10 Little-Known Special Edition Ford Mustangs
Uncover hidden gems in the world of Ford Mustangs, from modern muscle to timeless classics.
About Our Selections
The Ford Mustang has captivated car enthusiasts for six decades. Since its debut in 1964, the Mustang has evolved from a pony car to a cultural icon, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. Its styling, powerful engines, and affordable price tag quickly made it a sensation, appealing to a wide range of drivers, from young enthusiasts to seasoned collectors. Today, it remains a dominant player in the performance car segment - one of the last surviving 'pony' cars.
Over the years, there have been several special-edition Mustangs sprinkled in among the mainstream production runs from one generation to the next. These special editions, each with unique features, are introduced for reasons ranging from paying homage to the model's rich heritage, showcasing cutting-edge technology, or supporting a cause.
Most of the special-edition models are well-known within the car community, an inevitability given the Mustang's status. However, a few fringe limited-edition Mustangs, like those showcased here, are not as prominent for different reasons. It does not make them any less important; some are actually highly sought after by collectors who realize their potential value.
2008 'Warriors in Pink' Mustang
Today, Pink is widely regarded as symbolic of the global movement to eradicate breast cancer. In 2007, Ford decided to publicly show its support for the campaign with the introduction of the 'Warrior in Pink' Mustang models.
What makes it Special
The limited-edition cars were a part of the Circle of Promise campaign created by Ford in partnership with one of the world's leading breast cancer awareness organizations, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Essence, a feminine-based media publication.
The 'Warriors in Pink' Mustangs were produced between 2007 and 2009. The features and options varied depending on the model year. In 2008, for example, the unique Mustangs were based on the Premium V6 package, with 210 hp and 240 lb-ft on tap.
They were available in both coupe and convertible body styles and included pink rocker tape striping. The interiors had pink stitching and Mustang badging over the famous pink ribbon.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.0L V6
Power: 210 hp
Torque: 240 ft-lbs
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Known For
The Warriors in Pink Mustangs were produced from 2007 to 2009.
Ford donated a certain amount from each sale to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure .
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'64 Indy Pace Car Replica
One of the first Mustang special editions, offered to the public after the Mustang was selected as the '65 Indy 500 pace car.
What makes it Special
The Mustang debuted in 1964, the same year it was picked as the pace car for the Indy 500. At the time, it was still so new that its appearance at the race was the first sighting for many people in the crowd.
The carmaker reportedly built about 225 examples, 35 convertibles and about 190 Hardtops. The convertibles were sold to dealers, and the hardtops were distributed to the winners of contests hosted by several Ford dealerships.
The cars were painted in Pace Car White, with a white interior complemented by blue accents. Other distinguishing features included blue racing stripes down the centre of the car and 'Official Pace Car' decals along the side of the vehicle.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 260 Cubic-inch V8
Power: 271 hp
Torque: 312 ft-lbs
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Known For
One of the earliest Ford special edition models.
All the pace car Mustangs were built in April and May of 1964.
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Mustang King Cobra
The Mustang King Cobra was produced during the Mustang II era. The little-loved Mustang II was made at a time when strict emissions restrictions curbed the excesses of muscle cars, resulting in severely underpowered vehicles.
What makes it Special
The limited-edition Mustang King Cobra was introduced to restore some of the Mustang's pride as a performance vehicle. Designed to be more potent than the regular Mustang IIs, Ford only made 4,313 units in 1978.
The King Cobras boasted enhancements that included power front disc brakes, power steering, a hood scoop and a 5.0-litre V8 that made 139 bhp. It was a modest output, but it was still significantly more than the 90 hp in the base Mustang II.
The Mustang King Cobra was the first Mustang model with the '5.0' badging, a branding that became an iconic part of the Fox Body Mustang platform, introduced in 1979.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.9L Windsor V8
Power: 139 hp
Torque: 250 ft-lbs
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Known For
It was one of the final variants of the Mustang II.
The Mustang King Cobra was the most expensive Mustang II model.
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7-Up Ford Mustang
One of the more puzzling special-edition Mustangs released by Ford. This car was unique for several reasons..
What makes it Special
The idea was initially conceived for a giveaway at the 7-Up-sponsored 1990 NCAA finals, where 30 lucky people could win the cars during the game.
Unfortunately, the idea was scrapped at the last minute. Instead of abandoning the project altogether, Ford decided to run with the design. The carmaker made a few thousand units unofficially branded as 25th-anniversary Mustangs.
The 7-Up Mustangs were LX convertibles finished with a deep Emerald green paint, matched with a white convertible top and white leather interior. Under the hood was a 5.0-litre V8 delivering about 255 hp. The cars were also fitted with 15-inch aluminum and a 'luxury' package that included cruise control, A/C and a premium sound system with cassette player.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L V8
Power: 225 hp
Torque: 300 ft-lbs
Transmission: 5-speed manual (automatic transmission was also available)
Known For
Ford made 4,103 7-Up Edition Mustangs, with 2,743 having an automatic transmission and 1,360 with a manual transmission.
They were often marketed as 25th anniversary edition models.
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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Unlike the 7-Up Mustang, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was much more than a cosmetic upgrade. A power-hungry platform described as 'more of a sports car than a muscle car.'
What makes it Special
Unveiled as a special tribute to the original Boss 302 from 1969 and 1970, the 2012 model sported several tweaks that placed its performance several levels above the stock Mustangs of its generation.
