Mustangs are an American icon known for their sleek design, raw power, and undeniable cool factor. But beyond the well-known classics like the GT and Shelby models, there’s a hidden world of rare Mustangs that even die-hard enthusiasts may not know about.
These elusive models, often produced in extremely limited numbers or as special editions, represent the pinnacle of Ford’s pony car legacy. So, are you ready to uncover the secrets of these automotive unicorns?
1. 1965 Shelby GT350R
Dubbed the “Flying Mustang,” the 1965 Shelby GT350R was a true track beast. Carroll Shelby transformed the ordinary Mustang into a lightweight, high-performance machine by stripping it down and equipping it with a modified 289-cubic inch V8 engine that churned out around 350 horsepower.
Only 34 units of this race-ready Mustang were ever produced, making it one of the rarest and most coveted models in existence.(ref)
The GT350R dominated the competition on the track thanks to its razor-sharp handling and ferocious power-to-weight ratio. With a 0-60 mph time of just 5.5 seconds and a top speed of over 180 mph, this Mustang delivered performance numbers that were unheard of in mid-60s cars.
Its laser-sharp focus on weight reduction and track-tuned suspension made it a force to be reckoned with on the racing circuit.
2. 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake
The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is the stuff of legends. Only one was ever built for public sale, making it the rarest of the rare. This was a serious jump from the stock Mustang’s 271 ponies, translating into neck-snapping performance.
What set the Super Snake apart was its pursuit of speed. It could launch from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.5 seconds and push past a mind-blowing 180 mph top speed.
These numbers were unheard of for a street-legal car in the 1960s. The Super Snake’s rarity, combined with its legendary performance, has made it one of the most sought-after Mustangs among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
3. 1968 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
In 1968, Ford unleashed the Mustang Cobra Jet, a factory-built drag racing machine designed for straight-line speed. Only 50 units of this rare breed were ever produced, making it a true unicorn in the Mustang world.
The Cobra Jet was equipped with a potent 428-cubic inch V8 engine, which was underrated at 335 horsepower but actually produced closer to 410 horsepower.
The Cobra Jet’s sole purpose was to dominate the drag strip, and it did so with ruthless efficiency. It could blast through the quarter-mile in just 13.56 seconds at 106.64 mph, setting new records and striking fear into the hearts of its competitors.
Today, the 1968 Mustang Cobra Jet remains one of the most coveted and valuable Mustangs among collectors and drag racing enthusiasts.
4. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 was born out of necessity. Ford needed a powerful engine to compete in NASCAR, and the result was the legendary Boss 429. Only 859 examples were produced in 1969, making it one of the rarest Mustangs ever built. (ref)
What made the Boss 429 special wasn’t just its raw power but also its unique styling and performance enhancements. It featured a distinctive hood scoop, the largest ever fitted to a production Mustang, along with race-ready suspension and upgraded brakes.
The Boss 429’s rarity and uncompromising performance have made it a holy grail among Mustang collectors. Well-preserved examples fetch upwards of $500,000 at auction.
5. 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special
Tornado Alley, meet the Twister Special. In 1970, Ford released the Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special, a limited-edition model exclusively available in the Kansas City sales district. Only 96 units of this rare ‘Stang were ever produced, each one featuring distinctive “Grabber” colors and unique decals.
The Twister Special was more than just a pretty face. It packed a punch with a 351-cubic inch V8 engine, churning out 300 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the Twister Special to twist its way through the quarter-mile in just 14.5 seconds at 98 mph.
Today, collectors highly prize the 1970 Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special due to its regional exclusivity and limited production numbers.
6. 1965 Ford Mustang Ferguson AWD
Until the all-electric Mustang Mach-E came around, the idea of an all-wheel-drive Mustang seemed absurd. However, back in 1965, UK-based Ferguson Research fitted two Mustangs with their groundbreaking AWD system, which would later find its way into the Jensen FF.
These rare ‘Stangs were powered by 289 V8 engines and sent 63% of their torque to the rear wheels.
