Ford Mustang: How it Looks
Ford, along with several aftermarket companies, have offered a few modified versions of the automaker's wildly popular Mustang model line. They have done so in order to cater to certain segments of the car-buying market; performance enthusiasts want a better-handling, more powerful car, while collectors seek stock-looking, limited availability designs. Other variants were made for experimental purposes, such as the SVO and the McLaren M81. Most include a mixture of performance enhancements and cosmetic styling, and most of these appearance and performance packages were aimed at the performance market (with the exception of the SSP package, which was marketed specifically to law enforcement personnel).
Shelby and the Mustang
Renowned racer Carroll Shelby turned a regular Mustang into a giant-killer on the track, and called it the GT350. Shorter hoods and nonexistent rear seats, with sports trim, were among the most visible changes. These cars were used for drag, street and road racing, and they were made in Los Angeles. The 2006 GTH was offered as a rental option, and it was intended as a tribute to the original GT350H. It was used as a concept for the 2007 GT.
Shelby offered the GT500KR in 1968, with a 428ci Cobra Jet engine. It offered a tribute car in 2009, based on the S197, and the package is only available on '05+ GT500s. Shelby also designed a variant on the V6 Mustang, with modifications such as a supercharger that brings 350 hp, 20" wheels, and Cobra badging on the sides and decklid. The GT500E was designed for the blockbuster movie "Gone in 60 Seconds", and although it didn't see mass production, overwhelming demand led to Unique Performance in Texas offering it for sale. A police investigation sidelined that effort, but the GT500CR is now being offered by Classic Restorations.
Roush Performance
Established by ex-engineer Jack Roush, the company is best known for offering performance engines, vehicles and parts. Roush Performance Products was founded in 1995, offering aftermarket addons, crate engines and street vehicles. Roush offered three Mustang packages: Stage 1, which came with 17" wheels, side mounted exhaust and lowered suspension. Stage 2, with all the features of Stage 1 plus 18" wheels, and Comp T/A tires. Roush said that the suspension upgrades allowed the car to rival the handling of the Porsche 911. Stage 3 was the best package, with a new intake, an Eaton supercharger, intercooler, and lightened flywheel on the manual transmission.