10 Limited-Edition Mustangs That Turned Heads

The Ford Mustang has long been a symbol of American performance and style, and its limited-edition models are nothing short of legendary. These special releases stand out for their unique features, enhanced performance, and undeniable appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. From race-inspired versions to commemorative editions, each model has made a lasting impact, turning heads on the road and at car shows. Whether you’re a Mustang fan or a car enthusiast, these iconic versions are sure to capture your attention.

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2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R

The 2000 Mustang SVT Cobra R is one of the most remarkable Mustangs ever produced, crafted specifically for those looking for a track-focused performance car. Unlike the standard Cobra, the Cobra R came with a 5.4-liter DOHC V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the regular Cobra’s power output. Ford made a conscious decision to strip the car down, removing features like rear seats, air conditioning, and the stereo, making it a true driver’s car. Only 300 units of this limited edition were made, which further increased its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts alike. With a large rear wing, side-exiting exhaust, and a fuel cell in place of the backseat, the Cobra R was built with performance in mind, both on and off the track.

The Cobra R’s unique features extended to its suspension system, which included specially tuned shocks, stiffer springs, and larger brakes to handle track conditions. It also boasted wider tires for better grip and a more aggressive stance. The attention to detail and the car’s overall performance capabilities made it a standout in the Mustang lineup. This version of the Cobra was not just about power but about a raw, pure driving experience. Its rarity, aggressive styling, and track-ready features have made it a sought-after collector’s item, with its value continuing to rise over the years.

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt

The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt pays tribute to the iconic 1968 film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen. This limited-edition Mustang was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, and Ford did so with great attention to detail. The car features a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 480 horsepower, with performance improvements over the standard Mustang GT, including a specially tuned exhaust for a throatier sound. Its design reflects the classic Bullitt Mustang, with its signature Highland Green color, blacked-out grille, and chrome window surrounds. The simplicity of the design, with minimal badging and subtle details, is a direct nod to the film’s understated yet rugged aesthetic.

In addition to its visual cues, the 2019 Bullitt Mustang also offers modern performance upgrades. The car includes unique 19-inch wheels, a 6-speed manual transmission, and upgraded suspension for better handling. Ford even worked with McQueen’s estate to ensure the car honored the original movie car, from the color to the interior accents. The Bullitt edition blends nostalgia with modern muscle car performance, making it a true head-turner on the road. Its rarity and connection to the film, along with its impressive power and handling, make this a standout in the Mustang lineup and a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1967 Shelby GT500 (and its 1967 Shelby variants)

The 1967 Shelby GT500 is a milestone in Mustang history, as it represented a shift toward more powerful and aggressive performance. This version of the Shelby Mustang featured a 428 cubic-inch V8 engine, which was capable of producing up to 355 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Mustangs of its era. In addition to the larger engine, the 1967 Shelby GT500 featured unique design elements, such as its aggressive hood vents, larger rear fenders, and distinctive racing stripes. The car was built in limited numbers, adding to its allure and making it a highly coveted collector’s item today. Shelby’s signature modifications elevated the Mustang from a sporty pony car to a true muscle car, able to compete with the best in the industry.

What makes the 1967 Shelby GT500 and its variants so special is the combination of performance and styling. Carroll Shelby’s influence is evident in every detail, from the Shelby grille to the interior touches, including the signature “GT500” emblem. The limited production numbers and Shelby’s racing pedigree turned the 1967 GT500 into an icon of the muscle car era. Its combination of raw power, iconic design, and rare status has made it a standout model, with collectors eager to own one of these legendary vehicles. Over time, the 1967 Shelby GT500 has only grown in value, solidifying its place as one of the most revered Mustangs ever produced.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (Hot Wheels / limited production version)

The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Hot Wheels Edition is a standout in the Mustang lineup, combining high-performance muscle with a touch of pop-culture nostalgia. This special edition, which was produced in a limited run of 1,000 units, was created to commemorate Hot Wheels’ 40th anniversary. The car was available in a vibrant, exclusive “Hot Wheels Blue” color, with racing stripes and unique Hot Wheels badging. Under the hood, the 2010 GT500 came equipped with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, producing an impressive 540 horsepower, ensuring it lived up to its performance reputation. With its striking design and powerful engine, the Hot Wheels edition quickly became a collector’s dream, blending the excitement of muscle car performance with the whimsy of toy cars.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 Hot Wheels Edition offered more than just eye-catching colors and badging. Ford made sure that this special edition lived up to the performance expectations set by the GT500 name. With a reworked suspension, upgraded brakes, and performance tires, the Hot Wheels edition was more than just a showpiece; it was built for those who wanted a true driver’s car. The limited nature of this release, combined with its bold styling and enhanced performance, made the Hot Wheels GT500 one of the most sought-after Mustangs in the modern era. Its unique connection to the Hot Wheels brand and limited production numbers have ensured its place as a standout in Mustang history. (Note that a 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is pictured above.)

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever built, with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine producing an astounding 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. This muscle car features a dual-clutch transmission, allowing it to deliver shifts in just milliseconds, giving it an edge in terms of performance. The 2020 GT500 is equipped with the latest in performance technology, including an advanced suspension system and massive brakes for optimal handling. With only a limited number produced, this version of the GT500 has turned heads not just for its speed, but for its revolutionary features and jaw-dropping performance capabilities.

