Mustang Forums’ 10 Most Important Stories of 2019
From ultra rare barn finds to record breaking cars and controversial releases, 2019 had it all for Mustang fans.
For Mustang fans, 2019 was a pivotal year full of highs and lows. As is usually the case, we’ve seen some pretty exciting barn finds and a few truly special cars heading to auction. We also witnessed the unveiling of the most powerful and quickest production Mustang in history — the 2020 Shelby GT500. But 2019 wasn’t all peaches and cream for Mustang fans, either.
The new Mach-E was introduced carrying the Mustang name, which caused enthusiasts to bring out their proverbial pitchforks. Rumors indicated that the V8 engine was not long for our favorite pony car. And as usual, fans had their fair share of gripes to share with the world. But these sorts of things just continue to remind us how passionate Mustang fans really are. So, we present this summary of 2019 as both a thanks to all of you, as well as a toast to Ford’s most iconic, enduring model.
Barn Find of a Lifetime Yields Pair of Rare, Classic Shelbys
It never ceases to amaze us just how many undiscovered gems lie out there in barns and garages across this great country of ours. Every year, it seems like at least a dozen or so incredibly rare cars are “found” after decades in storage. This past summer, that lot included two Shelbys – a GT500 and GT500 KR that had been sitting in a man’s garage since 1987. Both cars were then returned to running condition and have since been sold. But somehow, we imagine they won’t be the last two some classic car hunter comes across.
2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Lives up to Hype, and Then Some
The 2020 Shelby GT500 was easily the most hyped new model of 2019, for obvious reasons. And needless to say, it hasn’t disappointed. When Mustang Forums editor Michael S. Palmer got to try one out on some curvy California roads, he immediately realized that this was not your father’s GT500. This latest snake was equally adept at carving corners and rocketing to insane straight line speeds at an alarming pace. The only downside to this incredible machine appears to be the insane dealer markups you have to navigate to bring one home.
Ford Slaps Mustang Name on Mach-E, Then Defends Decision
We’ve known that Ford was going to build an all-electric SUV for quite some time now. What we didn’t know, until they actually unveiled it, was that this crossover was going to bear the Mustang name. And while the new ‘ute promises pony car performance, it still didn’t settle well with enthusiasts. Ford was forced to almost immediately explain their decision to apply their most recognizable brand to, well, something different. Whether or not fans eventually accept this dramatic change remains to be seen.
Shelby’s One-Of-One GT500 EXP500 CSS ‘Black Hornet’ Pops Up for Sale
It isn’t often that you get a chance to own a car that once resided in Carroll Shelby‘s own personal stable. Especially a car that is a true one-of-one. But that opportunity popped up this past fall when the one-and-only GT500 EXP500 Black Hornet car came up for sale following a stint in the hands of Barrett-Jackson’s Craig Jackson and Steve Davis. But after failing to sell with a list price of $850,000, it’s now headed to Mecum’s Kissimmee auction with no reserve. So, at least you can say you got one bid in on this legendary machine.
1993 Mustang Cobra R Sells for Record $132,000 at Auction
Speaking of insanely high bidding, we were blown away when this incredible Cobra R hammered for a whopping $132,000 at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction this year. That, friends, makes it the most expensive Foxbody to ever sell at auction. But then again, the ’93 Cobra R is the rarest of its breed, with just 107 produced. And now that those (some) of us who grew up coveting cars like this are falling into some money, prices only figure to rise moving forward.
Automotive Icon, Mustang’s Father Lee Iacocca Dies at Age of 94
The automotive industry is full of iconic figures, but Lee Iacocca was one of the most pivotal. Iacocca is often called the “Father of the Mustang,” but that wasn’t his sole accomplishment. He also brought Carroll Shelby on board, and we all know how that went. Iacocca went on to quite literally save Chrysler from extinction, becoming quite the beloved figure along the way. Without him, it’s hard to imagine what the automotive industry would look like today.
Hot Rod Power Tour Mustang Wrecks but Still Finishes Journey
One of the most cringe worthy stories we came across this year also turned out to be one of the most inspirational. The owner of this beautiful ’67 Mustang, Cole Phillips, smashed the front end of his beloved ride while participating in the Hot Rod Power Tour. But instead of hauling it home and trying again next year, he did some repairs on the fly and finished the ride. And that, friends, is what we call perseverance.
Incredibly Minty 1969 Boss 429 Found in Florida
Everyone has their favorite Mustang, but it’s hard to argue against the legendary Boss 429. With less than 1,000 produced over a two-year span, it’s also one of the rarest. This highly modified and incredibly beautiful example popped up for sale in Florida earlier this year, making us double check our bank account balances. And look under a few seat cushions. If you’ve got the means, it’s actually still up for grabs with no listed price. Because if you have to ask…
Fathouse Fabrication Builds 1,400 World Record Breaking GT350
With all the noise surrounding the GT500 this year, it’s easy to forget that the GT350 is still an awesome machine. And we’re just beginning to discover the car’s limits. Fathouse Fab has been at the forefront of that mission, building some of the fastest and most powerful GT350s in the world. That includes this incredible twin-turbo Shelby, which used all of its 1,400 ponies to rip off an 8.6-second quarter-mile blast this year.
Steve McQueen’s Original Bullitt Mustang Heads to Auction
When you’re talking about the singular most important cars in Mustang history, you can’t leave out the original Bullitt. For many years, the car remained out of reach and in the hands of a private owner. But now, perhaps the most famous Mustang ever is going up for grabs at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale. With an estimated value of $4 million, we’re just looking forward to seeing the inevitable bidding war that ensues.
For Mustang fans, 2019 was certainly an incredible year. But 2020 promises to be even better. So stay tuned, because we here at Mustang Forums will be bringing you all of the exciting news as it happens!
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