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Ford Shelby II GT 4.6 V8 (329 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Ford Shelby:
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 and by the Ford Motor Company from 1968 to 1970.
In 2005, Ford revived the Shelby nameplate for a high-performance model of the fifth-generation Ford Mustang.
The GT350 made its debut in the "sportsroof" fastback model of the first generation Ford Mustang in 1965. Produced through 1966, these were the smallest and lightest of the GT 350 models. Work started at Shelby American when its Ford-powered AC Ace-based, two-seat, 289 AC Cobra sports car production was wrapping up, and the 427 cu in variant was beginning. Both the AC and the Shelby Mustang use the Cobra emblem, a similar paint scheme, and the optional "Cobra" valve covers installed on many GT350s that were part of a marketing tie-in by Shelby, as well as one of his iconic symbols. All 1965–66 cars had the Windsor 289 cu in HiPo K-Code 271 hp V8 engine, modified with a large 4-barrel Holley 725 CFM carburetor to produce 306 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 329 lb⋅ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Marketing literature referred to this engine as the "Cobra hi-riser" due to its high-rise intake manifold. Beginning as a stock Mustang with a 4-speed manual transmission and 9-inch live rear axle, the cars were shipped to Shelby American, where they received the high-rise manifolds, Tri-Y headers, and were given larger Ford Galaxie rear drum brakes with metallic-linings and Kelsey-Hayes front disc brakes....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Overview:
Ford Shelby (II). With 447 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ford Shelby II generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a high-performance American muscle car of its era, safety standards focused primarily on US regulations.
GT 4.6 V8 (329 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A robust naturally aspirated 4.6L V8 providing strong, usable power for daily driving and enjoyable cruising. The automatic transmission offers smooth shifts, making it a comfortable yet capable option.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption for a V8, offering a reasonable balance between power and usability, though still a thirsty engine compared to modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and aggressive styling with strong road presence
- • Powerful V8 engines across the lineup, especially the supercharged GT500/KR models
- • Engaging driving experience with classic muscle car feel
- • Strong enthusiast and collector appeal
- • Relatively good value for performance compared to European rivals
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, particularly for the supercharged variants
- • Firm ride quality may not appeal to all drivers
- • Interior quality and materials are not on par with luxury competitors
- • Limited rear visibility due to design
- • Not officially tested by Euro NCAP for safety ratings
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Cabrio: 1969 - 1970).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Shelby |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | GT 4.6 V8 (329 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 329 Hp @ 5750 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 71.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 447 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4601 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4765 mm mm [41mm more] |
| Width: | 1877 mm mm [66mm more] |
| Height: | 1407 mm mm [104mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2720 mm mm [23mm less] |
| Front track: | 1582 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1587 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.1 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/55 ZR17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Behind the wheel of the Ford Shelby. How does it handle on the road?