Its V8 powerplant sported modifications that included a new intake manifold, larger intake valves, and stronger cylinder ends. Power output was rated at 444 hp, a healthy 32 hp increase over the base Mustang GT. It wasn't all about shoehorning more power into the car's muscular frame.
An upgraded suspension setup, alongside other mechanical tweaks, also greatly enhanced the car's overall handling. Less than 8,500 units left the factory during the car's two-year run, making it a highly desirable Mustang spec today.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L Coyote V8
Power: 444 hp @ 7,400 rpm
Torque: 380 ft-lbs @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Known For
It had a track-ready limited-edition dubbed the Mustang Boss 302 'Laguna Seca.'
.The muscle car could accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
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2015 Mustang GT 50th Anniversary Edition
As implied by the name, Ford did release a special-edition Mustang to celebrate the model's 50th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in the pony car's history.
What makes it Special
Interestingly, this is one of the rarest Ford Special Edition models. The carmaker produced only 1,964 units, a direct reference to the year of the Ford's debut.
All the cars were offered with a choice of two colours - Wimbledon White (the colour of the first Mustang) and Kona Blue. The 50th Anniversary Edition was based on the Mustang GT coupe and equipped with the Performance Pack.
That included, among other enhancements, an upgraded suspension and larger brakes. The anniversary edition Mustang was also the only way to get the Performance Pack paired with an automatic transmission.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L Coyote V8
Power: 435 hp
Torque: 400 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual (6-speed automatic was also available)
Known For
This Special-edition model was the only way to get Ford's Performance Pack with an automatic transmission.
The Mustang had chrome accents on the exterior, a throwback to the classic models.
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1993 Feature Mustang
This special-edition Mustang marked the end of the famous Fox-body Mustang era.
What makes it Special
The Feature Mustang had the same performance as a standard 1993 Mustang LX 5.0L. That meant a 5.0L V8 putting out 205 hp at 4,200 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The differentiating options on the Feature Mustang edition were all cosmetic, but they were still enough to make it stand out.
For starters, the Feature Mustangs were all convertible models. They were painted in either Vibrant white or Canary yellow, with a white or black leather interior. The yellow cars were optioned with a white or black top, while the white cars got white convertible tops.
Running horse emblems on the floor mats and headrests further set it apart as a limited-series car.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L V8
Power: 205 hp
Torque: 275 ft-lbs
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Known For
The 1993 Feature Mustangs were all convertibles.
They were all based on the Mustang LX trim and only two colour options were available.
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Ford Mustang Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition
A real unicorn among Mustang models; only 45 units were built, making them exceedingly rare today. The cars were easily distinguishable by their sunken headlights, slanted grille and retro-fastback look.
What makes it Special
The special-edition muscle cars were only sold by Galpin Ford in 2009 to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang.
Each example was coach-built by the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters and featured advanced composite materials similar to those used in the construction of supercars like the Ferrari Enzo and McLaren F1.
The Iacocca Mustangs were equipped with Ford Racing's handling package, suspension and high-performance Brembo brakes. There is an Iacocca signature plaque on the interior, together with Iacocca stitching and diamond-design leather embroidered leather seats. Customers could purchase the Mustang with either the 320-hp naturally aspirated 4.6L V8 or the supercharged 4.6L V8 that generated 400 hp.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.6L supercharged V8 (4.6L naturally aspirated V8 also available)
Power: 400 hp
Torque: 324 ft-lbs
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Known For
Named after one of the most influential figures in the Mustang history.
Only 45 units were ever made.
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1996 Ford Mustang Mystic Cobra
The Mystic Cobra is reportedly one of the first production vehicles to be offered with colour-shifting paint.
What makes it Special
This Cobra Mustang was built by Ford's now-defunct Special Vehicles Team (SVT). That typically meant more performance and better overall handling compared to the mainstream Mustangs. However, this 1996 Mustang Cobra's claim to fame lies mainly in its unique exterior colour.
The Mystic Metallic paint was developed by Baden Aniline and Soda Factory (BASF), a process that took three years. Depending on how the light hits it, the shimmering paint throws off shades of purple, green, teal, gold and copper.
Ford applied this special paint to 2,000 of the 7,496 Cobras produced in 1996, making them a highly sought-after collectible today.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.6L DOHC V8
Power: 305 hp
Torque: 300 ft-lbs @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Known For
Only 2,000 units of the 1996 SVT Cobras had the mystic paint option.
The Cobra's engine output was about double the power of the base Mustang model of the same year.
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2019 Old Crow Ford Mustang GT
The 'Old Crow' Mustang was a one-of-one build unveiled by Ford to raise money via auction for a variety of aviation programs run by the Experimental Aircraft Association.
What makes it Special
The Mustang was inspired by U.S. Army Air Force Col. Bud Anderson, a World War II triple ace pilot, and the P-51 Mustang fighter planes he flew in combat nicknamed 'Old Crow.'
The Mustang GT resulted from a partnership between Ford and Roush Performance. At its heart is a Roush-supercharged V8 that cranks out a thumping 710 hp, 250 hp more than the output of a regular 2019 Mustang GT. The Mustang features a custom livery and badging that mimics the pattern of Colonel Anderson's P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft.
A custom Roush grille with a P-51 Mustang badge adorns the front; the hood bears the words "Old Crow," and an authentic Eighth Air Force emblem badge graces the decklid panel.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L Supercharged V8
Power: 710 hp
Torque: 610 ft-lbs
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Known For
Inspired by a World War II ace that flew over a hundred combat missions without getting shot down.
The 'Old Crow' Mustang eventually sold for a staggering $400,000 at auction.
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