Owner’s Thoughts After First 500 Miles in New GT500 – Realization of Long Time Dream Car

[Don1232]

good write up, thanks for sharing

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[Garfy]

Great posting, loved that read. It really mirrors my own experience when I got my 2020 GT. Mustangs are very rare here in Ireland and 'Sally' draws the stares, conversations and admiration from people everywhere we go. - Its an instant grin every time I get in and push that Start button.

So cool. I hadn't realized how popular the S550 Mustangs are in Europe. I guess even with the higher prices there it's still a good buy compared to other vehicles there with similar performance stats. I enjoyed watching the various Youtube videos of the Mustangs there. I also didn't realize the subtle differences in the market there regarding the taillights, mirrors and such (including the engine HP apparently).

 

[DuRsT]

Just recently got mine as well, congrats!

 

[Vics Shelby]

Yes thats exactly how I feel this GT500 is a gream car come true! Its awesome I have 965 miles on mine and its been a blast the car is awesome and I enjoy every mile!

 

[JUNQDAWG]

I also posted this on another forum...so hopefully it's allowed...

Buying Process

I was driving down the road in my 2017 Mustang GT Premium when I saw a used GT350 sitting in a dealer’s parking lot. Intrigued, I went in, took it for a test drive and was smitten. As much as I liked the car, it just wasn’t the right car for me. But in looking, my decision that it was time for an upgrade was made.

I then looked at the Mach 1’s. It seemed like it offered everything I wanted. My grandfather also owned a Mach 1 years ago so I thought buying one of my own would be a cool way to honor his memory. However, in looking further at the specs, and its lack of availability, I thought perhaps my perceived need for an upgrade should extend further.

In February 2021, I began my research on what has long been my dream car, the GT500. When I was a kid, my grandfather bought me a book on classic cars. I spent more time studying the Shelby Mustangs than any other vehicle. In looking at my pocketbook, the GT 500 was stretch but within reach. I used Ford’s inventory tool to see what was available in my area. One local dealer had a “golden ticket” so I stopped in for a look. I was quickly rebuffed when I realized the golden ticket did not have a rear seat (I have kids). In addition, the dealer wanted a whopping $40K over MSRP…and they weren’t budging. I thought they were insane and walked out.

I then expanded my search to various zip codes throughout the southwest and reaching out to dealers about their inventory. Unfortunately, the vehicles they had on order or in stock weren’t quite what I was looking for, though one Denver dealer had a car that was close. That car had painted stripes (a $10K option I didn’t want) and they still wanted $20K over MSRP.

I continued my search and one day Ford’s website indicated the dealer where I bought my 2017 had a dealer order for a 2021 GT 500: Oxford White, Kona Blue vinyl stripes, tech pack, handling pack, and carbon fiber dash. All the options I wanted, none that I didn’t. The color being a perfect throwback to the Shelby GT350 in the classic car book I used to study.

I called the sales manager. He confirmed the order had been placed but due to shutdowns he had no idea on when he would get the car. The car was supposed to go into production in late March. I told him I wanted to buy the car. He said he would charge me $10K over MSRP. That being the best deal I could find anyway, I said “deal.” I put down a deposit.

The sales manager kept me informed as inevitable delays occurred and we finally got word that the car was produced and on track for delivery at the end of July.

On July 19th I got the call. My car had arrived.

Initial Impressions

I immediately left work and went to the dealer to see my dream car in real life. It was still covered in plastic and had not been cleaned up. The Ford website shows the Kona Blue being relatively light in color, but it is closer to navy blue. I knew that going in, but the vinyl stripes looked almost black, depending on the angle of the sun. Still, it was an awesome sight.

The sales manager grabbed the keys and we opened it up. I sat in the driver’s seat and was immediately…underwhelmed. Having met my hero, I realized the interior was remarkably like my 2017 GT Premium. To be sure the carbon fiber dash was a nice touch as were the analogue gauges on the center of the console, but I initially thought I had made a huge mistake…paying a huge sum of money for basically the same car on the inside.

My disappointment was immediately set aside as a glanced out the windshield and saw the hood. It concealing the beast of engine hiding underneath. Then I knew…this car would be special.

