Manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and introduced on April 17, 1964, the 1965 Mustang–often referred to as the 1964 1/2 model–was the automaker’s most successful launch since the Model A in 1927. The Ford Mustang was initially based on the platform of the second generation North American Ford Falcon compact car and has since undergone several transformations to its current sixth generation. The Mustang model created the “pony car” class of American automobiles–sports car coupes with long hoods and short rear decks. The first generation of Ford Mustangs (1964-1973) are some of the most coveted cars in the classic automobile market while the newest sixth generation was unveiled in December of last year and is scheduled to be in showrooms by November. Below is a list of the most expensive Ford Mustangs ever sold at auction.
5. 2007 Shelby GT500 No. 001 – $648,000
The return of the Shelby GT500 for 2007–in the midst of the Mustang’s fifth generation–brought a ton of excitement to the automotive world. At the Barrett-Jackson auction in January 2006, the first retail example was auctioned off for over half a million dollars with all proceeds going towards Carroll Shelby’s Children’s Foundation. The 2007 Shelby GT500 No. 001 is officially the most expensive “modern” Mustang.
4. Carroll Shelby’s 1969 Shelby GT500 – $742,500
This 1969 Shelby GT500 was actually owned by American automotive designer Carroll Shelby, who is best known for his involvement with the AC Cobra and the Mustang-based performance cars known as Shelby Mustangs. Shelby was the car’s only owner, and after undergoing an expensive five year restoration at a Shelby specialist, the GT500 was put up for auction and sold in 2008.
3. 1965 Shelby GT350R – $990,000
Only 34 Shelby GT350 “R” models were produced in 1965, making them the rarest and most coveted Shelby Mustangs in existence. This particular 1965 Shelby GT350R was put up for auction and sold for just under $1 million in 2012, making it the most expensive Mustang ever sold at that time. The car was raced until the late 1970s and had less than 4,900 miles as well as the original engine and transmission.
2. 1967 “Eleanor” Mustang Hero Car – $1.07 million
This modified 1967 Shelby GT500 became an instant classic thanks to the famous car chase scene in the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds. The original Eleanor, piloted by retired master car thief Memphis Raines (played by Nicholas Cage) in the film, was used in movie close-ups, posters, and other promotional materials. Only one of the surviving three models left from original 11 built, the Eleanor Hero Car sold for just over $1 million in 2013.
1. 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – $1.30 million
In 2013, this one of a kind 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake crossed the block at Mecum’s Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis, Indiana and sold for $1.30 million (plus a seven percent sellers commission), making it the most expensive Ford Mustang model ever sold. Not only is this particular Shelby GT500 Super Snake the only one in the world, but it’s also the fastest and most powerful Mustang produced by Shelby in the 1960s.
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