It’s a common concern among automotive enthusiasts: how many iconic cars from a specific era are still around today? When considering the 2007 Shelby GT500, some might worry that many have been lost to accidents or neglect. However, a closer look reveals a more optimistic outlook for this modern muscle car.
Looking back at the muscle car era of the 1970s, a significant number of those vehicles faced a harsh reality. Before anyone understood their future collectible value, these powerful machines were often driven hard, poorly maintained, or simply left to rust away during the gas crisis. They were just used cars, and attrition rates were high. A considerable portion ended up in junkyards.
Today, we have the benefit of hindsight. We recognize the enduring appeal and increasing value of special and low-production vehicles. This awareness has fostered a different approach to ownership, particularly for halo cars like the Shelby GT500.
Many who purchased a 2007 Shelby GT500 did so not as a daily commuter, but as a prized possession, a fair-weather vehicle to be cherished and maintained. This fundamental difference in ownership mentality, compared to previous generations of muscle cars, suggests a far greater survival rate for the 2007-2014 GT500 models. The primary losses will likely stem from major accidents, with only a small fraction succumbing to extreme use and neglect to the point of being beyond economical repair.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to estimate that a significant majority – perhaps as much as two-thirds – of the 2007-2014 Shelby GT500s produced will continue to exist in various states of condition and mileage for years to come. Even some of the less pristine examples may eventually find their way into restoration projects, further securing the legacy of this iconic Mustang. The 2007 Shelby GT500 is not just a powerful car; it’s becoming a lasting piece of automotive history.
