When it comes to domestically-produced vehicles, three groups automatically come to mind. General Motors, Chrysler (now Stellantis), and Ford. These companies have been competing with one another for over a century by engineering the most interesting domestic sports cars ever made. The company that came out victorious of this century-long battle is Ford thanks to its Mustang.
Being the most popular pony car ever made, it is logical that the Mustang underwent a wide variety of treatments. When taking a detailed look at the evolution of the Ford Mustang, it is fair to say that the nameplate was always meant to succeed. Despite being labeled as a "secretary's car," the Mustang eventually became the best-selling pony car globally.
10 1965 Shelby GT350R Prototype
Carroll Shelby officially became involved with Ford back in 1961. With Ford supplying engines for what would eventually be known as the Shelby CSX0001. The Shelby AC Cobra became a huge hit. While the AC Cobra was wreaking havoc on the streets, Shelby was working on turning the Mustang into something that would annihilate the competition.
The GT350R Prototype is by far one of the coolest Shelby cars ever made. Fetching a whopping $3.85 million at auctions, the GT350R is the most expensive Mustang ever sold. Driven by Ken Miles, this beastly Mustang won numerous races. Underneath the hood sits a 289 cu in V8 that makes at least 350 hp depending on the configuration.
9 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 557
As the first generation was growing larger and heavier by the end of the '60s, Ford released engines that were capable of producing a respectable amount of power. The Boss 302 and 429 rocked the muscle car scene. With a name like Boss, the Mustang was destined to achieve great things. More than 55 years later, the Mustang Boss 302 and 429 remain in demand.
This particular Mustang is a true marvel. Despite not being equipped with parts that would give away the fact that it is a restomod, the Boss 557 is nothing like the 302 and 429. Underneath the hood sits a 460 cu in V8 bored and stroked to 557. The unit produces 800 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque at the flywheel. The power is sent to the back wheels thanks to a TKO five-speed manual transmission.
8 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Restomod
The pre-facelift first generation Mustang is a beautiful car. However, the huskier version released in 1969 was simply gorgeous. The car had a much more aggressive look and seemed to be read to take on every single high-end muscle car. Consequently, the 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback ended up being one of the best classic cars to restore or modernize.
This particular Mustang is the definition of a clean restomod build. The custom paint is simply stunning. Things become even more exciting when looking at the side exhausts. While the original 351 cu in V8 was great, nothing beats a modified second generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8. It is unclear how much power the unit found on this restomod churns out, but it is fair to assume that it develops at least 500 hp.
7 1988 Ford Mustang Restomod
Although the '80s were plagued by a myriad of absolutely awful muscle cars, there were still a fair number of interesting vehicles. At Ford, the Mustang inherited a boxy body that gave it a truly stern look. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 may have not been as impressive as what is now found on the Mustang GTs, but it sure gave Mustang owners something to smile about.
There are several reasons why every gearhead should own a Fox Body Mustang. First, the Foxbody Mustang remains affordable compared to older muscle cars. Second, the Foxbody has not been overdone, unlike first and second generation Mustangs. This mean-mugging Stang was built by J.A. Custom and packs tons of goodies. The VMP supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 makes a respectable 675 hp.
6 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
The SN-95 Mustang is hands down one of the ugliest Mustangs ever made. On top of being highly repulsive, the SN-95 came with engines that were as exhilarating as the engine found on a 1992 Kia Sephia. With all that said, Ford made sure to release trim levels of the SN-95 that would eventually become collectibles. These collectibles are nothing like your average Mustang GT.
The 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R may be the coolest SN-95 Mustang along with the Cobra Terminator. Though the humongous spoiler may throw off some die-hard muscle heads, the Cobra R remains a true beast. The Mustang comes with a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 that develops 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. These numbers may not seem impressive by today's standards, but they were really astonishing 22 years ago.
5 2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary
People behind the creation of legendary sports cars do not always receive the recognition they deserve. As a matter of fact, most hardcore car fans would be unable to name the engineers behind the most emblematic sports cars ever made. Consequently, car manufacturers sometimes release vehicles to pay tribute to the very people that made those successes possible.
Named after Lido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca, a Ford executive that was directly involved in the creation of the Mustang, this special edition Mustang was released in extremely limited numbers. Only 45 units were ever made. The Iacocca Mustang comes at best with a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that makes 400 hp at the crankshaft. Sold originally for $89.990, the Iacocca is likely to increase in value in the future.
4 2017 Ford Mustang RTR
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For decades, foreign gearheads claimed that American cars were only good on a straight line. Though it is fair to concede that classic muscle car handling is appalling, things have drastically improved over the years. Moreover, the new generation of professional drivers are not necessarily attracted by the oval. In fact, they seem more inclined to turn muscle cars into rally cars or drift machines.
Ken Block and Vaughn Gittin Jr. have been some of the most popular professional drivers in the most recent years. When it comes to drifting down a track using an American-made monster, Gittin Jr. is among the best out there. Sponsored by Ford Performance and Monster Energy, Gittin Jr. sent this mean Mustang RTR down the legendary Nürburgring. This drift machine comes with a naturally aspirated 455 cu in V8 that pumps out a staggering 900 hp.
3 2020 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400
The term "muscle car" is often associated with gas-guzzling V8s, growling sounds, and smoking rear tires. While this is accurate 99% of the time, things are somewhat changing. Over the last couple of years, several companies have turned muscle cars into incredibly fast electric toasters on wheels. Die-hard muscle heads may not appreciate the trend, but these electric muscle cars are the real deal.
Drag racing has been at the center of professional racing in America. However, with technology constantly evolving, car manufacturers have adopted new ways of making these wheelie-popping beasts even more powerful. The Cobra Jet 1400 comes with an electric engine on each wheel. Those electric engines produce 1,400 hp and 1,100 lb-ft of torque.
2 2020 Saleen S302 Black Label
Saleen has been offering performance packages for the Mustang for decades. Bundling aesthetic and performance parts, those packages would turn any regular Mustang into something sportier and more appealing to the eye. However, when companies such as Roush or Hennessey Performance offer solutions that bring the total power output to over 700 hp, companies like Saleen must strike back.
The S302 Black Label is the type of modified Mustangs that would annihilate a Corvette ZR1. Though the Corvette ZR1 is a true monster, Saleen came up with a package that would please every single Mustang GT owner. This Hellcat killer comes with a Saleen supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote engine that makes a solid 800 hp. The power is sent to the wheels thanks to an MT-82 six-speed manual transmission.
1 2020 Shelby GT500 "Venom"
Hennessey Performance Engineering does not need any introduction. The Texas-based tuner has been around for over 30 years. However, it would not be until YouTube became relevant that Hennessey became popular among regular people. Hennessey got so much exposure that celebrities like Dwayne Johnson or Post Malone ended up placing orders.
Hennessey's six-wheeled pickup trucks have been in the spotlight for a couple of years. However, they were never able to completely overshadow the muscle cars from hell produced by the Texan tuner. The Venom is essentially a Shelby GT500 on steroids. Thanks to a plethora of upgrades, the Venom makes 1,000 hp on E85 fuel and 850 lb-ft of torque.