The Ford Mustang, a name synonymous with American muscle and automotive allure, has captivated enthusiasts for decades. Spanning six generations and numerous iterations, pinpointing the “Best Mustang” is a thrilling debate. While subjective, certain models stand out, embodying the spirit, performance, and innovation that define this iconic pony car. From raw power to refined handling, let’s explore some of the best Mustangs that have graced roads and racetracks, solidifying their place in automotive history.
9. 2003 SVT Cobra R: A Rare Breed of Performance
In the Mustang’s storied sixty-year journey, there have been periods of evolution and revolution. While the second-generation and early Fox body years are often viewed as less inspiring, the SVT Cobra R emerged as a beacon of Ford’s commitment to high-performance Mustangs. Amidst the SN95 and New Edge eras, which, despite their own merits, didn’t fully ignite the enthusiast passion, Ford unleashed a beast. The 2003 SVT Cobra R, with its aggressive wing, pronounced chin spoiler, and flared arches, hinted at the potent 385 horsepower (283kW) lurking within its 5.4-liter V8 engine. Limited to a mere 300 units, this rare model signaled Ford’s intentions to elevate the Mustang into a serious performance contender for the modern era.
Aggressive styling of the 2003 SVT Cobra R Mustang, showcasing its racing pedigree.
8. 2007 GT500 KR: Reigniting the King of the Road
The 2007 GT500 KR served as resounding confirmation that the Mustang was back in the performance game. Building upon the retro-styled fifth-generation Mustang, the Shelby GT500 KR – short for “King of the Road” – paid homage to the legendary 1968 original. This Mustang was all about raw muscle, boasting a formidable 547 horsepower (403kW). It featured enhanced performance suspension, a robust rear axle to manage the immense power, and strategic lightweighting to maximize its capabilities. However, the GT500 KR also served as a crucial reminder: for a high-performance Mustang to truly excel in the modern automotive landscape, it needed more than just brute force.
Retro-inspired design of the 2007 Shelby GT500 KR Mustang, a modern take on a classic legend.
7. 2011 Boss 302: Corner Carving Pony
American cars have never been shy on horsepower. The challenge, traditionally, lay in handling – braking effectively and confidently navigating corners. However, the second-generation S-197 Mustang Boss 302, reviving the iconic nameplate from the late 1960s and early 1970s, heralded a shift in focus. This Mustang prioritized cornering prowess and overall driving enjoyment alongside power. It featured adjustable suspension, stiffer bushings, and an optional torque-sensing limited-slip differential. In a nod to its performance-oriented nature, it even shed some creature comforts, such as power seats, emphasizing its dedication to driving dynamics.
The 2011 Ford Mustang Boss 302, emphasizing handling and performance with its iconic styling.
Ford RS models including Sierra RS Cosworth and RS200, highlighting Ford's broader performance heritage beyond Mustang.
6. 2013 Shelby GT500: Unleashing the Trinity Engine
The strides made with the Boss 302, while significant, were arguably overshadowed by the sheer force of the 2013 Shelby GT500. Conceived as a grand finale for the S-197 platform, the facelifted GT500 debuted the monstrous 5.8-liter “Trinity” V8 engine. Exclusive to this single model year, the Trinity engine boasted an immense supercharger, generating a staggering 671 horsepower (494kW). This made it, by a considerable margin, the most powerful production Mustang to date. To put it in perspective, it was only a little over a decade since the Cobra R’s 380 horsepower (280kW) was considered exceptionally potent. The 2013 GT500 did offer an optional Performance package with adjustable Bilstein dampers and a Torsen differential, but the real limitation remained its live rear axle.
The powerful 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang, featuring the 'Trinity' V8 engine and aggressive styling.
5. 2015 Shelby GT350: The Voodoo Magic
The antiquated live axle finally made way for independent rear suspension with the arrival of the “global” S550 Mustang. This sixth-generation Mustang, designed for worldwide appeal and available in right-hand drive for the first time, presented a more refined and sophisticated pony car experience, both aesthetically and mechanically. The fully independent rear suspension delivered a significantly more composed and controlled ride. Wheel hop and axle tramp during hard acceleration became a thing of the past.
