The legendary partnership between Carroll Shelby and Ford Mustang ignited in 1965 with the birth of the Shelby GT350. This collaboration injected raw power and aggressive styling into the already popular Mustang, creating an instant icon. In 1967, the Shelby GT500, boasting a big block engine, further solidified the Mustang’s status in muscle car history. Forty years later, the legacy roared back with the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, hailed as the most potent factory Mustang ever produced. But did this modern iteration truly capture the magic of the Shelby name and deliver on its promise of unparalleled power?
The Mustang and Shelby combination has always been synonymous with high performance. For the creators of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, the challenge was immense: to craft a vehicle that not only honored the Shelby heritage but also pushed the boundaries of Mustang performance to new heights.
Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), under the watchful eye of Carroll Shelby himself, started with the robust foundation of the contemporary Mustang chassis. They then meticulously integrated a suite of premium performance components, transforming the GT500 into 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, accompanied by a staggering 480 pound-feet of torque. This peak 2007 Mustang Shelby Gt500 Horsepower figure is achieved through an intercooled Roots-type supercharger, delivering 8.5 pounds of boost, and enhanced by high-flow cylinder heads borrowed from the prestigious Ford GT.
To effectively harness and transmit 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 enables 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, the presence of even a slight amount of moisture can compromise traction, leading to wheelspin and hindering the launch. Despite this, the GT500’s power delivery is remarkably broad and its revving character is exceptionally free, devoid of the rough edges often associated with classic Shelby Mustangs.
In line with its muscle car DNA, the GT500 isn’t designed for fuel efficiency. Nevertheless, government fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, with a real-world average of 17 mpg using premium gasoline, represent an improvement over the fuel consumption of muscle cars from the 1960s.
The GT500’s capabilities extend beyond sheer engine power. Ford aimed to engineer a car that was equally adept at cornering as it was at straight-line acceleration. SVT engineers refined the shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars to achieve this balance. The 3-link Panhard rod rear suspension draws inspiration from Ford Racing’s Mustang FR500C competition car. The car rides on robust 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with performance tires—45-series in the front and 40-series in the rear.
During testing at Summit Point Raceway’s Jefferson Circuit, the heavier powertrain did contribute to some initial push in tight corners. However, this sensation dissipated mid-corner as power was applied, resulting in a very balanced and controlled feel.
The GT500 truly excels in long, sweeping corners. The steering is responsive, offering excellent weight and feedback. While exhibiting slightly more body roll than anticipated, the handling represents a significant advancement over the standard Mustang GT, although perhaps not the quantum leap expected given Shelby’s racing pedigree.
Braking performance is where the GT500 truly shines, rivaling 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 decelerate from 60 mph to a standstill in just 121 feet. These brakes maintain their impressive power and feel even after repeated laps under demanding conditions.
The GT500’s visual appearance is as striking as its performance, with aggressive yet refined styling cues. The front fascia is deeper, featuring 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 vintage-style ducktail spoiler. Shelby and Cobra emblems are prominently displayed, including a Cobra badge reminiscent of the original gas cap.
The interior, however, adopts a more understated approach. While functional, it lacks the overt retro flair of the exterior. The leather seats offer enhanced lateral support for spirited driving and are embossed with Cobra logos, although only red cars receive color-keyed center panels. The gauge cluster features an SVT-style speedometer and tachometer, swapped in position to prioritize the driver’s view of the RPM. The three-spoke steering wheel also sports a Cobra badge. Beyond these details, the interior retains the familiar Mustang twin-cockpit layout—unassuming yet clean and functional.
Reflecting its Shelby lineage and high-performance nature, the GT500 commands the highest price tag among factory Mustangs. The GT500 coupe had a starting price of $42,975, while the convertible version started at $47,800. For those seeking a more accessible option, Ford announced the upcoming retail release of the Shelby GT, a 325-horsepower model initially built for Hertz rentals, positioned to be significantly more affordable than the GT500.
The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 arrived four decades after the original GT500. Similar to its predecessor, it takes a remarkable car design and elevates it to its full potential. It is a vehicle that is both remarkably capable and surprisingly refined, rightfully earning its place as a true Shelby.
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
