Shelby GT500 Supercharged 5.4L GT V8 1,175 HP TH400

When it comes to honoring the legacies of performance icons, there are really only two ways to go: Protect the originals or modify them in the spirit of their creators. In the case of this 2007 Shelby GT-500, the second option was selected and taken to its fullest potential. While this Mustang may have left Shelby's shop a pedigreed thoroughbred, it's now a murderous wild-eyed stallion. With over $55k in upgrades under the hood, this E85-sipping GT-500 retains all its classic looks but now delivers an extra 675hp over its 500hp baseline (that's 1,175hp for the arithmophobes out there). There's also a race-prepped transmission, full Steeda suspension and the fact that this is a real-deal 648 actual mile Shelby. It's limited-production, it's ridiculously fast and, at the asking price, it's like paying for the modifications and getting the car for free. Interested yet?

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 one of the signature Shelby colors – Vista Blue. Looking over the body, it is obvious the previous owner took as much pride in maintenance as performance. The paintwork is glossy and there isn't a single problem area to be found. Accented by thick white stripes along the top and a matching strip 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 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 textured 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. The package is aggressive, attractive and something you certainly won't get tired of seeing in your garage.

Of course, the truly newsworthy stuff is all tucked under the hood. L&M Engines out of Hatboro, PA has been building high performance engines since 1975 and this mill is proof they've mastered their art during that time. Starting with an aluminum 5.4L Ford GT block, the L&M crew added pieces like custom-grind cams and one-off forged internals for a rock-solid foundation. Next up, a fresh set of 4V heads were acquired, ported and polished, then treated to a host of upgrades including Ferrea valves and titanium retainers. The intake manifold was also ported before being introduced to the intercooled 3.6L Kenne Bell twin-screw supercharger. To put than in perspective, the supercharger itself has more displacement than the largest engine offered in the current Honda Accord (3.5L V6). This is a series piece and, when combined with that awesome 5.4L, the end result is a 1,000 wheel horsepower you can comfortably drive on the street. Of course, the work didn't stop there. Another $8,336 went into a billet fuel rail kit, 166lb. injectors and all other necessary pieces to let this monster run solely on earth-friendlier E85 fuel. The setup breathes through two-inch coated headers, an X-pipe and JBA mufflers that give the engine an absolutely evil snarl.

One of the challenges associated with building a 1,175hp street car is finding a transmission capable of holding that kind of power. In the case of this Shelby, the answer came in the form of a Transmission Specialties-prepped TH400 borrowed from the GM parts bin. Featuring a billet 3,000rpm converter and a reverse manual valve body, this is the kind of transmission usually found serving track duty. From there, power is sent through a custom driveshaft into a stout Currie 9-inch differential with a Moser center section and 3.50 gears. Torque boxes were also built into the body to better handle the car's power. Around the drivetrain, the already-trick Shelby suspension has been upgraded with a whole roster of parts from fellow Mustang masters, Steeda. At the corners, adjustable coilovers absorb bumps with the help of Tokico shocks while bolt-in subframe connectors provide some extra rigidity. The difference in handling over a stock GT-500 is significant and inspires confidence with every turn. Braking is equally impressive thanks to four-wheel disc brakes which consists of 14-inch rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers up front with 11.8-inch rotors and two piston calipers out back. Paired with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control, driving the 1,100hp monster is less intimidating that you might think. A combination of BF Goodrich and Nitto rubber connect the car to road, wrapped around a set of white Asanti wheels in sizes 20x9.5 and 20x10.5. They fill out the wheel wells perfectly and look killer next to the white Shelby rocker stripes.

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 cars cruise control. Behind the steering wheel, the silver trimmed instrument panel is stock Mustang and features Fords infinitely changeable dash lighting. The SVT-badged graphite gauges keep tabs on that 5.4 while additional Auto Meter gauges mounted on the A-pillar track the wideband, boost and fuel pressure. The dash around those instruments is some of Fords best modern work featuring a heritage inspired dual cowl design with gray trim with silver accents. At the center of the dash, Fords Shaker sound system features an AM/FM radio, a six disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio and MP3 compatibility above knobs for the cars climate control. At the sides, the door panels feature large speakers below satin finished door handles and controls for the cars 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.

Documentation for this car includes all original sales papers, an owner's manual and a build sheet which follows every dollar of the $76,224.84 invested in creating this beast.

Professionally built and fully functional, this is an absolute monster that can be comfortably driven on the street. Unless there's a NHRA team on your block, you also get the satisfaction of having the fastest car in your town (or region for that matter). Best of all, it's still a Shelby product. If you're ready to fill your weekends with white-knuckle driving and ear-to-ear grins, don't miss the chance to bring this incredible 2007 GT-500 home today!