In an era where automotive engineering often prioritizes seamless refinement and predictable experiences, the thrill of raw, visceral driving can feel like a forgotten art. Modern cars, with their intuitive interfaces and muted sensations, sometimes lack the captivating “magic” that ignites a true passion for driving. They can be as dependable, yet as unexciting, as a household appliance. Enter the Ford Mustang Shelby GT, a refreshing antidote to this automotive sameness. Recently, I ventured into the stark beauty of California’s Mojave Desert, culminating in a test drive at Willow Springs Raceway, to truly experience the Shelby GT. Far from bland, the experience was, in a word, unforgettable.
This Shelby GT is conceived as an accessible iteration of the 2006 Shelby GT-H, a special edition Mustang exclusively available through Hertz rental services. It inherits key performance enhancements: a lowered stance by 1.5 inches, firmer springs, upgraded dampers and anti-roll bars, and a front strut tower brace. The engine benefits from a less restrictive intake and exhaust system. Adding a touch of exclusivity, a numbered plaque, personally signed by Carroll Shelby, graces the dashboard. While some might see this as another special edition in Ford’s Mustang lineage, designed to boost sales of its iconic pony car, the Shelby GT offers more than just cosmetic tweaks. Even today, its bold and muscular lines command attention. Shelby’s visual enhancements, including eighteen-inch wheels with a “mag” style, hood pins, and a billet grille, might lean towards the assertive, but they contribute to the car’s playful character. During the launch event, journalists eagerly lined up to experience this car. It begs the question: when was the last time a rental Ford generated such genuine excitement?
The Shelby GT delivers on its promise of memorable sensations from the moment you open its weighty door and settle into the dark, leather-appointed cabin. Dominating your forward view through the low windshield is a prominent hood scoop. This isn’t a subtle air vent; it’s a substantial, riveted scoop, complete with racing stripes – a genuine throwback to the golden era of muscle cars. While functionally decorative, it sets the tone for the Shelby GT’s retro charm.
Positioned at the base of the center console is another deliberate nod to the past: a Hurst short-throw shifter topped with a cue ball knob. Engaging gears with this shifter is an exercise in physicality. It requires considerable effort to navigate the lever through its short, notchy H-pattern, feeling almost as if the mechanism is intentionally resistant. Stylistically, it harmonizes perfectly with the Mustang’s 1960s-inspired interior. Crucially, unlike the automatic-only Hertz GT-H, this Shelby offers a five-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists.
The significance of the manual transmission becomes immediately clear upon ignition. The exhaust note emanating from the Shelby’s pipes is pure automotive fantasy: deep, resonant, powerful, and undeniably loud. It sends shivers down your spine. Coupled with the manual gearbox, this intoxicating soundtrack encourages a playful disregard for societal norms, from gratuitous revving at traffic lights to unrestrained bursts of wide-open throttle on the open road.
Ford states that the upgraded exhaust and intake system contribute to a 19-horsepower increase over the standard Mustang GT, resulting in a total output of 319 horsepower. This is more than ample power for exhilarating driving, particularly given the 4.6-liter V8 engine’s robust and smooth torque delivery in the mid-range. While low-end torque is surprisingly modest, the Shelby GT achieves a zero to 60 mph sprint in approximately five seconds. However, the Shelby’s handling dynamics are, shall we say, rooted in a different era.
Drivers familiar with the standard Mustang will recognize its light, somewhat vague steering, its tendency towards understeer, and a general softness in its suspension. The Shelby’s firmer suspension components offer only marginal improvements. Body control is tighter, and the car feels slightly more planted. Yet, navigating Willow Springs’ fast, sweeping corners in the Shelby still resulted in moments of uncertainty, with the steering feeling imprecise and reactions somewhat delayed.
And then there are the brakes – another “memorable” aspect. The brake pedal lacks initial bite and feels disconcertingly soft. More concerningly, when applying the brakes at high speeds, the Shelby GT exhibits a noticeable live-axle wiggle. The rear end becomes unsettled and uneasy as the front dives under braking. Despite these dynamic quirks, the leather upholstery of the seat cushions remained unscathed. It must be durable material.
Realistically, the typical Mustang Shelby GT owner isn’t aiming for track day glory. More likely, they envision cruising down main street, attracting admiring glances from fellow automotive enthusiasts, or enjoying spirited drives on winding mountain roads, reveling in the resonant echo of the exhaust. In such scenarios, the Shelby’s charm becomes undeniable.
But this nostalgic experience comes at a price. The MSRP for this dose of blue-oval bravado is $36,970. And ironically, all the performance upgrades are available separately through the Ford Racing catalog, totaling an additional $2,656. Factor in a few thousand more for installation onto a base $25,840 Mustang GT. Ultimately, you might be paying a significant premium for that commemorative plaque. Indeed, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT leaves a lasting impression, though perhaps not entirely for the reasons one might expect.
