Throughout Mustang history, Ford and its partners have created some truly unique and elusive models. From mid-engine experiments to European exclusives, these ten Mustangs stand out as the rarest of the rare.
The Rarest Ford Mustangs Ever Made
The Ford Mustang has seen numerous special editions, prototypes, and limited-production models over the decades. While many Mustangs are revered for their performance and design, some have achieved near-mythical status due to their extreme rarity. Here’s a list of ten of the rarest Mustangs ever produced, each with a fascinating story behind it.
10. 1971 Ford Mustang Shelby Europa (14 Units)
Shelby’s presence in Europe was solidified with the rare Shelby Europa, introduced by Belgian dealer Claude Dubois. Only 14 units were built, each based on the Mach 1 platform with unique striping and performance upgrades. These Mustangs are among the rarest Shelbys ever produced.
9. 1964 World's Fair "Magic Skyway" Mustangs (11 Units)
Ford created 11 specially built Mustangs for Walt Disney’s "Magic Skyway" attraction at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. These Mustangs were some of the first publicly displayed models. After the fair, they were refurbished and sold, and only three are known to exist today.
8. 1979 Ford Mustang SVP M81 McLaren (10 Units)
During the performance-starved 1970s, Ford teamed up with McLaren to produce the M81 Mustang, featuring a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine making 175 horsepower. Though it had great potential, only 10 were built due to high production costs, making it one of the rarest Mustangs of the era.
7. 1966 Shelby GT350 Convertible Prototypes (4 Units)
Carroll Shelby built just four GT350 convertibles in 1966 in response to a request from musician Bob Shane. Each was painted a different color and tested as a potential production model. However, the project never moved forward, making these convertibles extremely rare.
6. 1965 Ford Mustang Ferguson AWD (2 Units)
Ford experimented with all-wheel drive in 1965, collaborating with Ferguson Research in the UK. Two Mustangs were modified with a full-time AWD system, splitting torque 63% to the rear wheels. The project was abandoned due to high costs and complexity, leaving only these prototypes in existence.
5. 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake (1 Unit)
Built as a one-off for Goodyear’s tire testing program, the 1967 GT500 Super Snake featured a Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 engine capable of producing 600 horsepower. It was intended to be a high-performance production model, but the cost of manufacturing was deemed too high, leaving only this single prototype.
4. 1968 Ford Shelby EXP500 “Green Hornet” Prototype (1 Unit)
Originally a test car for Ford’s California Special program, the Green Hornet was later modified by Shelby American with a 428 Cobra Jet engine, independent rear suspension, and unique body panels. It was nearly scrapped, but miraculously survived and has since been restored to its original prototype condition.
3. 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible (1 Unit)
Only one 1967 Shelby GT500 Convertible was ever built. Initially intended for production, the idea was scrapped due to design constraints. This prototype, notable for being the only Mustang convertible fitted with multiple carburetors, remains a priceless collector’s item today.
2. 2006 Ford Mustang Giugiaro Concept (1 Unit)
In 2006, legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro reimagined the Mustang with a European design influence. The concept featured a supercharged 4.6-liter V-8 producing 500 horsepower, scissor doors, and a radically curved windshield. Though it never went beyond the prototype stage, it remains one of the most unique Mustang designs ever created.
1. 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 LID (1 Unit)
One of Ford’s most ambitious Mustang projects, the BOSS 429 LID (Low Investment Drivetrain) was an experimental prototype featuring a mid-engine layout. Ford engineers mounted a 429 cubic-inch V-8 at the rear to improve weight distribution. However, the concept never reached production due to high costs and technical challenges.