The S550 generation spawned several exceptional special editions, including the Bullitt, Mach 1, and another Shelby GT500. However, the Shelby GT350 stands out as the king of this generation for many enthusiasts. Its defining feature? The “Voodoo” engine. This naturally aspirated, flat-plane crank 5.2-liter V8 is widely regarded as one of the greatest-sounding internal combustion engines ever created. Its raw, aggressive resonance was so intense it was known to vibrate oil filters loose. This phenomenal engine produced 526 horsepower (392kW) at a screaming 8,250rpm. The GT350 was often compared to the E92 BMW M3, but with an even more untamed and visceral character – a true American performance icon, though sadly, primarily available in the US market.
The Shelby GT350 Mustang and its distinctive styling, housing the legendary 'Voodoo' engine.
4. 2024 GTD: Mustang Goes Supercar
The current seventh-generation Mustang has taken performance to an entirely new level of intensity. With the new Mustang GT3 entering prestigious races like Le Mans and Daytona, a road-going counterpart is also on the horizon. The GTD, named after the IMSA GT3 racing class, is truly a Mustang unlike any other. It incorporates a transaxle gearbox, inboard suspension, a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 targeting 800 horsepower (588kW), carbon fiber body panels, and GT3-inspired aerodynamics. The GTD elevates the Mustang to genuine supercar territory in terms of both performance and, for the first time, price. With a starting price exceeding £230,000, owning a GTD will be a privilege reserved for a select few. However, it promises to be an absolutely extraordinary machine.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 showcasing classic Mustang design and heritage.
3. 1969 Boss 302: The Original Track Star
The GTD is not the first instance of racing Mustangs inspiring road cars. Among the many iconic examples throughout Mustang history, the original Boss 302 holds a special place. Created to homologate a Trans Am race car – which propelled the legendary Parnelli Jones to a Trans-Am title in 1970 – the Boss 302 was Ford’s direct response to Chevrolet’s track-focused Z28 Camaro. Simultaneously, the Boss 429, a 7.0-liter behemoth, was developed to homologate the Mustang for Nascar competition. For many, the Boss 302 represents the quintessential classic Mustang aesthetic, a sentiment that resonates strongly, even when considering other design icons like the GT350 and notchback GT. Its enduring appeal is often celebrated at events like the Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport.
Shelby GT350 Mustang, a cornerstone of Mustang performance and racing history.
2. 1965 Shelby GT350: Genesis of Performance Mustangs
The Boss 302 was, in many ways, a successor to the original Mustang racer. It was Carroll Shelby and his skunkworks team who first conceived and built a dedicated racing and high-performance Mustang. Debuting in 1965, just a year after the Mustang’s initial launch, the GT350 utilized a Shelby-tuned 289 Ford V8 engine with a “high-rise” intake manifold. This was complemented by upgraded brakes, a refined chassis, and weight reduction measures, all aimed at delivering a track-focused driving experience. The GT350R, an even more hardcore, SCCA-compliant race car, saw a limited production run of only 34 units. This model represents the very genesis of the high-performance Ford Mustang lineage, the ancestor of every Shelby, Cobra, and SVT-badged Mustang that followed.
The original 1964 Ford Mustang, an icon of automotive design and accessibility.
1. 1964 Ford Mustang: The Original and Still the Best?
While outright speed and performance are key metrics for many “best of” lists, the original 1964 Ford Mustang earns the top spot for reasons beyond lap times. The Mustang’s enduring success stems from its unprecedented blend of desirability and accessibility. Its styling was revolutionary, a departure from the more conservative Ford Falcon platform upon which it was based. Yet, it remained attainable for the average American buyer. Affordable yet aspirational – this was the magic formula. Instead of the projected 100,000 annual sales, Ford sold a million Mustangs within its first two years. Remarkably, the Mustang has largely retained its affordability and, undeniably, its iconic pony car style, making it a true legend.