The 2020 GT500’s exterior design is aggressive and menacing, with a massive front grille, large rear spoiler, and hood vents to allow for better cooling. Inside, the car offers a driver-focused cockpit with racing-inspired details, making it feel at home on both the track and the street. Ford has also equipped the GT500 with advanced technology, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. With its combination of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and rare production numbers, the 2020 Shelby GT500 is a true performance car that continues to be one of the most head-turning Mustangs ever made.

2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

The 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR is a true muscle car icon, designed as a tribute to the legendary 1968 Shelby GT500KR. The name “KR” stands for “King of the Road,” a nod to the original’s place in Mustang history. Powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, this special edition produces 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Ford only produced 1,000 units of the GT500KR, making it a rare and highly sought-after model. With its unique blue racing stripes, Shelby badges, and specially tuned suspension, the GT500KR was a serious performance car that could dominate both the streets and the track.

Beyond its aggressive performance, the GT500KR included numerous enhancements that set it apart from the standard Shelby GT500. The car featured a special cold-air intake system, a performance exhaust, and a new supercharger pulley, all of which contributed to its increased horsepower. Inside, the GT500KR included premium touches, such as leather upholstery and a Shelby-specific interior design. The combination of vintage-inspired looks and modern performance capabilities made the 2008 GT500KR a true collector’s item, with its limited production making it a rare treasure among Mustang enthusiasts.

1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

The 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra is a milestone in the history of the Mustang, as it was the first Mustang to be developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT). This special edition was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 235 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. With just 4,993 units produced, the 1993 SVT Cobra was rare from the start, making it a highly coveted version of the fifth-generation Mustang. It featured a number of performance upgrades, including a more powerful engine, a stiffer suspension, and larger brakes, ensuring that it offered a more refined driving experience compared to the standard Mustang.

What makes the 1993 SVT Cobra so special is its combination of modern performance and classic Mustang charm. It was equipped with unique styling elements, such as a revised front grille, larger wheels, and a new rear spoiler. The car’s lowered suspension and wider tires gave it a more aggressive stance, further enhancing its appeal. The 1993 SVT Cobra marked the beginning of a new era for the Mustang, one in which performance and handling were prioritized just as much as raw power. Its low production numbers and refined features have made it a cherished model among collectors, and it continues to turn heads for its performance and heritage.

2015 Ford Mustang GT350R

The 2015 Ford Mustang GT350R is one of the most thrilling and capable versions of the Mustang ever produced. This limited-edition model is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 engine that produces 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. With its flat-plane crank design, the GT350R’s engine is a standout in the Mustang lineup, offering a unique and thrilling driving experience. Ford’s decision to produce only a limited number of GT350R models made it an instant collector’s car, and its aggressive styling and track-focused features make it one of the most desirable Mustangs in recent history.

In addition to its powerful engine, the GT350R is equipped with a host of performance upgrades that make it an exceptional driving machine. The car features an advanced MagneRide suspension system, which adapts to the road to provide superior handling. Lightweight components, including carbon fiber wheels and a stripped-down interior, help to enhance its performance on the track. The exterior of the GT350R features an aggressive front splitter, rear wing, and unique badging, all contributing to its distinctive look. The combination of raw power, advanced handling, and limited production makes the 2015 GT350R a true Mustang legend.

2011 Ford Mustang Boss 302

The 2011 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a modern take on one of the most iconic Mustangs of the 1970s. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, the Boss 302 was designed for performance enthusiasts who wanted a track-ready car that was also street-legal. It was equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension, and a performance exhaust system that gave it an aggressive sound and feel. Ford produced only a limited number of these cars, and the 2011 edition quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts for its combination of classic Mustang style and modern performance.

What made the 2011 Boss 302 even more special was its connection to the original 1969 Boss 302, a car known for its racing pedigree. Ford incorporated modern technologies and improvements while retaining the spirit of the original, including a high-revving engine and a track-tuned suspension. The exterior featured unique graphics, a rear spoiler, and a front splitter, while the interior received sportier touches like Recaro seats. With its limited production and high-performance features, the 2011 Boss 302 is a Mustang that continues to turn heads on the road and at car shows, and it remains one of the most sought-after modern Mustangs.

2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT

The 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT is a modern classic, designed to bring back the Shelby name after years of hiatus. Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, this special edition was meant to capture the spirit of the 1960s Shelby Mustangs. The car featured a variety of performance enhancements, including a unique suspension, special wheels, and distinctive Shelby badges. With only 6,000 units produced, the 2007 Shelby GT was a rare and valuable addition to the Mustang family.

The 2007 Shelby GT took inspiration from the 1965 Shelby GT350, with a design that included racing stripes, a unique grille, and custom exhausts. Inside, the car featured sportier touches, such as leather upholstery and Shelby-specific trim pieces. The Shelby GT struck a balance between modern Mustang performance and the nostalgia of classic Shelby Mustangs. Its limited production and the legendary Shelby name have helped it retain its appeal over the years. As a result, the 2007 Shelby GT continues to be a head-turner and a popular choice among Mustang enthusiasts and collectors.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.