I started the car and even in delivery mode I could tell a stark difference in the sound. Glorious. The rumble upon start, the revs, the whine…it was all there to let me know I made the right choice. The sales manager walked me through the exhaust modes. Each mode revealing another level of this car’s potential. He said, “It’s okay…give it some gas.” Afraid of getting out of hand, I gently pushed the gas to hear the engine rev. And it was perfect. Even though I only got it to about 3,000 rpm’s before letting up.

The dealer had work to do, and I had a trip to take so I left the car in their capable hands to clean it up, install the handling pack and add the Kona Blue side stripes that I had ordered.

Taking Delivery

When I got back from my trip, the car was ready for me to pick up. Being that I was already familiar with Mustangs the delivery process didn’t take long. The biggest difference in the 2021 model and my 2017 model was getting the Ford Pass app set up.

After my orientation, I was on my way.

Driving Experience

If you’re a parent, you know how perilous your first drive home from the hospital is with your newborn. Driving my new 2021 Shelby GT500 away from the dealer provided a similar feeling. Danger was everywhere. Other cars in the rush hour traffic were getting too close, even if they weren’t. I needed some space. I was soon on the freeway and put 100 miles on it my first drive. I kept the revs down during the initial drive, though I was tempted by all the drive mode options to gun it a few times. In the end I behaved myself.

In the month or so I have had this car I have put just over 500 miles on it. Every single one of the miles have been a complete joy, whether I am stuck in traffic on my commute or being on the freeway with clear space ahead of me.

This car is fast. And it gets fast so quickly and so smoothly you may hardly notice it. The transmission is so quick and smooth that if it weren’t for the exhaust note changing, you wouldn’t know it is cycling through the 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Because the car is so effortless, I being a novice, don’t appreciate how fast this thing accelerates

I haven’t had the opportunity to do much testing of its handling as all my driving has been either a slow roll commute to work or on the relatively straight freeway.

I am still playing with the modes in creating the “my mode” feature. So far, my favorite is sport mode, with normal suspension and track exhaust. I haven’t turned on the stereo yet, and couldn’t tell you if it works as I would rather listen to the engine make its way up and down the gears.

Because I am still in the break in period, I must behave myself, but it is hard not to show off what the car is capable of while taking various family members out for a drive. I have had it up to the red line once and full throttle more than a few times but only briefly. Even as brief as those full throttle instances have been the car gets to triple digits in a hurry.

Amusing reactions

I’ve only had the car out about a dozen times but have had a few interesting interactions. On my initial drive after taking delivery, I had a guy on a crotch rocket pass me like I was standing still, even though I was going about 80 mph. After he blew past me, he looked back and gave me a big thumbs up. Another guy rolled down his window as I was passing him to give me a big thumbs up.

Some d*ckhead in a Dodge Ram moved over into the fast lane in front of me and slowed way down before he started rolling coal right in front of me.

The best conversation I have had was with a city worker at a park, when I had the car parked near where he was working. He was a big Mustang fan and knew his stuff.

I haven’t been challenged but yesterday I had a guy in a BMW M5 pull along side of me. He bucked his car like he wanted to see me go. We obliged each other in testing just how quick our cars could get up to speed. His being no match at accelerating on a roll. It was fun to see him in my rear-view mirror with ease. When we were done, we each gave each other a friendly waive.

Once while on a joy ride showing the car off to my brother-in-law, we came to stop under a bridge. One of the fun features of the car is that you can pull back on the paddle shifters, putting the car in a neutral mode. Well, I rolled down the windows, having already had the car in track exhaust mode, I pulled back on the paddle shifters and pressed the accelerator. The track exhaust being amplified under the bridge let out an incredible note. All of sudden, I saw a homeless guy pop his head up from behind a concrete barrier and throw his hands in the air, letting me know his displeasure. I yelled an apology at him from across the road and went on my way when the light turned green.

I get the most head turns in the early morning while dropping off my daughter at school. It’s probably the best part of my day.

Conclusion

While I have relatively brief experience driving this super car, it has provided me with some of the most fun I have ever had. This car was and is my dream car and I have not been disappointed. I am looking forward to learning more about the car, and how to handle its horsepower better. I look forward to my track day, but it will probably wait until spring. If you want to know more, give me a shout or follow on IG and/or Reddit (same name as here). Thanks for reading.

