Years before little drivers even get their learner’s permits, they dream of visiting a local Ford dealer and purchasing a Ford Mustang. With various models and editions, Mustangs have become the epidemy of the American sports car. Every Ford dealer in the country struggles to keep up the inventory to meet demand. That’s how hot this car is.
With the release of the new Ford Mustang Mach-E, an electric Mustang SUV, and the future of this American automaker, it’s important to remember where the Mustang has been to fully appreciate where it’s going.
With that in mind, here are the top five Mustangs to ever sit on a Ford dealer near you:
Ford Shelby Mustangs GT350
The GT350 is one of the most iconic versions of this nameplate ever made. This particular model was the last edition that was completely focused on owning the track. Its V8 engine produced a solid 305 horsepower, which made it an ideal trans-am racer. Throw in the stylish racing stripe, and you can see why this one will stand out in the history books.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
The Mach 1 earns its claim to fame by being one of the fastest Mustangs ever made. It hit the road in 1969 and could be equipped with a V8 Cobra Jet engine that left many a skid mark on the road. Fans of this classic sports car were beyond excited when it went back into production in 2003 and came with an exterior designed to match the original.
Bullitt Mustangs
The 1968 Ford Mustang earned the nickname “Bullitt” based on its role in the Steve McQueen movie by the same name. While the original version of this car was pretty impressive, the relaunch in 2008 and 2009 revealed one of the best Mustangs ever made. It retained the original dark green paint job but threw in upgraded mechanics, amazing performance specs, and tons of modern tech features. This Mustang turned on an entirely new generation to this incredible brand.
Ford Mustang SVO
While the SVO didn’t have the same classic look that we associate with Mustangs, it practically introduced an entirely new dimension of handling. Before the SVO hit the road in 1984, tons of cars had turbocharged engines, but they didn’t enjoy much power. By the time Ford perfected the SVO engine, this four-cylinder produced an unheard-of 200 hp. With upgrades to the brakes, steering, suspension, and transmission, it also offered one of the most responsive rides of its time.
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
Between the years 1993 and 2004, the highest performing Mustang was known as the SVT Cobra R. It offered better handling and power than any other vehicle to take on this name. This coupe wasn’t just built to out style other vehicles on the road; it was meant to overpower them as well. The 5.0-liter V8 was a huge step up and made this edition one of the best Mustangs of all time.
