1,800 Actual Mile Shelby GT500 Convertible 5.4L 6 Speed

Carroll Shelby was his name and performance was his business. Nearly everything the Texan touched turned to automotive gold and the prices his early works command certainly reflect that. If you want a Shelby creation for yourself, you can put a serious dent in your savings account finding an early car or you can scoop up one of his awesome late-model Mustangs. Take, for example, this 2007 GT500 convertible: It features classic styling, a supercharged 500hp V8, race-friendly suspension and an interior fit for daily driving duties. With just 1,864 actual miles, this car marks the perfect balance between a great ownership experience and a solid investment. If you're looking for a fun place to park your money, cast an eye towards this 2007 Shelby GT500.

The fifth generation of Mustang is widely considered one of the best looking models to roll out in decades. With its bulging fenders and crisp lines, the design plays well into the current trend of nostalgic design and appeals to just about everyone who sees one. This low-mileage GT500 takes those crowd-pleasing traits and wraps them in the very color that Mustangs arguably wear best – Torch Red. Looking over the body, it's obvious the previous owner had this car tucked away somewhere for safe keeping. The paintwork is glossy and there isn't a single problem area to be found. Accented by a Shelby stripe along the rocker panel, the package hearkens back to the Shelby's of yore. As a practically brand new car, panel fitment and overall finish is excellent thanks to modern production methods.

Taking a closer look at the GT500, it's clear that design efforts focused on making the car look larger and more substantial than lesser Mustangs. Up front, the wide mouth grille sports a right-justified Cobra badge, while HID headlights fill out of the corners. Amber turn signals are incorporated into the bumper cover, as are deeply inset driving lights that sit just above a composite chin spoiler. The engine bay is protected by a bulging vented hood which matches the overall look perfectly. The side profile wears large Cobra badges with GT500 lettering as well as textured composite side skirts that flow into the texture trim, gracing the bottom of the rear bumper cover. Just above, triple taillights and a chrome faux gas cap sit under a low-rise spoiler, completing the classic Mustang look. At the top, a factory roll bar adds some track-inspired style while a snug-fitting black top keeps the elements out. The package is aggressive, attractive and something you certainly won't get tired of seeing in your garage.

The reborn GT500 celebrated one of the most successful partnerships in performance car history and because of that, nothing was held back. The 500 horsepower supercharged V8 was influenced heavily by Ford's own GT super car and delivers a muscle car that is both fast and an instant collectible. Utilizing an iron block with a forged steel crank, forged steel connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, aluminum heads and dual overhead camshafts, the supercharged 5.4 liter modular V8 makes great muscle car sounds while providing surprising efficiency and a docile nature. Twist the key and the 5.4-liter V8 rumbles to life, sending its bass notes down a 2.5-inch exhaust that features an X-pipe and dual tips. Goose the throttle and a roots-style supercharger pumps 10 to 12 PSI into the combustion chambers sending the engine zinging towards redline with the aid of a lightweight dual disc clutch. The engine bay is ultra clean and even features Shelby's signature prominently displayed in silver Sharpie but, to anyone who knows anything about cars in general, the satin black blower at the top of the block, the small silver SVT badge and the silver “Powered by SVT” cam covers are a dead giveaway that they're looking at something special. The engine bay in the car is assembly line clean and, given the mileage, the mighty 5.4L has likely never seen a wrench.

Although the Shelby GT500 convertible is a little softer than the coupe, the car's chassis received the same extensive upgrades over the base Mustang GT. Up front, a Macpherson strut independent suspension houses speed-assisted power steering and giant 14-inch front discs that are clamped by four-piston Brembo calipers. Out back, a three-link solid axle rear end houses sporty but efficient 3.31 gears and two-piston calipers that clamp 12.4-inch rear discs. The suspension is aided by standard antilock brakes and traction control that are both welcomed features if you use this car anywhere near its potential. In the center, a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual offers full control over the mighty 5.4L, while awesome looking 18-inch Shelby exclusive aluminum wheels with a smooth machined finish, locking lug nuts and black SVT center caps. Wrapped around those wheels are meaty Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires.

Peek through the window and a driver-friendly leather-wrapped interior looks back. Highly bolstered sport seats with a retro stitch pattern and Cobra logos fit like a glove and provide plenty of support, while a leather-clad and red stitched steering wheel with convenient thumb grips sports a snake on its hub and includes buttons for the car's cruise control. Behind the steering wheel, the silver trimmed instrument panel is stock Mustang, and features Ford's infinitely changeable dash lighting. The graphite faces with white lettering have a small SVT logo that serves as a programmable shift light, which along with aluminum accented pedals and an aluminum accented and red stitched shifter, tips you off to the car's pedigree. The dash around those instruments is some of Ford's best modern work, featuring a heritage inspired dual cowl design with gray trim with silver accents. At the center of the dash, Ford's Shaker sound system features an AM/FM radio, a six-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio and MP3 compatibility above knobs for the climate control. At the sides, the door panels feature large speakers below satin finished door handles and controls for the car's power windows, power door locks and power mirrors. There are no visible signs of wear in this interior and everything works as it should, from the ice cold air conditioning to the powerful entertainment system.

As a basically new car, all original paperwork is present including the window sticker, owner's manual, Shelby supplemental guide and a Mustang quick reference guide. There's even a blank Customer Satisfaction Survey if the car inspires you to send Ford some kind words five years after the fact.

Even without the rarity factor, this would be Mustang worthy of any performance enthusiast. With plenty of power across the board and nearly universal appeal, it's hard to think of a more desirable American car in this price range. Add in the Shelby name, limited production and low mileage and this thoroughbred starts looking like a great investment. If you've got room for one of the baddest production Mustangs ever assembled, don't miss the chance to own this awesome 2007 Shelby GT500!