 

[JUNQDAWG]

Great story . Kept me interested . If it was a BOOK I would call it a page TURNER ! ..Does anyone think this 10 to 30 K over "Sticker" crap will ever stop ? Or will dealers figure out they can get away with the "Supply/Demand" scenario and keep screwing us ? Had same feeling when I took delivery of my 2018 GT 5.0 10 speed . I can only imagine another 300 PLUS HP under that massive hood .
Hope you enjoy it . Junqdawg

 

[JayAction]

Great story . Kept me interested . If it was a BOOK I would call it a page TURNER ! ..Does anyone think this 10 to 30 K over "Sticker" crap will ever stop ? Or will dealers figure out they can get away with the "Supply/Demand" scenario and keep screwing us ? Had same feeling when I took delivery of my 2018 GT 5.0 10 speed . I can only imagine another 300 PLUS HP under that massive hood .
Hope you enjoy it . Junqdawg

It would end this month if everybody refused to pay over sticker

The reason the dealers even feel comfortable asking for more than sticker is become some people have got into this scarcity mindset that somebody is fighting to pay over sticker as well. Like maybe if the car was going for sticker then it MIGHT be somewhat hard to get one exactly how you want.

I called a dealer to inquire of a GT500 that had an MSRP of $80,000 listed online. Apparently somebody had just bought that car a day earlier and paid $50,000 over sticker for a total of $130,000!!! And they didn’t even get the CFTP.

Shit, that dude didn’t even bother to try calling other dealers because you and I both know a different dealer would have sold him that car easy for $30,000 less and dealers would have been fighting over getting him to come walk into their showroom.

 

[Kane00]

It would end this month if everybody refused to pay over sticker

The reason the dealers even feel comfortable asking for more than sticker is become some people have got into this scarcity mindset that somebody is fighting to pay over sticker as well. Like maybe if the car was going for sticker then it MIGHT be somewhat hard to get one exactly how you want.

I called a dealer to inquire of a GT500 that had an MSRP of $80,000 listed online. Apparently somebody had just bought that car a day earlier and paid $50,000 over sticker for a total of $130,000!!! And they didn’t even get the CFTP.

Shit, that dude didn’t even bother to try calling other dealers because you and I both know a different dealer would have sold him that car easy for $30,000 less and dealers would have been fighting over getting him to come walk into their showroom.

Can we stop with this garbage. The market dictates the price just like the little oranges you buy at the grocery store. If you can't afford it, or have "principle issues" then just don't buy it.

 

[Skwibbs]

Can we stop with this garbage. The market dictates the price just like the little oranges you buy at the grocery store. If you can't afford it, or have "principle issues" then just don't buy it.

There has to be more than 1 reason the GT500 is over, and the ZL1 is heavily marked down left and right. Hey, if I was super offended by the principle of it, and believe me I understand it, go buy a ZL1 1LE, cut the resonators out, and pull fuse 51 (or 52) to keep the flaps open all the time. Since the ZL1 doesn't sound as good as the GT500 stock for stock and all. Or buy a C8, if the ZLE view and ride are too much for you due to the DSSV dampers, easier to swerve around the markups. But then you'd have to wait for the Z06 (whatever that may cost, as glorious as it will be), or do a bunch of mods to get the stingray C8 up to the performance level we're talking about.

Some of the main reasons I did not go down that road. Also the new DCT over the A10, and all that Shelby special sauce.

 

[Vics Shelby]

Yeah I agree 100 percent I went to look at my car and the website said it was list price I called and they verified it but when I got to the dealer they played a bait and switch on me and wanted 20,000 over list! I told them because I liked the car so much and because I always wanted a Shelby that I would give them 10,000 over but with my trade in which saved me 6,000 in sales tax and the 12,000 I had in equity it worked for me.Also the dealers are having severe lack of available vehicles due to the chip shortage and they only get a few cars I thought it was reasonable.

Can we stop with this garbage. The market dictates the price just like the little oranges you buy at the grocery store. If you can't afford it, or have "principle issues" then just don't buy it.

 

[SSSICK]

Nearing 2k miles on my 2021 and it’s been nothing short of fantastic. Easily one of the best cars I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning.

 

[clg82]

There has to be more than 1 reason the GT500 is over, and the ZL1 is heavily marked down left and right. Hey, if I was super offended by the principle of it, and believe me I understand it, go buy a ZL1 1LE, cut the resonators out, and pull fuse 51 (or 52) to keep the flaps open all the time. Since the ZL1 doesn't sound as good as the GT500 stock for stock and all. Or buy a C8, if the ZLE view and ride are too much for you due to the DSSV dampers, easier to swerve around the markups. But then you'd have to wait for the Z06 (whatever that may cost, as glorious as it will be), or do a bunch of mods to get the stingray C8 up to the performance level we're talking about.

