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Just email me at: paulpsschleicher@clubbers.net .
If you're a driving enthusiast, you owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Ford Mustang. Once that pony car hit the
market in 1964, affordable and stylish performance was finally in reach for the average American. Even though early
versions weren't exceptionally fast, it didn't take long for Ford to pump the car up with some real muscle. Shortly
after the first 'Stang hit the streets,
Only a few thousand of the original Ford Shelby GT500s were built from 1967-'70, and they've remained very popular
with Mustang enthusiasts and collectors. As expected, the modern version is obviously a much better car in terms of
comfort and overall performance. However, potential buyers of the modern-era GT500 should know that the first few
years of the car were let down by disappointing handling capabilities. Newer GT500s are much more appealing by
virtue of revised suspension tuning and massively more powerful engines.
Current Ford Shelby GT500
The Ford Shelby GT500 is the ultimate performance version of the Mustang and is available in both coupe and
convertible body styles. As the top horse in the stable, it boasts a number of significant upgrades. Chief among
them is an all-aluminum, supercharged 5.8-liter V8 that cranks out 662 horsepower and gives the coupe a top speed
of more than 200 mph (the convertible is electronically limited to 155 mph). That powerhouse is hooked up to a
six-speed manual gearbox and spins the rear tires through a limited-slip solid rear axle. There is also an
adjustable launch control system (allows the driver to select preferred launch rpm) as well as adjustable steering
assist.
Standard feature highlights for the GT500 include 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, leather
sport bucket seats, the Sync multimedia voice-control system and an audio system with a CD player, auxiliary/USB
audio jacks and satellite radio.
Option highlights include a glass roof for the coupe, a navigation system (with HD radio and dual-zone climate
control), an upgraded sound system and a handful of performance packages (should a standard GT500 somehow be
lacking). The latter include such ultra-performance hardware as adjustable Bilstein dampers, even larger Brembo
brakes and separate engine oil, rear differential and transmission cooling systems.
In reviews we've been impressed by this Shelby GT500's incredible performance potential, precise gearbox, crisp
steering response, agile handling, fairly comfortable ride and solid cabin quality. Also making this supercar an
agreeable daily driver are its supportive seats and thoughtful features such as the Sync system and
hard-drive-based navigation system.
Used Ford Shelby GT500 Models
The reincarnated Shelby GT500 debuted for 2007. At the time, its supercharged 5.4-liter V8 had an iron block and
produced 500 hp. Standard front-seat side airbags and optional xenon headlights arrived the following year.
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