Vehicle Description
Any Mustang with the Shelby name attached to it is bound to be
special, but some are more special than others. If you like the
looks of the late-model Shelbys but either don't want the GT500's
massive sticker or its rather ubiquitous presence at events, then
this 2008 Shelby GT provides a nice change of pace. Nicely
maintained and showing only 14,002 original miles, it's probably a
safe bet that the collectors of tomorrow will think this is a very
special car.
The GT slotted in below the GT500 but above the standard Mustang
GT, and was built on the success of the Shelby GT-H Hertz
rent-a-racer. Only about 2300 were built, coupes and convertibles,
and the vivid Vista Blue paint with silver stripes was exclusive to
the GT and became its signature color. The Shelby GT added a deeper
front air dam, a special billet grille with offset Mustang emblem,
a hood scoop and hood pins, and the requisite Shelby emblems and
badges. Out back, you get big SHELBY block letters as well as a
diffuser panel under the bumper and twin exhaust tips that shine
brightly against the Vista Blue paint. With so few miles, it
shouldn't be a surprise that this car looks and feels almost new,
with only one or two small nicks that show it's been driven in the
real world. It isn't subtle, but it is a cleanly built package that
eschews the usual Shelby overkill and instead delivers one of the
best-looking Mustangs in recent memory.
The interior remains the same fantastic Mustang you've grown to
know and love, with black leather being the dominant theme.
Sculpted buckets are all-day comfortable, the instrument panel is
equal parts retro and state-of-the-art, and the packaging job on
the airbag steering wheel is nothing short of miraculous. As a
Shelby, you do, of course, get a signed, numbered plaque on the
dash, as well as a Hurst cue ball shifter for the 5-speed manual
transmission. Everything else is standard Mustang equipment,
including A/C, cruise control, power windows, locks, seats, and
mirrors, plus a thumping AM/FM/CD stereo system with speakers
throughout the passenger compartment. All of it looks almost new,
including the driver's seat, making this a great choice for future
preservation. The Mustang provides a reasonably-sized trunk, but
the Shelby guys got rid of the spare tire in the quest for more
performance and less weight; fortunately, the owner found a correct
spare and reinstalled it where it belongs, just in case.
Ford's 4.6 liter V8 got a few tweaks for duty in the Shelby GT,
starting with a cold air induction system and the Ford Racing Power
Upgrade Package, which ups output to 319 horsepower and 330 pounds
of torque. There's also a strut tower brace that really makes a
statement in the tidy engine bay and reminds everyone that this is
no garden-variety Mustang. The only notable change is a set of BBK
headers, but the original manifolds are included with the car.
Underneath there's an X-pipe exhaust system that gives the Shelby a
distinctive sound, and as you can see, this car really hasn't been
driven much at all; it's insanely clean. Big disc brakes were part
of the Mustang's standard equipment, and they've been enhanced with
a set of drilled rotors and upgraded Shelby calipers. It also uses
the Ford Racing Handling Pack with specially tuned shocks and
struts, lowering springs, oversized sway bars, and a 3.55 gearset
out back. The last part was sticky rubber: 235/50/18 Michelin Pilot
radials on gorgeous 5-spoke wheels (the original wheels are
available, too).
One of the best balances between looks and performance, price and
exclusivity, this Shelby GT is well documented, nicely preserved,
and ready to be sparingly enjoyed as it appreciates. Call
today!
