If you were asked to name some of the most influential and iconic makes and models of car ever made it is highly likely that the Ford Mustang would be a prime candidate for the top spot.
The Mustang has always been a cool car and has held its appeal across many different generations for over half a century. The motor manufacturer behind the Mustang has gained an enviable reputation for consistently producing great cars as well as some all-time classics.
If you search Ford San Antonio, for instance, you will see how that proud tradition continues with the cars available in their showrooms today. In the meantime, let’s focus our attention on finding which Ford Mustang models make the list of the best ones ever.
Which order these Mustang’s should be on the list is open to debate, but here are the candidates, in no particular order. You can decide which one is your favorite.
The 2007 GT500 KR was the definition of a great comeback
The KR is an abbreviation of “King of the Road”, which is quite some claim. But that claim is justified when you see this retro-styled model, which is a homage to the Shelby GT500 1968 original.
Everything about the GT500 KR is muscle and pure attitude. It features a high-performance suspension and a rear axle that is purposefully heavy duty, so that drivers can put the car through its paces with confidence.
Ford realized that their Mustang had to offer more than power in the modern era, and this model achieves that aim.
The 2011 Boss 302 delivers power plus performance
In another nod to the past, the Boss 302 that came out in 2011 was heavily influenced by the Mustang Boss of the late 60s, but with a big difference.
It still had all the horsepower you would want, but it focused on delivering an exceptional driving performance too. Some of the luxuries of previous models were dispensed with, and replaced by impressive performance characteristics. You could argue that this model is Boss by name, and Boss by nature.
2015 was a vintage year with the Shelby GT350
One of the defining features of this model was the unmistakable sound the engine makes when it is fired into action. Thanks to an impressive 5.2 liter V8 engine, it’s almost impossible to stop your pulse from racing once you experience what the GT350 has under the hood.
This Mustang is a live contender for top billing because it has looks, power, and attitude.
The SVT Cobra R put a line in the sand
Although the Mustang has long since achieved iconic status in the psyche of many petrolheads, the hard truth is that there was a fallow period where some of the models didn’t hit the mark.
You can’t say that about the SVT Cobra R. Released in 2003, it put a line in the sand by showing that the Mustang badge was back with a bang. The only problem with this model is that only 300 were made, so it’s not easy to get your hands on such a serious performance car.
The 2024 GTD is a modern-day marvel
If you needed evidence that the Mustang is a generational model that will live on for many years to come, the GTD is positive proof that the future is very bright.
Based on the Mustang GT3, which has been racing at legendary tracks like Le Mans, and Daytona, the GTD is a road version. It is a Mustang model for the ages, but you will have to have deep pockets to enjoy this bona fide supercar.
The 1969 Boss 302 – A rampaging pony
When this model was unveiled just before the 1970s, this Boss version was intended to rival the Z28 Camaro from Chevrolet. It matched it in every department, and then some.
Many enthusiasts regard the Boss Mustang to be the leader of the pack when it comes to picking a favorite classic Mustang on looks. The 302 is where it all started, and that adds to its status as one of the best, when you consider what it started.
The 1964 Mustang allowed you to live the American dream
Put yourself in the shoes of an aspirational American who wanted to own a car that was so cool and desirable in terms of looks and performance. Imagine the excitement when you discover that you can afford this dream car on an average salary.
This Mustang was a compelling combination of affordability and desirability. Ford thought they would sell about 100,000 of these cars each year, but ended up selling a million of them in just two years.
It can still be argued that the combination of affordability and desirability is still part of the Mustang’s appeal all these years later.
A rare gem inspired by Carol Shelby
The Shelby GT350 made its debut in 1965. Ford decided to build a high-performance Mustang and came up with the GT350R. It was a full-on race car, and only 34 models were ever made.
Of course, it proved to be the catalyst for so many incredible versions to come over the years.
The 2013 Shelby GT500 claims the prize for the most power
This version of the GT500 achieved its status as the most powerful series production Mustang seen to date, thanks largely to its awesome supercharger 5.8 liter “Trinity” V8 engine.
This version was intended to pay tribute to the S-197 platform and did so with an impressive facelift. You only have to set eyes on the 2013 Shelby GT500 to realize that this is a special car. It has everything, great looks, and some serious power.
When you start to appreciate how many incredible Mustang models there have been over the years, you quickly realize that trying to single out one model as the best ever is an almost impossible task.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You might put a premium on styling and looks, or you may consider raw power to be the key selling point. Either way, there is an iconic Mustang model that is bound to win your heart.