The allure of a classic muscle car never truly fades, especially when it comes to the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. For many enthusiasts, including myself, the 2007 Ford Shelby Gt500 represents a pinnacle of American performance and a nostalgic nod to a golden age of automotive power. My journey with a 2007 GT500 began in 2018, and from the moment I saw its Performance White paint with striking blue stripes, it was like stepping back to 2007 when, as a 15-year-old, I was captivated by the GT500 commercials showcasing its Autobahn prowess. Finally owning one, with a mere 5,500 miles on the clock and tastefully upgraded with a pulley, tune, Borla Touring exhaust, cold air intake, and SCT tune pushing out a robust 555 rear-wheel horsepower, felt like a dream realized, especially at the price of $31,500.
Fast forward a couple of years, and while browsing dealerships, the contrast between the modern Mustang offerings and the raw appeal of my GT500 became even more apparent. Seeing brand new 2019 Bullitt Mustangs still on dealer lots prompted a deeper comparison. Having owned several Bullitt Mustangs in the past, including two 2001 models and a 2008, I appreciate their unique character, the iconic Dark Highland Green paint, subtle performance enhancements, and design cues harking back to the 1968 Mustang. In fact, I even preferred my 2001 Bullitt over a 2003 Mach 1 I once owned, valuing the Bullitt’s carefully curated upgrades that justified its premium over a standard GT. While I was less enamored with the 2015 Mustang redesign, finding it somewhat generic in its Ford Edge-inspired styling, the Bullitt managed to stand out with its understated aggression. This curiosity led me to a local dealer, GT500 in tow, to experience the 2019 Bullitt firsthand and see how it stacked up against my beloved 2007 Ford Shelby GT500.
Arriving at the dealership, the owner himself came out to inspect my 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. His discerning eye meticulously scanned for any imperfections, but the GT500, in its well-maintained glory, stood up to scrutiny. Parked next to a vibrant 2019 Bullitt, and in the vicinity of the owner’s own 2003 Cobra, the Bullitt’s distinctive green paint truly sparkled. A test drive of the Bullitt ensued, providing a direct point of comparison to the visceral experience of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500.
The interior of the Bullitt immediately presented a mixed bag. The Recaro seats, while undeniably high quality and a step up from those in the Boss 302 and 2012 GT500 models I had previously encountered, felt confining for my 6’1″, 220-pound frame. The lack of heated and cooled seats, understandable in a performance-focused model, also meant the omission of associated electronic adjustments, making the $1600 Recaro upgrade feel less compelling in terms of overall value. Furthermore, the sheer volume of electronics in the Bullitt’s cabin was noticeable. It felt overly computerized, a stark contrast to the more analog feel of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. However, the interior material quality in the Bullitt was undeniably improved, reflecting Ford’s advancements in interior design and build.
Out on the road, driving down Virginia’s Route 522, the Bullitt’s exhaust note impressed. It arguably stands as one of the best-sounding factory Mustang exhausts available. The shifter felt precise and responsive, comparable to my previous 2011 GT500 equipped with an MGW shifter. In terms of raw acceleration, the Bullitt didn’t deliver the same visceral punch as my modified 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, but it was still undeniably quick. A passing 2018 Mustang GT driver’s engine rev prompted a reciprocal rev, further highlighting the Bullitt’s impressive auditory presence. The rev-matching feature, while technically proficient, felt somewhat intrusive. In the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, the manual gear changes felt more directly connected to the driver’s input, offering a greater sense of control, even if rev-matching simplifies the process.
Handling proved to be the Bullitt’s most significant advantage. Despite having invested $5,000 in aftermarket suspension upgrades for my 2011 GT500, the Bullitt, equipped with optional MagneRide suspension, surpassed it in ride quality and cornering prowess. It was the most refined and composed Mustang chassis I had experienced. However, the Bullitt’s transmission characteristics took some acclimation. Stalling it once upon returning to the dealership highlighted the softer clutch and somewhat unconventional reverse gear engagement compared to the more demanding, performance-oriented clutch in the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500.
Back at the dealership, an unexpected inquiry about purchasing my 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 arose during the Bullitt test drive. While the dealer evaluated trade-in options, I took the salesman for a ride in the GT500. The question posed was simple: “Do you want to know what real power feels like?” Pushing the GT500 to its limits elicited a visceral, roller-coaster-like reaction from the salesman, complete with enthusiastic shouts and laughter – a level of engagement the Bullitt experience hadn’t quite matched.
The initial trade-in offer for the GT500 was $21,000, requiring an additional $25,000 for the Bullitt – a proposition quickly dismissed. Subsequent negotiations improved the offer to $28,500 for the GT500, with an $18,000 balance financed over seven years for the Bullitt. While the Bullitt’s daily-driver appeal, enhanced handling, refined interior, and appealing sound were undeniable, the raw, visceral character of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 held a different kind of allure. Its menacing aesthetics, thunderous roar, and old-school muscle car feel resonated deeply, harking back to my automotive roots with a 1966 Mustang and my father’s 1969 Mach 1.
Concluding Thoughts:
Ultimately, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 and the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt cater to different desires. The GT500, in my opinion, represents a superior value proposition. While a new Bullitt commands a price range of $46,000 to $53,000, a comparable 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 can be acquired for significantly less, leaving substantial room for personalization and performance upgrades. For weekend enthusiasts and hobbyists, the GT500 offers an unparalleled canvas for modification. A mere $1,000 investment can unlock an additional 100 horsepower – a level of readily accessible performance enhancement the Bullitt cannot match.
Conversely, the Bullitt emerges as the more refined and technologically advanced daily driver. Its superior handling, comfortable ride (especially with MagneRide), and modern amenities make it a compelling choice for everyday usability. However, stepping back into the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 after the Bullitt test drive was a reassuring reminder of the raw, unadulterated driving experience and the significant financial savings it represented. The GT500 demands a more engaged driving style, a connection to the road that some might find more rewarding. If price were no object, the Bullitt, perhaps with a supercharger, would be a tempting option. However, for those seeking a weekend thrill ride and a potent piece of American muscle car history, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 remains a compelling and timeless choice. It’s a car that embodies the spirit of old-school motoring with modern performance, solidifying its place as a true icon.
