2014 Shelby GT Mustang is Predictably Pricey - But Still Pretty Awesome

The biggest news from the Shelby American brand over the past year was the mighty 1,200 horsepower Shelby 1000 Mustang but with a price tag of $154,995, that model is priced in a manner that makes it little more than a dream to most people. To address the needs of real people, the Las Vegas based tuning experts have introduced their newest Shelby GT package that comes with a wide range of both pricing and performance while also adding the distinct, sporty look that we would expect from the Shelby brand.

"The Shelby GT was one of the most important vehicles in modern day Shelby history," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. "It kicked off Shelby's rebirth in Las Vegas by putting a Mustang-based small block car into Ford dealerships. Ever since the Shelby GT went out of the production, people have clamored for its return."

The “base” 2014 Shelby GT Mustang begins with the standard production 2014 Ford Mustang GT and Shelby starts by adding a Shelby branded cold air intake and Borla exhaust system along with a performance engine calibration that raises the power output from 420 horsepower to 430 horsepower. I’m sure that the Shelby/Borla exhaust system also sounds awesome so in addition to adding a touch of power, the drivetrain modifications add a little extra growl from the American V8. Shelby then adds a Ford Racing suspension package, a short throw shifter and unique Shelby 20 inch lightweight rims wrapped in high performance rubber to help the Shelby GT make better use of that extra power – and handle the sharpest corners at high speeds. Finally, the exterior is upgraded with a unique Shelby front fascia, a new hood and Shelby badging including stripes across the top and along the bottom sides of the customized Mustang.

This base 2014 Shelby GT Mustang looks awesome and offers what should be a substantial improvement in overall performance but it doesn’t come cheap. This is a post title package which means that buyers need to provide the 2014 Mustang GT on which the Shelby GT will be built and that costs no less than $31,695 (including destination, not including any applicable discounts). The 2014 Shelby GT base package starts at $14,995 with all of the features listed above so out the door, new Shelby GT Mustang owners will pay around $46,690 when no other options are chosen. I love the look of the Shelby GT package and I don’t doubt that it is a serious performer but $47,000 is a lot of money for a tuned up Mustang GT.

Those who need even more performance can also opt for theShelby GT/SC version of the 2014 Ford Mustang that is offered in two different packages. The first Shelby GT/SC package adds a Shelby/Ford Racing/Whipple supercharger that helps boost the output of the 5.0L V8 up to 525 horsepower in cooperation with the exhaust system, air intake system and performance engine calibration similar to those in the base Shelby GT. In addition to the suspension and aesthetic upgrades from the base package and the Whipple supercharger, the Shelby GT/SC package adds Shelby/Wilwood brakes with 6 piston front calipers and 4 piston rear calipers all clamping around massive vented rotors, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and unique GT/SC striping. The 525hp GT/SC Mustang package starts at $27,995 so when added to the base price of the 2014 Mustang, buyers can expect to pay around $59,690.

The top of the line 2014 Shelby GT/SC Mustang package is nearly identical to the 525hp GT/SC package but the supreme setup offers an awesome 624 horsepower thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger. This is, in my opinion, the best option in the 2014 Shelby GT Mustang lineup as it packs this monster power for just $750 more than the 525hp package so this premium Shelby Mustang GT comes with a starting price of $60,440. That is a whole lot of clams – especially considering that you can buy pretty much every feature shy of the body kit and the logos from Ford Racing and save yourself some money but simply adding a Ford Racing supercharger and handling package won’t give your 2014 Mustang the same level of long term collectability.

In all fairness, the 2014 Shelby GT Mustang is still pretty expensive – especially when you consider the fact that the base package adds about 50% to the price of the standard 2014 Ford Mustang GT and the supercharged package costs more than the 662hp Shelby GT500 Mustang. However, for those new Mustang GT buyers who want a little more power and serious handling capabilities in a package that will be far more of a collectable in the long term, the 2014 Shelby GT package is one of the best options on the market today. At the same time, those new Mustang buyers who want a 5.0L GT that will challenge the most powerful muscle cars ever made, the 624 horsepower Shelby GT/SC packs supercar power into a subtle looking Mustang GT.

While the Shelby 1000 Mustang made big news earlier this year, this new Shelby GT package will help to continue the street legal performance legacy of Carroll Shelby’s name for years and were Mr Shelby still alive today – there is no doubt that he would be proud to see his name on such a cool collection of tuned Mustangs. This model will almost certainly bridge the gap to the next generation Shelby Mustang that will be based on the upcoming 2015 Ford Mustang.