Becoming the Legend
Since its inception in 1964, the Ford Mustang has not only defined the muscle car in America, it has helped define the American car-driving experience as a whole.
In fact, you could argue that the Mustang has, over the years, been the most uniquely and succinctly American car ever built.
Maybe that’s why so many iterations of the ‘Stang have worked their way into our cultural lexicon, becoming legends in their own right.
The 1965 Shelby GT350
Almost immediately after introducing the Mustang to the public, Ford noticed the massive demand for its new Pony Car, especially as it pertained to performance.
So they teamed up with legendary car builder Carroll Shelby to create a Mustang that put speed and cornering above all else.
Shelby’s solution?
Toss everything that didn’t make the car faster and throw a 4.7-liter V8 motor topped with an extra-large Holley carb that ended making a then-absurd 306-horsepower straight from the factory.
Sure, the GT500 would take the 350 to entirely new heights a few years later, but for the purposes of this list, we’re sticking with the original.
Bullitt
The star of arguably the greatest car-chase scene in film history, the Bullitt Mustang is one of the few cars that is equally as famous as the famous actor who drove it.
Sporting a 390 cubic inch V8 under a very incognito hood, with its legendary dusty, dark green paint and trademark blacked-out grille, there is absolutely no mistaking the Bullitt Mustang.
Perhaps that’s why, in early 2020, the original went off the auction block for a cool $3.4 million, making it the most valuable Mustang ever.
The ‘69 Boss 429
Four barrels on 7.0 displaced liters that produced 375 horses and 450 pound-feet of torque?
In 1969, the Boss 429 possessed one the gnarliest, nastiest, and most powerful production motors ever built at that time.
Which makes sense, considering Ford developed the motor specifically for use with NASCAR. The Boss 429 was a racecar that made its way onto the street, not the other way around.
And with its massive scoops, quarter-panel vents, and front-end splitter, it helped define the next decade of muscle car style.
Eleanor
Back in Hollywood, you’ll find another of the most iconic movie cars of all time, which also happens to be a Mustang.
That silver streak, badge-free piece of film history is better known as “Eleanor,” the object of the protagonists’ desire in both the original 1974 film, Gone In Sixty Seconds, and its 2000 remake, starring Nicholas Cage.
Built on a 1971 Mustang Sportsroof platform, Eleanor is one of the most recognizable cars in motor vehicle history and one of the few that can conjure images and emotions at the mention of just one name.
The Roush Stage 3
750 factory-made horses? 670 pound-feet of torque? 0-to-60 in 3.2 and an 11.2-second quarter mile?
These are just some of the data points that put the new Roush Stage 3 Mustang (which, unlike the others on this list, are brand new and for sale, today, straight from the dealer) right alongside the most legendary Mustangs of all time.
Looks, styling, that signature Roush sound, and yes, a whole heck of a lot of performance make the Roush Stage 3 Mustang for sale one of the greatest in the greatest line of cars ever.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.