 is equipped with a heavy-duty 6-speed manual transmission and clutch. Under ideal launch conditions, this setup allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, and conquer the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at a speed of 112 mph.
However, less-than-perfect conditions, such as a damp surface, can lead to wheelspin and impede the launch. Despite this, the GT500’s power delivery is remarkably broad and responsive, maintaining a free-revving nature without the raw, untamed feel sometimes associated with classic Shelby Mustangs.
In line with muscle car tradition, the GT500 is not designed for fuel efficiency. Nevertheless, its government-rated fuel economy of 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, with a real-world average of 17 mpg on premium gasoline, represents an improvement over the gas-guzzling muscle cars of the 1960s.
The GT500 is more than just raw engine power. Ford aimed to make this new Shelby Mustang as adept in cornering as it is in straight-line acceleration. SVT engineers refined the shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars to achieve this. The 3-link Panhard rod rear suspension is inspired by the Ford Racing Mustang FR500C competition car. The vehicle rides on sturdy 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with performance tires: 45-series in the front and 40-series in the rear.
During testing on the tight corners of Summit Point Raceway’s Jefferson Circuit, the heavier powertrain of the GT500 did exhibit some initial push. However, this sensation diminished as power was applied mid-corner, resulting in a well-balanced driving experience.
The GT500 truly excels in long, sweeping corners. The steering is responsive, providing excellent feedback and weight. While there is a bit more body roll than anticipated, the handling is a definite enhancement compared to the standard Mustang GT, although perhaps not the revolutionary leap one might expect given Shelby’s racing heritage.
Braking performance in the GT500 is comparable to that of a race car. Massive 14-inch Brembo cross-drilled rotors with 4-piston calipers at the front, and 13-inch vented discs at the rear, enable the car to stop from 60 mph in an impressive 121 feet. These brakes maintain their exceptional stopping power and feel even under repeated hard use.
The GT500’s aesthetics also convey a race-inspired character, characterized by aggressive yet refined styling cues. The front end features a deeper fascia with blacked-out grilles and a functional air splitter. The sculpted hood, adorned with traditional Lemans stripes on the hardtop version, incorporates functional heat extractors near the front edge. The rear is distinguished by a classic ducktail spoiler. Shelby and Cobra emblems are prominent throughout, including a Cobra badge designed to resemble the original gas cap.
The interior, however, leans towards a more understated design, lacking the overt retro styling of the exterior. The leather seats offer enhanced lateral support for spirited driving and feature embossed Cobra logos, although only red car interiors receive color-keyed center panels. The gauge cluster includes an SVT-style speedometer and tachometer, reversed in position to prioritize driver visibility of the RPM. The three-spoke steering wheel also sports a Cobra badge. Beyond these details, the interior maintains the familiar Mustang twin-cockpit layout – clean and functional, if not overly flamboyant.
Reflecting its Shelby pedigree, the GT500 commands the highest price tag of any factory Mustang. The GT500 coupe had a starting price of $42,975, and the GT500 convertible started at $47,800. For those seeking a more accessible option, Ford announced the Shelby GT, a retail version of the Shelby GT-Hertz rental car. This 325-horsepower model offered a more budget-friendly entry point to the Shelby Mustang experience.
Forty years separated the original GT500 from the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Like its predecessor, the 2007 GT500 takes a great car design and elevates it to a new level of performance and refinement. It is a vehicle that is both remarkably capable and surprisingly sophisticated, rightfully earning its place as a true Shelby Mustang.
Specifications
- Engine: 5.4-Liter Twin-cam V8
- Horsepower: 500
- Torque: 480 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.9 Seconds @ 112 MPH
- 60-0 MPH: 121 Feet
- EPA: 13 MPG City/ 21 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 17 MPG
