2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible

Description

With this 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible, Ford granted most Mustang enthusiasts' wishes: more power, less weight, a top that goes down, and better performance. And this one, with a 5.4L V8 and big honkin' supercharger under the hood, is lighter on its feet than its predecessors, and transformed what was merely a damned fast Mustang into a legitimate Corvette competitor. With only 25K actual miles on the clock and featuring some choice performance upgrades to the suspension, this great-handling, low-mileage Shelby is fast, clean, and downright mean.

This 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 shows just 25,343 original miles and is quite-frankly one of the nastiest late-model Mustangs we've ever featured. Dressed in sinister Black paint augmented with Race Red LeMans stripes down the center and GT500 stripes above the rockers (which were actually still optional in 2012), it's flat-out predatory and looks incredibly fast just sitting still. Note that the revised front fascia that includes a chin spoiler, blacked-out grilles, a unique bumper, and the functional air extractor in the sculpted aluminum hood specifically designed to improve cooling. The ground effects that encircle the lower body, the aggressive side-vents that funnel air to the rear brakes, and the gorgeously raked profile that looks extra sexy with the top down and the roll bar sticking out. Of course, nobody will mistake this for a garden-variety Mustang, thanks to the intimidating Cobra badges throughout and the big SHELBY block letters on the rear end, as well as that aggressive decklid spoiler and diffuser down below. The finish is excellent, about as close to 'like new' as you'll ever see for a car about to celebrate its 11th birthday, with only the most minor of imperfections to nit-pick. It's also been professionally ceramic-coated to lock in and preserve that gorgeous shine and deep clarity, which means all you have to do is hit it with a hose before showtime and it will glisten like it was just waxed. Tinted windows and a black convertible top add to the mystery of this murdered-out droptop, matched by the sinister oversized SVT alloys at its feet.

That black-and-red leather interior is almost like new, including the Cobra embroidery on the power Recaro seats and their retro-looking, red racing stripe adorned pleated centers. Any Shelby Mustang is already loaded to the gills with standard equipment, but this one also includes the Ford SYNC voice-activation system, which is a lot of fun to play with, and Shaker 500 entertainment system that absolutely HITS inside the cabin and also features optional navigation. The factory gauges are retro-style as well, perfectly matching the car's personality, and the leather-wrapped racing steering wheel feels great in the hands of any inspired driver. Pedals are perfectly placed for heel-and-toe shifting, and the 8-ball topper on the six-speed shifter feels sturdy enough to handle a gorilla banging through the gears. And even better, it's all pretty much bulletproof, so despite the raging V8 up front, the dual-zone A/C blows cold, you can set the cruise control and just loaf along on the highway, and just relax if you don't feel like hammering it. Plus, there are enough airbags inside that even if the unthinkable happens, you'll be well-protected in the hands of multiple airbags. The back seat has likely never been used, and it mirrors the state of the entire interior - excellent condition. Even the trunk is decently sized with easy loading and unmarked mouse fur upholstery inside.

That big air extractor on top of the aluminum hood isn't just for appearance. SVT engineers took their job seriously when they found that the old iron block GT500 didn't like extended hot laps on the track, so they cured the problem with an aluminum block in 2011. That aluminum block shaves more than a hundred pounds from the nose of the Shelby, which greatly improves handling and braking, especially at the limit. But more importantly, this particular GT500 convertible features a healthy supercharger on top, which moves a lot more air without changing the car's personality. The GT500 comes with improved cooling systems, a big intercooler, and other measures aimed at keeping it cool at all times, and even though there's plenty of horsepower on tap (factory rated at 550HP), it still drives like a stocker when you're not hammering it. Giant Brembo ABS brakes feature red powdercoated calipers that match the Mustang's stripes, modern stability and traction control are included, and this droptop can put up with all the punishment the engine can dish out. The SVT Performance Package included a sporty, purpose-tuned suspension, Advancetrac with ESC and traction control, a lively 3.73 geared rear end, and electric power steering with three driver-selectable modes: sport, normal, and comfort. There's also a massive SVT wheel and tire combination that features staggered black forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 265/40/19 front and 285/35/20 rear Michelin performance radials.

Not many cars are as much fun as this one to drive, and even the commute to work feels special behind the wheel of this exotic convertible. Offered with a fitted car cover, convertible boot, Marti Report, and its original window sticker and owner's manual, this Shleby is a bonafide collectable that will only keep rising in value. Call today!