Japanese Car Auction Find – 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Our weekly auction finds are typically centered on cool, budget-friendly Japanese cars. Today, we have a special treat, which also serves as proof that these auction finds are good for more than just economical Japanese cars. Today we’re looking at a 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – the quintessential American sports car.

The Shelby Mustang was originally manufactured as a high-performance variant of the regular Ford Mustang, built by Shelby Automotive in the late ‘60s. In 2007, Ford revived the Shelby nameplate as their own manufacturer-sourced performance car.

Under the hood of this 2012 model year you’ll find a massive 5.4L aluminum engine, which allows Ford to save a full 102 lbs over the cast-iron version of the same engine. With that massive displacement, this Mustang offers a gut-wrenching 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque under the hood. Despite the ginormous engine, this was only the second year of Shelby Mustangs to escape the ominous Gas Guzzler Tax with 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

To help handle all that power, Ford vastly improved the handling capabilities of the 2011 and 2012 MY Shelby Mustangs. This car rides about 10mm lower to the ground than its predecessor. It also uses Ford’s then-new Electric Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) to deliver more precise steering and better all-around road feel; basically, to help make the driver and vehicle feel as one.

The exterior of this 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 probably doesn’t need too much explanation; like we said at the beginning of this article, the Mustang is a modern-day classic. It is the original pony car, with a short butt and a huge front end. Of particular note in this model are the forged aluminum wheels – 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inchers in the back. This model boasts a blue double racing stripe down the middle of the car, from the front all the way across the rear spoiler.

Inside, the 2012 Ford Mustang seen here is in great condition with a B-grade interior. This has historically been the downfall of the Mustang… It’s a hoot to drive with insane starting and stopping power and excellent turning, and the car itself is unforgettable. But, the interior is somewhat rudimentary compared to other cars in the same class. That being said, you will have plenty of space and all the standard creature comforts you can expect of a car in this price range, including a color touchscreen infotainment system.

There are currently 9 different Ford Mustangs up for auction in Japan, ranging from a ’97 to a 2014 MY. For more information on this auction find, you can get a full translation of the specs below the auction sheet:

“Interior B, first registered February 2012, Shelby GT500 model, 6-speed manual, AC, original alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, airbag, leather, black leather seats, airbag, original 18 inch alloy wheels, LHD, not known if gray or official import, 2007 model, AM HDD navigation system with digital TV, seats worn, door mirrors scratched, scratches and dents, front windscreen stone scratches, marks as per map”