The Ford Mustang GT does not need an introduction. Sadly, in 2025, it will be the last remaining true muscle car. Hell, this is the last remaining American car with a V8 engine, which is something that’s not being discussed enough. Long live the Mustang. Ford said they will keep making them as long as they can.
This particular model was a fully loaded GT convertible. All GT convertibles come with the “Premium” trim, but this one also had:
- California Special package,
- GT Performance Package (19″ summer rubber, Torsen LSD, Brembo brakes),
- 10-speed automatic transmission,
- Active valve exhaust, and
- Magneride Shocks.
The interior was luxurious, and the ride and handling were fantastic. However, the price for all this goodness is almost $70,000, which begs the question—what happened to budget performance?
A Mustang GT coupe with nothing but a “GT Performance Package” costs $54,215 with destination charges. Is that affordable these days?
It is an amazing vehicle, but there were two things I didn’t love about it. First was the California Package with its blue trim. The second was the 10-speed automatic transmission. In normal mode, it was too conservative; it just kept upshifting, causing highway acceleration to be delayed. Just keep it in Sport mode.
Two things deserve special recognition. First is the Magneride suspension, which provided probably the best ride in a sports car over crap roads that I ever experienced, without any poor handling side effects. The second is the variable exhaust system; four stages of it, don’t get a Mustang without it.
By Kamil Kaluski
East Coast Editor.
Races crappy cars and has an unhealthy obsession with Eastern Bloc cars.
Current fleet: Ford Bronco, Lexus GX 470, and a Buick Regal crapcan racecar.