2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Is the Last of a Breed

Before the Mustang got independent suspension, before drivers decided to do burnouts outside of car meets, there was the GT500, which demanded respect.

The latest Ford Mustang is arguably the best of the bunch, with technology that pushes it further away from the pony car segment and into the “looks like a muscle car, but performs like a sports car” genre. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. But for those looking for a truly terrifying pony car that deserves respect, there’s the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500.

The Mustang is currently feared, but not because of its prowess, but more so beceause of some incompetent owners that feel the need to showboat at every corner. The Shelby GT500, though, was a vehicle that struck fear into muscle-car enthusiasts because of its capabilities. The beast was equipped with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine cranking out 500 horsepower. That’s still a lot by today’s standards.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This Dying Breed

As such, in the video above, Gears and Gasoline met up with Lorenzo, one brave enthusiast who owns a GT500, to get a personal take on the car. Lorenzo claims the decision to purchase a GT500 when it came out was a no-brainer. When comparing the GT500 to a regular Mustang, Lorenzo says, “It’s a completely different car, it’s a completely different feel.”

The ’08 GT500 may look old, but it definitely doesn’t perform like a tired machine. Looking for a Mustang with a little more character? Watch the video to see why this ‘Stang might fill the bill.

Photos [Gears and Gasoline]