Reason people love Muscle cars :

1. Need for speed
2. Looks
3. Roaring sound of the engines
4. Novelty of owning it and guaranteed head-turner
5. A bold statement that you make “ I am what I am”

Reasons people dislike muscle cars :

1. Not practical to drive for daily use
2. Fuel guzzlers
3. Higher emissions

Given a chance to list the classic muscle cars, most of them would list 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, 1969 Ford Boss 429 Mustang, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Chevrolet Chevelle SS, 1970 Dodge Charger, 1971 Plymouth HemiCuda, 1970 Pontiac GTO, and 1970 Buick GSX etc. Considering the successful muscle cars produced we can say that 1965 is the beginning of muscle car era which lasted for more than a decade. So among the list what made Ford Mustang Shelby a special one?

History :

Automotive legend Carroll Shelby was the brain behind designing high performance cars for Ford, namely Ford Mustang Shelby. The first car was Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 manufactured in 1965. The same year saw the race version of the car called as Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R. The most notable achievement happened in 1967, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 was released. Till day this car is a favorite for fans. Years rolled by and different versions was released. The latest one is 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Carroll Shelby has made the word Ford Mustang synonymous to his name.

The Car :

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 had a 4 speed manual transmission with a V8 engine which produces horsepower of 355hp @ 5400rpm and torque of about 420nm@3200rpm. It won the hearts of enthusiasts for its straight-line speed and was an instant hit. Among many other features include sporty stripes, lowered suspension with coilovers, hood mounted air scoop and side exhaust pipes with glasspak mufflers. Those who own this beauty feels its bang for the buck. The car found itself in the top slot in a poll conducted to its readers by MSN Autos for 10 greatest muscle cars of all time.

2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 :

In Movies :

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby codenamed Eleanor featured in the film “Gone in 60 Seconds” released in the year 2000. Replicas of Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 were made for the film and few of them were totaled because of the damage during the stunt sequences. Cinema vehicle services supplied cars for the movie. Later the car was displayed in Auto shows, car fairs and auto races. It was sold at an auction for $1 million. After the movie release, there is surge in demand for Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The catchy phrase “If you leave the car unlocked, it will be gone in 60 seconds” became popular.

Bottom-line : The definition of a muscle car will vary from person to person. But only few cars live up to the expectation of muscle car fans. Ford Mustang Shelby is for sure one among them. Ford Mustang Shelby with its timeless design lived by Carroll Shelby’s motto “Performance is my business”. It reflects the glorious past of Ford, Carroll Shelby and will continue to do so even in the coming era.