Sadly, Ford’s bean counters decided the AWD system was too complex and expensive for mass production. As a result, only three Ferguson AWD Mustangs were ever built, making them some of the rarest Mustangs in existence.
Today, these unique machines serve as a fascinating glimpse into what could have been if Ford had embraced all-wheel-drive technology decades ago.
7. 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 20th Anniversary Edition
In the 1980s, Ford was grappling with stringent emissions regulations and dwindling horsepower figures. To boost sales and capitalize on the Mustang’s rich heritage, they created the 1984 GT350 as a tribute to the iconic Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s.
Adorned in Oxford White with red accents, these limited-edition ‘Stangs were all about style over substance.
While these output figures were underwhelming even by 1980s standards, the GT350’s retro-cool looks and nostalgic appeal helped it stand out from the crowd.
With only around 5,200 units produced, the 1984 GT350 remains a rare and cherished piece of Mustang history.
8. 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby 1000
If we’re talking about peak, old-school Mustangs, we can’t forget the S197 Mustang Shelby 1000. This beast wasn’t sold out of the box but rather a further development of the already potent Shelby GT500.
While the GT500’s 5.4-liter supercharged V8 was no slouch, it couldn’t sustain 1,000 horsepower continuously.
The list of modifications is extensive, but the Shelby 1000 retains the six-speed manual and live rear axle, making it a proper drag strip slayer and quite a handful in the corners.
Only 23 S197 Shelby GT500s were converted to the Shelby 1000 spec, making it one of the rarest modern Mustangs. It also holds a special place as the last car Carroll Shelby was personally involved with before his passing.
9. 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red
The S550 Mustang Shelby GT500 is a trailblazer, being the first to feature an independent rear suspension and a dual-clutch transmission. Its 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 churns out an impressive 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque in standard form.
The Code Red name harks back to an experimental Mustang from 2008, but this one is a genuine production model. Shelby will build just ten units per year for three years, totaling 30 cars.
The catch? The Mustang Shelby GT500 Code Red is a track-only machine, so you can’t legally unleash its fury on the streets. Still, it’s a testament to the Mustang’s enduring performance potential.
10. 1971 Ford Mustang Shelby Europa
In the early 1970s, Ford sought to bring the Mustang’s muscle to the European market. The result was the ultra-rare 1971 Mustang Shelby Europa, a collaboration between Ford, Shelby, and Belgian racing driver Claude Dubois.
Only 14 Europas were ever produced, with nine destined for Europe and five remaining in the United States.
The Europa was based on the 1971 Mustang Sportsroof (fastback). It featured a host of unique styling cues, including a bespoke front fascia with driving lights, a custom rear spoiler, and distinct “Europa” badging.
Today, the Mustang Shelby Europa remains one of the most obscure and sought-after Mustangs ever made.
11. 1968 Shelby Green Hornet
The 1968 Shelby Green Hornet started life as a regular Mustang with a V8 engine, but Shelby had bigger plans. They added an experimental fuel injection system that boosted output to 450 horsepower, along with a heavy-duty Ford truck transmission and an independent rear suspension.
The result was a car with improved handling, traction, and ride quality. As a prototype, the Green Hornet was destined for the crusher, but somehow it escaped that fate. It was sold and cherished by several owners over the years.
On the driver’s visor, a handwritten note from Carroll Shelby himself identifies the car as the one and only Green Hornet.
In 2013, the car nearly sold at auction for $1.8 million, which would have been a record for a Mustang, but the sale fell through due to a reserve price of $2.5 million.
12. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am
The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am was a purpose-built race car designed to compete in the SCCA Trans Am series. Developed by the legendary Larry Shinoda, it featured a host of track-focused upgrades, including a high-revving 302-cubic inch V8, a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, and a heavy-duty suspension.
Only three Boss 302 Trans Am cars were built, each hand-assembled by Kar Kraft, Ford’s unofficial racing skunkworks. These cars were piloted by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer, racking up numerous wins and cementing the Boss 302’s reputation as a formidable track weapon.
Today, the surviving Boss 302 Trans Am cars are among the most valuable and sought-after Mustangs in the world.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
