The Shelby Mustang is a high performance variant of the Ford Mustang, built by Ford from 1968 through 1970. The 1965, 1966 and 1967 Shelbys' were a series of Ford Mustangs which were specially modified by Carroll Shelby's company and sold under the name Shelby GT with identification badges Shelby Cobra. From 1968 the model became the Shelby Cobra GT. The program was factory-sponsored by Ford to compete with the Corvette, also factory-sponsored by Chevrolet, neither of which could be built for the sales price charged. In 2007, following the introduction of the Fifth-generation Ford Mustang the Shelby nameplate was revived for new high performance versions of the Mustang.

The 1966 was differentiated in body color (non-white versions were introduced — colors included blue, red, green and black, as well as the original white) and trim. The "Le Mans" stripes were continued as an option, as in 1965. It featured special quarter-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side and an optional automatic transmission. A fold-down rear seat was now standard as well. Where early 1965 cars had black engine blocks, 1966 and later cars had the 289 engine painted blue. The first 252 GT-350s for 1966 were "carry-over" cars. They had the 1965 Ford Mustang Bodies and 1965 Ford Mustang serial numbers under their Shelby serial numbers. They had mostly 1965 features including standard Koni shocks and engines painted black. Blue engines did not occur in 1966 until after these 252 "carry-over" models were produced. 1966 production was 1373 fastbacks including two prototypes and four drag cars and 252 "carry-over" models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. 1001 Hertz fastbacks were produced, including two prototypes. Four convertibles were also produced, for a total of 2378 units for 1966.

1967 was the last year for the Shelby Cobras. The GT 350 used the high performance 289 with a COBRA aluminum hi-rise and 715 cfm Holley carb, with a Paxton supercharger as an option. The GT 500 known as the Eleanor (the name Eleanor was given to a 1973 mach one in the original film "Gone in 60 Seconds". In the remake it was changed to a highly modified 1967 Shelby GT500. The original Shelby GT500 was never called the Eleanor) It was equipped with the 428 Police Interceptor, 2 Holley 4 barrel carbs, and headers as an option. 1968 introduced the Shelby Mustang. Power steering, a single carburetor and hydraulic camshaft made this a muscle car for the masses. The Shelby GT350 Mustang sported a 302 cubic-inch V8 while the GT500 came equipped with the 428 cubic-inch Police Interceptor engine. In February 1968, the GT500KR "King of the Road" debuted; under the hood was a 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 which was conservatively rated at 335 horsepower (250 kW). Due to a production strike, some early 1968 GT500's had a 390 cubic-inch V8. Also in 1968, production of Shelby Mustangs switched from Shelby's shop in California to A.O. Smith Company in Michigan.

1969-1970

Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969. The GT350 and GT500 for the 1969–70 model years received extensive face lifts, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches (100 mm). Ford was heavily involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having very little input. The GT350 was now equipped with a 351 cubic-inch V8. Production of Shelby Mustangs ceased with the 1970 model year. The 1970 models were in fact left over 1969 models

2006-2007 Shelby GT-H and 2007-2008 Shelby GT

Ford introduced the Shelby GT-H version of the Mustang at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Like the original GT350H from 1966, the GT-H featured gold-on-black paint and was only available at the Hertz car rental agency. A modest power bump over the regular Mustang GT resulted in a supercharged V-8 engine Features included a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a package from Ford Racing including a 90 mm cold air intake kit, X-pipe, special performance suspension, and Ford Racing "GTA" axle-back mufflers. Only 500 cars were built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Shelby GT350H. For 2007, a convertible version of the GT-H was offered for rental at Hertz.

The 4.6 liter, 281-cubic-inch, 319 hp (238 kW) Ford Shelby GT slots between the 300 hp (220 kW) Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500. It is essentially a retail sale version of the Hertz rental-only Ford Shelby GT-H, except a manual transmission is available. Other differences include the deletion of the rear spoiler, a retro Shelby hood scoop in place of the CS6/8 Shelby hood, and silver versus the gold stripes, with the car available in either white or black in 2007 and Grabber Orange or Vista Blue for 2008. A very limited number (100) Barrett Jackson Shelby GTs were built in 2008 that were black with red stripes. The Hertz Shelby GT-H attracted so much attention that Ford dealers and customers asked for a version of their own. Like the GT-H, the Shelby GT is modified at Shelby Automotive's factory in Las Vegas, which distinguishes the GT-H and Shelby GT models from the GT500 in that the GT500's are produced entirely in Flat Rock, MI by Ford Motor Company.

Production of the Shelby GT began in December 2006 and the car went on sale in January 2007. It was originally planned that up to 6000 cars would be built. However, with final numbers as of this date still not in, they are expected to be slightly less than this amount. As of this date the following approximate number of 2007 Shelby GT's is known;

2007 Shelby GT Production Numbers

Total Cars: 5,632

 At the request of owners a number of Shelby GTs are being modified in various ways by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas. One of these modifications results in a model known as the Shelby GT/SC (Supercharged). A large number of add-ons can be had including the "Super Snake" brakes and larger wheels and tires which are necessary to accommodate these brakes. Additionally there are three different available superchargers, again installed by Shelby Automobiles or authorized Shelby Mod Shop, that can increase rated horsepower to 500 or more. Only modifications completed by Shelby Mod Shops will be recognized by the official Shelby Registry.

Shelby and Ford returned for the 2007 model year with the Shelby GT500. Introduced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show, the GT500 uses a 5.4 L (330 CID) Modular 500 hp (370 kW) supercharged V8. Features include the Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission, suspension tuning, a body kit, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels.
2007-2009 Ford Shelby CS6/CS8 (User Built) Mustang convertibleDeliveries of the Shelby GT500 began in May 2006.A collaboration of Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and Carroll Shelby, the GT500 will be produced in limited quantity for three years (approximately 10,000 units per year) on the line at Ford's Flat Rock, Michigan (AutoAlliance) assembly facility.

GT500
 
2010 Shelby GT500For 2010, the Shelby GT500 Mustang was redesigned along with the standard Ford Mustang, giving it a sleeker and more modern look. Just like the Dodge Viper and Chevy Corvette, the GT500 is sometimes considered a supercar, due to its high performance. Along with the design changes, the GT500 gets an increase in power to 540 horsepower and 510 ft-lbs of torque. The 2010 GT500's fuel efficiency is also increased by 2 miles per gallon.

You can get the sleek look of the Shelby by adding a set of 2010 GT500 wheels to your car.

2008-2009 Ford Shelby GT500KR
The Ford Shelby GT500KR, revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, was released in the spring of 2008. The car is powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4-liter (330 CID) supercharged 2 V-8 Racing Power Upgrade Pack. SVT and Shelby announced that 1,000 40th Anniversary Editions will be built for the U.S. in 2008, with another 571 units in 2009. This 1,571 production run matches that of the original 1968 GT500KR. In total, 1,746 units will be produced, with the extra 175 units going to other markets.The Shelby GT500KR features a carbon composite hood with scoops and hood pins, a lowered front air dam, and 14-inch (360 mm) Brembo brand front brakes with functional cooling ducts. The suspension has been modified and tuned by Shelby Automobiles and Ford Racing including unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR.