Ford, a name synonymous with American automotive innovation, isn’t just the father of modern car manufacturing; it’s also an automaker deeply rooted in motorsports and high-performance vehicles. From NASCAR to Formula 1, World Rally Championship to off-road racing, Ford’s involvement across various racing disciplines is undeniable. This rich history in motorsports has significantly influenced its road cars, leading to advancements in safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency. However, for true enthusiasts, it’s the adrenaline-pumping, performance-driven Ford cars that truly capture the imagination, embodying speed that you can experience firsthand. From the golden age of muscle cars to today’s cutting-edge engineering, Ford has consistently delivered speed demons to its loyal fans. Here’s a countdown of some of the Fastest Ford Cars ever unleashed.
To compile this list of the fastest Fords in history, we’ve drawn upon reputable sources including the Shelby American Collection, Automobile-Catalog, and Supercars.net, ensuring accuracy and providing a comprehensive overview of Ford’s speed legacy.
10. 1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth
Top Speed: 150 MPH
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth, a homologation special, was born to conquer Group A racing regulations. Following the demise of the exhilarating but perilous Group B class, Group A emerged with stricter rules, demanding more manageable power outputs for both racetracks and rally stages. Unlike its rally-focused Group B predecessor, the RS200, the RS500 became legendary for its circuit dominance.
Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter, DOHC 16-valve, inline-four |
|---|---|
| Power | 201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 204-pound feet @ 4,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 5-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 5.4 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 14.2 seconds @ 98 MPH |
| Top speed | 150 MPH |
The heart of the RS500 is the YB engine, a Cosworth masterpiece featuring a sixteen-valve cylinder head and turbocharging, significantly boosting the Sierra’s performance. Demonstrating its racing pedigree, later RS500 models were equipped with a secondary set of injectors, initially unplugged, designed to unleash greater boost and power when activated. In racing configuration, this allowed the RS500 to churn out close to 500 horsepower and exceed 150 MPH, making it one of the fastest Ford cars of its era.
9. 1971 Ford Transit Supervan 1
Top Speed: 150 MPH
In an era where 600-horsepower SUVs raise eyebrows, the original Ford Transit Supervan was in a league of its own. Ford never intended to sell Supervans through dealerships; it was a publicity marvel, a 400-horsepower van designed to draw attention and showroom traffic. And it worked spectacularly.
Specifications
| Engine | 5.0-liter, pushrod OHV 16-valve, naturally aspirated V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 435 horsepower |
| Torque | Not available |
| Drivetrain | 4-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 7.0 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 14.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 150 MPH |
The Supervan was an elaborate publicity stunt, beginning with a retired GT40 chassis. A potent 5.0-liter V-8 engine was centrally mounted where cargo or passengers would typically reside, incorporating numerous components from the legendary Le Mans race car. While not primarily built for drag racing, the Supervan could achieve a 14.5-second quarter-mile and reach speeds beyond 150 MPH, a testament to its unexpected speed and power, cementing its place among the fastest Ford vehicles ever conceived.
8. 1987 Ford RS200 Evolution
Top Speed: 150 MPH
While the Ford Escort, in its Mk1 (1967) and Mk2 (1974) iterations, often steals the spotlight as Ford’s most iconic rally car, the RS200 is arguably the ultimate Ford rally machine. With its short wheelbase, four-wheel drive, and nearly 500 horsepower in race trim, the RS200 was purpose-built to dominate the demanding and perilous Group B rally class.
Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter, DOHC 16-valve, inline-four |
|---|---|
| Power | 247 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 215-pound feet @ 4,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 5-speed manual; four-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 4.7 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 13.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 150 MPH |
Homologation rules for Group B mandated that Ford produce and sell 200 road-legal units of this rally rocket. The RS200 is not only fast, but also exceptionally rare. In its road-going specification, complete with a full interior, the RS200 delivered a still-impressive 247 horsepower, managing a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 MPH. This leaves enthusiasts wondering just how much faster a fully unleashed RS200 could truly be, further solidifying its position among the fastest Ford cars ever built.
7. 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
Top Speed: 175 MPH
While not the inaugural model to bear the Cobra R badge, the 2000 SVT Cobra R was the first Mustang single-mindedly engineered for peak performance and speed. Sold with a functional aero package, wider wheels, and track-ready tires, its performance enhancements went far beyond visual upgrades.
Specifications
| Engine | 5.4-liter, DOHC 32-valve, naturally aspirated V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 385 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 385 pound-feet @ 4,250 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 6-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 4.4 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 12.8 seconds @ 110 MPH |
| Top speed | 175 MPH |
The Cobra R’s engine was a heavily modified 4.6-liter V-8 from the standard Mustang, enlarged to 5.4-liters and producing 385 horsepower. SVT further enhanced the Cobra R with Bilstein shocks, stiffer springs, thicker sway bars, lighter control arms, and Brembo brakes to maximize handling and stopping power. These upgrades culminated in a 175-MPH top speed, making the Mustang SVT Cobra R a genuinely fast Ford, equally adept in straight-line sprints and corner carving.
6. 2019 Ford Mustang GT500
Top Speed: 180 MPH
The “GT500” moniker has commanded respect since Carroll Shelby first applied it to the Mustang in 1967. Considered the most formidable and ferocious Mustang available, second only to Shelby American’s Super Snake package, the GT500 Mustang represents the pinnacle of Ford’s road-car technology.
Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 5.2-liter, DOHC 32-valve, V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 760 horsepower @ 7,300 rpm |
| Torque | 625-pound feet @ 5,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 3.4 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 11.3 seconds @ 132 MPH |
| Top speed | 180 MPH (manufacturer claim) |
Revived in 2019 after a hiatus since 2014, the GT500 roared back with 760 horsepower and a lightning-quick dual-clutch automatic transmission. Prioritizing outright speed, this fastest factory Mustang boasts aerodynamic enhancements and an optional handling package optimized for peak performance. While capable of approaching 180-MPH, the GT500’s magnetic damping, brakes, and tires also equip it to challenge far pricier sports cars on both racetracks and winding roads, making it a true all-around performance machine and one of the fastest Ford cars in recent years.
5. 2014 FPV Falcon GT-F 351
Top Speed: 186 MPH
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), the Australian arm of Ford, continued the legacy of the Falcon long after its discontinuation in North America in the 1970s. FPV diligently developed the Falcon until 2014, when escalating costs and dwindling sales led to its commendable farewell.
Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 5.0-liter, DOHC 32-valve, V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 471 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | 420-pound feet @ 2,500-5,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 6-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 4.5 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 12.8 seconds @ 111 MPH |
| Top speed | 186 MPH |
Powered by a supercharged Coyote V-8 – the very same iconic Coyote V-8 – the GT-F 351 can be considered the four-door Mustang that Ford never officially built. The “351” designation refers to its power output in kilowatts, translating to 471 horsepower in US units. This six-speed manual, four-door performance sedan is capable of reaching 186 MPH. The GT-F also boasts impressive cornering capabilities and robust stopping power thanks to its six-piston Brembo front brakes, perhaps making it more akin to a European performance sedan like the E39 M5 than a traditional four-door Mustang.
4. 2005 Ford GT
Top Speed: 205 MPH
Effectively a modern homage to the legendary Le Mans-winning racers of the 1960s, the 2005 Ford GT had enormous expectations to meet. The hype and anticipation surrounding its development were immense. Upon its release, the Ford GT perfectly captured the aesthetic and spirit of its iconic racing predecessor in a strikingly similar silhouette.
Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 5.4-liter, DOHC 24-valve V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 550 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 500-pound feet @ 3,750 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 6-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 3.7 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 11.7 seconds @ 127 MPH |
| Top speed | 205 MPH (governor limited) |
Fueled by a supercharged Ford modular V-8 engine, the 2005 GT generated 550 horsepower channeled through a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. When it debuted, it was immediately pitted against Ferrari’s contemporary offering, the 360 Modena, proving that Ford could still produce world-class sports cars capable of challenging and even surpassing Ferrari. The Ford GT exceeded the Modena’s 183-MPH top speed, reaching a governed 205 MPH, firmly establishing itself as one of the fastest Ford cars of the 21st century.
3. 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake
Top Speed: 216 MPH
If the Ford GT didn’t exist, the Mustang would undoubtedly be Ford’s ultimate “halo car.” From its humble beginnings as the progenitor of the pony car craze, the Mustang lineage has evolved alongside Ford’s technological advancements, even being chosen as the platform for Ford’s first mass-produced electric vehicle. However, the “GT500” designation on a Mustang instantly conjures a different image for enthusiasts, especially when combined with the “Super Snake” moniker.
Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 5.8-liter, DOHC 32-valve V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 662 horsepower / 850 horsepower (optional) |
| Torque | 631-pound-feet / 800-pound-feet (optional) |
| Drivetrain | 6-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 3.7 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 11.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 216 MPH |
Even in its factory configuration, the 2013 GT500, with 662 horsepower, was far from slow. However, Shelby American amplified the already potent Mustang with an optional 850-horsepower performance package, achieved via a massive 3.6-liter supercharger. But Shelby’s upgrades extended beyond just power. The 850-horsepower variant included an enhanced cooling system, upgraded suspension, a redesigned body with distinctive Super Snake styling, and even an optional wide-body kit, among numerous other improvements. This made it not only one of the fastest Ford cars, but also one of the most comprehensively upgraded Mustangs ever offered.
2. 2019 Ford GT
Top Speed: 216 MPH
The second-generation Ford GT is a worthy successor to both the 2005 model and the original GT40s that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. A true endurance racer at its core, the Ford GT is propelled by a high-performance EcoBoost engine, Ford’s turbocharged gasoline direct-injection technology, delivering increased power and improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline engines.
Specifications
| Engine | 3.5 liter Twin-turbocharged and intercooler, Miller-capable DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
|---|---|
| Power | 647 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 550-pound feet @ 5,900 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed dual-clutch with manual mode; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 3.0 seconds |
| Quarter mile | 10.8 seconds @ 134 MPH |
| Top speed | 216 MPH (manufacturer claim) |
While EcoBoost technology is widely used across Ford’s vehicle lineup, in the Ford GT, its primary focus is speed and performance. Even as the first GT to abandon the traditional V-8 engine, its twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 enables the newest Ford GT to rival supercars from prestigious marques like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and McLaren. Capable of reaching 216-MPH on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, the Ford GT replicated its 1966 Le Mans class victory, proving its place as one of the fastest Ford cars and a true global performance icon.
1. 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV
Top Speed: 220 MPH
While the Mk II and Mk III Ford GT40s were undeniably fast and successful at Le Mans, their top speed on the 3.6-mile Mulsanne Straight was just over 200 MPH. This changed with the introduction of the experimental J-cars, further developed into the GT40 Mk IV, which achieved a staggering 220-MPH on the famed Le Mans straight.
Specifications
| Engine | 7.0-liter, pushrod OHV 16-valve naturally aspirated V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 500 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 470-pound-feet @ 5,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Mid-engine 4-speed manual; rear-wheel drive |
| Zero to 60 | 3.1 seconds (estimated) |
| Top speed | 220 MPH |
With increased power, a lighter aluminum honeycomb chassis, a more robust transmission, and enhanced aerodynamics, the Mk IV GT40 stands as the ultimate racing GT40 ever created. It secured Ford’s second Le Mans victory, definitively proving that Ford could build incredibly fast cars capable of defeating Enzo Ferrari on his own terms in the world of motorsports. The 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV remains the fastest Ford car ever officially recorded in terms of top speed, a true testament to Ford’s relentless pursuit of performance and racing excellence.