Some of the main reasons I did not go down that road. Also the new DCT over the A10, and all that Shelby special sauce.

Huh^^ all used and new cars are thru the roof right now!! All about supply and demand.

 

[Skwibbs]

Huh^^ all used and new cars are thru the roof right now!! All about supply and demand.

At this moment, yeah they're not listed as marked down. I'll give you that. 95% of the cars I just saw when I looked in a 500 mile radius are all listed at MSRP and I know Chevy dealers and Camaro sales, they still want to move those cars and are willing to make a deal. I was chased down when leaving the building while starting my car and putting my seat belt on. Granted that was a while ago but Camaro sales in general are still the lowest.

 

[Blackbite]

REPOST since it seems to be gone...

Buying Process

I was driving down the road in my 2017 Mustang GT Premium when I saw a used GT350 sitting in a dealer’s parking lot. Intrigued, I went in, took it for a test drive and was smitten. As much as I liked the car, it just wasn’t the right car for me. But in looking, my decision that it was time for an upgrade was made.

I then looked at the Mach 1’s. It seemed like it offered everything I wanted. My grandfather also owned a Mach 1 years ago so I thought buying one of my own would be a cool way to honor his memory. However, in looking further at the specs, and its lack of availability, I thought perhaps my perceived need for an upgrade should extend further.

In February 2021, I began my research on what has long been my dream car, the GT500. When I was a kid, my grandfather bought me a book on classic cars. I spent more time studying the Shelby Mustangs than any other vehicle. In looking at my pocketbook, the GT 500 was stretch but within reach. I used Ford’s inventory tool to see what was available in my area. One local dealer had a “golden ticket” so I stopped in for a look. I was quickly rebuffed when I realized the golden ticket did not have a rear seat (I have kids). In addition, the dealer wanted a whopping $40K over MSRP…and they weren’t budging. I thought they were insane and walked out.

I then expanded my search to various zip codes throughout the southwest and reaching out to dealers about their inventory. Unfortunately, the vehicles they had on order or in stock weren’t quite what I was looking for, though one Denver dealer had a car that was close. That car had painted stripes (a $10K option I didn’t want) and they still wanted $20K over MSRP.

I continued my search and one day Ford’s website indicated the dealer where I bought my 2017 had a dealer order for a 2021 GT 500: Oxford White, Kona Blue vinyl stripes, tech pack, handling pack, and carbon fiber dash. All the options I wanted, none that I didn’t. The color being a perfect throwback to the Shelby GT350 in the classic car book I used to study.

I called the sales manager. He confirmed the order had been placed but due to shutdowns he had no idea on when he would get the car. The car was supposed to go into production in late March. I told him I wanted to buy the car. He said he would charge me $10K over MSRP. That being the best deal I could find anyway, I said “deal.” I put down a deposit.

The sales manager kept me informed as inevitable delays occurred and we finally got word that the car was produced and on track for delivery at the end of July.

On July 19th I got the call. My car had arrived.

Initial Impressions

I immediately left work and went to the dealer to see my dream car in real life. It was still covered in plastic and had not been cleaned up. The Ford website shows the Kona Blue being relatively light in color, but it is closer to navy blue. I knew that going in, but the vinyl stripes looked almost black, depending on the angle of the sun. Still, it was an awesome sight.

The sales manager grabbed the keys and we opened it up. I sat in the driver’s seat and was immediately…underwhelmed. Having met my hero, I realized the interior was remarkably like my 2017 GT Premium. To be sure the carbon fiber dash was a nice touch as were the analogue gauges on the center of the console, but I initially thought I had made a huge mistake…paying a huge sum of money for basically the same car on the inside.

My disappointment was immediately set aside as a glanced out the windshield and saw the hood. It concealing the beast of engine hiding underneath. Then I knew…this car would be special.

I started the car and even in delivery mode I could tell a stark difference in the sound. Glorious. The rumble upon start, the revs, the whine…it was all there to let me know I made the right choice. The sales manager walked me through the exhaust modes. Each mode revealing another level of this car’s potential. He said, “It’s okay…give it some gas.” Afraid of getting out of hand, I gently pushed the gas to hear the engine rev. And it was perfect. Even though I only got it to about 3,000 rpm’s before letting up.

