by A Unique Shelby GT500 with Minimal Mileage is Up for Auction
Collectors and fans of powerful cars have received an excellent opportunity to acquire a true rarity. Next week, two legendary Shelby Mustang GT500s – 2007 and 2009 model years – will be presented at auction. Their main feature is an incredibly low mileage, making these cars some of the most valuable specimens in their class.
Both cars are in perfect preserved condition, which, combined with the exclusivity of the models, promises a fierce bidding war among buyers. Here are the key facts:
The Red Wonder of 2007
The first lot is a bright red 2007 model year Mustang Shelby GT500 with white racing stripes. Its mileage is only 11 miles (18 km), which practically corresponds to the readings of a new car after delivery from the dealership. Initially, this car cost $43,570, which, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to approximately $70,000 today. The final auction price is expected to significantly exceed this amount.
Buying a car with such low mileage is undoubtedly very tempting. But the reality is that cars usually don’t like to sit idle for years without proper care.
The description from the GAA Classic Cars auction house provides very little information about the ownership history of this GT500. It is unknown where and how the car was stored for the last two decades. If it truly was barely used, the future owner will likely have to conduct a full inspection and service before taking it out on the road. Although, most likely, the new owner will consider this purchase an investment rather than a car for daily use.
The Even Rarer 2009 GT500KR
The second lot may prove to be even more valuable. This is a GT500KR version from the 2009 model year, produced in 2008. Only 712 such cars were built. This silver-colored specimen with blue stripes has been owned by a single owner since purchase, and its mileage is only 25 miles (40 km).
Ford engineers made the KR version even more powerful and aggressive. The engine was upgraded to 540 horsepower and 691 Nm of torque. The suspension was also reworked, with new components installed, including a strut tower brace, a carbon fiber hood, and a unique exhaust system.
The initial MSRP of the base model was $46,890, and the KR option package, which included a gas guzzler tax, added another $35,565. The total amount was $82,555, which by today’s standards is equivalent to approximately $122,000.
The Phenomenon of “Time Capsules” on Wheels
The appearance of such cars on the market always sparks lively discussions. On one hand, they are perfect “time capsules,” preserving the spirit of their era in a completely pristine state. Their historical and collectible value is undeniable. On the other hand, the fate of such machines remains an open question. Will they become museum exhibits, investment objects, or will they finally get a chance to ride the roads they were built for? The technical aspect is also important: even the best-preserved mechanical components may require thorough revision after a long period of inactivity. Regardless of the auction result, these two Shelbys will forever remain bright symbols of the golden era of American muscle cars, frozen in time.
