Ford Mustang variants

Ford and several third party companies offered many modified versions of the highly popular Mustang in order to cater to specific portions of the marketplace outside of the mainstream. High-performance enthusiasts seek more powerful, sharper handling, sports cars, while collectors and purists seek limited production and alternate or nostalgic styling, such as is commonly found on many commemorative editions. Still, others were made purely for experimental concepts such as the McLaren M81 (turbo) and SVO, which later influenced production model design. Most variants include both performance upgrades, and unique cosmetic treatments that are typically minimal to maintain the familiar appearance of a stock Mustang. Although most of these Mustang variants were aimed at enthusiasts, a notable exception was the Special Service Package (or SSP), which was designed specifically for law enforcement.

Automobile racer Carroll Shelby transformed a conventional Mustang into a serious track racer designated as the "GT-350". Additionally, shortened hoods and deleted rear seats with identifying trim were among the visual variations. These select Mustangs were converted to street, road racing, and drag cars in Shelby's plant at Los Angeles International Airport.

The 2006 GT-H was built as a 40th anniversary Hertz rental model as a tribute to the GT350-H in 1966. The GT-H was an exclusive Shelby styled GT that was also used as a concept for the planned Shelby GT's, released in the summer of 2007. After the success of the 2006 Shelby GT-H coupe, a 2007 GT-H convertible was released, 500 were produced.

In 1968, Ford offered a special edition of the Shelby Mustang, called the GT500KR, which stood for King of the Road. It had the 428 c.i. Cobra Jet engine introduced the same year. In early 2007, Shelby had announced that they will release an all new GT500KR based on S-197 Mustangs for the 2009 model year. The package was only available through Shelby for all 05+ S-197 based GT500's. The K.I.T.T. in the Knight Rider 2008 television pilot movie is a modified black Shelby GT500KR Mustang.

After 35 years, in 2005 Carroll Shelby Built his first Ford Shelby Masterpiece CSM #00001, CS6 V6, putting out 380HP, this was the car that Shelby built to proof to Ford that he can still built great cars. And Ford renewed his contract with Carroll Shelby. Shelby along with Paxton also designed a new variant based on the V6 Mustang. Modifications include a supercharged motor producing 350 horsepower (260 kW). 20" Wheels bearing the Shelby name and the Cobra moniker on each side and the decklid. The 2" drop in suspension, Baer/Shelby 14-inch front and rear brakes and aggressive front fascia along with a dual exhaust. Shelby also created the CS8, a 4.6-liter V8 variant of the CS6. The Shelby CS6/8 was not available as a factory release, however Shelby had made the CS6/8 kit available for purchase online for a very short period of time, only a handful were sold, making it one of the rarest Shelby's in the World.

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