The dealer had work to do, and I had a trip to take so I left the car in their capable hands to clean it up, install the handling pack and add the Kona Blue side stripes that I had ordered.

Taking Delivery

When I got back from my trip, the car was ready for me to pick up. Being that I was already familiar with Mustangs the delivery process didn’t take long. The biggest difference in the 2021 model and my 2017 model was getting the Ford Pass app set up.

After my orientation, I was on my way.

Driving Experience

If you’re a parent, you know how perilous your first drive home from the hospital is with your newborn. Driving my new 2021 Shelby GT500 away from the dealer provided a similar feeling. Danger was everywhere. Other cars in the rush hour traffic were getting too close, even if they weren’t. I needed some space. I was soon on the freeway and put 100 miles on it my first drive. I kept the revs down during the initial drive, though I was tempted by all the drive mode options to gun it a few times. In the end I behaved myself.

In the month or so I have had this car I have put just over 500 miles on it. Every single one of the miles have been a complete joy, whether I am stuck in traffic on my commute or being on the freeway with clear space ahead of me.

This car is fast. And it gets fast so quickly and so smoothly you may hardly notice it. The transmission is so quick and smooth that if it weren’t for the exhaust note changing, you wouldn’t know it is cycling through the 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Because the car is so effortless, I being a novice, don’t appreciate how fast this thing accelerates

I haven’t had the opportunity to do much testing of its handling as all my driving has been either a slow roll commute to work or on the relatively straight freeway.

I am still playing with the modes in creating the “my mode” feature. So far, my favorite is sport mode, with normal suspension and track exhaust. I haven’t turned on the stereo yet, and couldn’t tell you if it works as I would rather listen to the engine make its way up and down the gears.

Because I am still in the break in period, I must behave myself, but it is hard not to show off what the car is capable of while taking various family members out for a drive. I have had it up to the red line once and full throttle more than a few times but only briefly. Even as brief as those full throttle instances have been the car gets to triple digits in a hurry.

Amusing reactions

I’ve only had the car out about a dozen times but have had a few interesting interactions. On my initial drive after taking delivery, I had a guy on a crotch rocket pass me like I was standing still, even though I was going about 80 mph. After he blew past me, he looked back and gave me a big thumbs up. Another guy rolled down his window as I was passing him to give me a big thumbs up.

Some d*ckhead in a Dodge Ram moved over into the fast lane in front of me and slowed way down before he started rolling coal right in front of me.

The best conversation I have had was with a city worker at a park, when I had the car parked near where he was working. He was a big Mustang fan and knew his stuff.

I haven’t been challenged but yesterday I had a guy in a BMW M5 pull along side of me. He bucked his car like he wanted to see me go. We obliged each other in testing just how quick our cars could get up to speed. His being no match at accelerating on a roll. It was fun to see him in my rear-view mirror with ease. When we were done, we each gave each other a friendly waive.

Once while on a joy ride showing the car off to my brother-in-law, we came to stop under a bridge. One of the fun features of the car is that you can pull back on the paddle shifters, putting the car in a neutral mode. Well, I rolled down the windows, having already had the car in track exhaust mode, I pulled back on the paddle shifters and pressed the accelerator. The track exhaust being amplified under the bridge let out an incredible note. All of sudden, I saw a homeless guy pop his head up from behind a concrete barrier and throw his hands in the air, letting me know his displeasure. I yelled an apology at him from across the road and went on my way when the light turned green.

I get the most head turns in the early morning while dropping off my daughter at school. It’s probably the best part of my day.

Conclusion

While I have relatively brief experience driving this super car, it has provided me with some of the most fun I have ever had. This car was and is my dream car and I have not been disappointed. I am looking forward to learning more about the car, and how to handle its horsepower better. I look forward to my track day, but it will probably wait until spring. If you want to know more, give me a shout or follow on IG and/or Reddit (same name as here). Thanks for reading.

These are amazing cars and completely agree with your experiences. Good luck on your new ownership.
BTW, I had the same reason why I did not pursue a CFTP, having small kids. I have a 2019 GT350R that I rarely drive due to having no back seat.
Enjoy!

 

[Vics Shelby]

Yes ive owned over 35 vehicles since 1978 and this one is totaly awesome!

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