The Mustang from Ford is one of those cars that gets respect from multiple generations of car enthusiasts. Debuting for the 1964 model year, the Ford Mustang has had many iterations and special editions. However, one of the most iconic is the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 KR, although the Mustang community remains divided. While some love more modern versions of this car, many prefer the classics. Despite this, the 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 KR has a strong reputation among both groups of people.

The 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 KR is the perfect middle ground between the classics and the modern age of vehicle design. The automaker built this muscle car to perform and thrill while also being a super smooth ride due to the suspension used. The team knocked it out of the park with this one, and people should also know that this model represents a significant anniversary in the Ford Mustang history.

The 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 KR is an absolute beast. It has a great deal to offer and stands as one of the best modern-day Ford Mustangs on the market. But, as anyone can guess, the car still fetches a pretty penny today. According to Classic, buyers can expect to pay over $40,000 for the pleasure of owning one.

Here’s what makes the 2008 Ford Mustang GT 500 KR so special.

2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 KR Engine And Performance

2008_Ford_Shelby_GT500KR_Coupe_7
Ford Motor Company 

Mustangs that bear the Shelby nameplate are top-tier when it comes to performance. The 2008 GT500 KR is no exception, as the car delivers in this department. The '08 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 KR has an impressive 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine under its hood. This bad boy has a maximum output of 540 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and a torque rated for 510 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. It’s rear-wheel-drive with a compression ratio of 8.4:1. The transmission used on this version of the Mustang is a manual.

The Ford Mustang has never been the fastest sports car on the market. However, it delivers in ways many of its competitors do not. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 KR accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a reported 4.3 seconds. It goes a quarter mile in 12.5 seconds at 114 miles per hour. Of course, there are faster options with a lower price than this one, but this car truly earns the hype behind it. The Mustang has always been special because instead of just being fast, it's also fun to drive.

RELATED: 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500: Cost, Facts, And Performance Overview

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 KR Exterior Is Reminiscent Of The Classics

2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR-
via BaT

The Ford Mustang is different from other sports cars because its exterior has mostly remained the same. Sure, there are noticeable differences in later models and various body styles. But overall, it’s a consistent car when it comes to looks. The 2008 Shelby GT500 KR has a carbon fiber composite hood with functional scoops and vents. The hood also features twist lock pins as a throwback to the first KR model in 1968. The splitter, mirror caps, and brake cooling ducts are also made from carbon fiber. This car also features special 40th anniversary badging and stripes, which help distinguish it from other models.

The 2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 KR is special partly due to its unique look. Yes, Mustangs are usually similar, but the automaker used a unique design to honor the car while also sticking to what longtime fans love about the car. As a result, this car is a natural beauty, and it’s easy to see why people regard it so well on the used car market. It’s truly the king of the road, and not only because of its performance.

RELATED: Watch Dennis Collins Add An “Over-Restored” 1968 Mustang Shelby GT500 KR To His Collection

2008 Ford Shelby GT500 KR Interior Is Almost Modern

2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR
via BaT

Vehicles released in the late '00s exist in a weird time. The year 2009 was before automakers threw everything into the interiors of their cars. However, by this time, they were still pretty awesome in terms of providing comfort and a pleasing aesthetic. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 KR has much to offer, but its interior is probably the least exciting. To make this model special, the automaker included 40th anniversary, and Carroll Shelby embroidered seats. While this is awesome and done stylishly, it’s a far shot from what comes in Mustangs today. However, it’s still a great car inside and out, and one of the most special Mustangs in recent memory.

The Ford Mustang is one of the automaker’s most highly regarded rides. It doesn’t always get the same credit as some of its competitors, but it’s genuinely a superb vehicle. The 2008 Shelby GT 500 KR represents the very best of the Mustang. It’s powerful and fast and a well-designed tribute to the past. Unfortunately, these cars are hard to find as the automaker made so few of them.