Ford Mustangs are true legends on wheels. But what about the rarest Mustang in the world? Ford has rolled out some truly wild creations over the decades, but we’re talking about four-wheelers so unique that even die-hard fans may never have seen one in person. Let’s take a joyride through these rare Mustangs that redefine the term hard to find.
What Is the Rarest Mustang in the World?
There isn’t just one particular model that’s the rarest Mustang in the world – many models have reached near-mythical status. Among the rarest Mustangs are the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake, 1968 Cobra Jet Lightweight, 1969 Boss 429, 1971 Boss 351, and the 1970 Twister Special. Each of these cars is prized for its unique features, limited production numbers, and legendary performance.
1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – The One That Started It All
The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is the Mustang that kicked off a legend. Designed by Carroll Shelby himself, this four-wheeler was built to test the limits of performance and speed for Ford’s powerhouse. Only one was ever built, making it an ultra-rare gem in Mustang history, created to show the world just how wild a Mustang could be.
Under the hood, the Super Snake packed a high-performance V8 engine borrowed from Ford’s GT40 racer. With its unique design and unparalleled power, it was set up to be the king of the famous US routes. Although it was a one-off project, the Super Snake proved that the brand could handle some serious muscle, setting the tone for all future Shelbies.
The GT500 Super Shake Was Literally Born to Go Fast
Speed was the Super Snake’s middle name. Thanks to its GT40 engine, the vehicle produced around 520 horsepower – a beastly number for the 1960s. It could reach speeds over 150mph, a number that was nearly unheard of for street cars at the time. The Super Snake was built to push the Mustang’s limits, making it one of the fastest and most exciting cars of its era.
1968 Mustang Cobra Jet Lightweight – The Drag Racer’s Dream
The 1968 Cobra Jet Lightweight was built with one purpose in mind – to own the drag strip. Ford took their classic Mustang and shaved off as much weight as possible, creating a powerhouse that would dominate drag races.
This model came with the famous 428 Cobra Jet engine, built specifically to tackle high speeds and quick sprints. Ford released the Cobra Jet Lightweight as a factory-built racer, and it quickly became the choice for enthusiasts who wanted to win big at the track.
But what really set the Cobra Jet Lightweight apart was its exclusive design and performance-enhancing tweaks. Ford included reinforced rear axles, traction bars, and a simplified interior to keep the weight down. In the 1960s, this four-wheeler was a rocket.
Why This Cobra Jet Is a Rare Find
With only around 50 units produced, the Cobra Jet Lightweight was a limited-run machine, making it one of the rarest Mustangs to come off the assembly line. Each one was hand-built with racing in mind, so these cars weren’t just rare – they were a collector’s dream.
1969 Boss 429 – The Muscle Car Legend
The 1969 Boss 429 wasn’t just a Mustang – it was a powerhouse of muscle car history. Ford built the Boss 429 specifically to compete in NASCAR, where engine performance meant everything. Under the hood, Ford fitted a massive 429 cubic-inch V8 engine, which had to be wedged in by reworking the car’s front end just to make it fit.
Every Boss 429 model was hand-assembled, and Ford made only 857 of these beasts in 1969, making it an instant collector’s item. Built to dominate on both the street and the racetrack, the Boss 429 quickly earned legendary status among muscle car fans. The sheer power, engineering, and exclusivity of this four-wheeler have kept it revered for over half a century.
Power and Prestige – What Made the Boss 429 So Unique
The Boss 429’s uniqueness lies in its NASCAR-ready engine and bold design. This wasn’t just a Mustang with a bigger engine – it was a complete rework to deliver maximum power. With an official rating of 375 horsepower (though it’s suspected to be much higher), the Boss 429 was all about raw power and prestige. Owning one was like having a piece of NASCAR history right in your garage.
1971 Mustang Boss 351 – The Forgotten Classic
Compared to the Boss 429, the 1971 Boss 351 may not get as much attention, but it was a true performer with plenty of muscle. Introduced as a smaller but mighty option, the Boss 351 came equipped with a 351 cubic-inch V8 engine that packed a punch. Ford focused on making this four-wheeler nimble yet powerful, producing a well-balanced muscle car with impressive handling for the time.
Small but Mighty – Why the Boss 351 Is Worth Remembering
The Boss 351 was a compact powerhouse, delivering 330 horsepower with a fast-revving V8 that made it a thrill to drive. Known for its responsiveness and strength, it was designed for both power and control, making it a favorite among gearheads with a particular interest in this car. With a unique combination of speed and handling, the Boss 351 is a reminder that sometimes, smaller packages can bring big performance.
1970 Ford Mustang Twister Special – Built for the Midwest
The 1970 Twister Special was a Mustang with a twist – literally. Created specifically for the Kansas City sales district, this special edition was designed to stand out in the Midwest. Ford initially planned a “Thunderbird Twister” promotion, but when that fell through, they turned to the Mustang. Only 96 Twister Specials were produced, each sporting the iconic Grabber Orange paint and eye-catching tornado decals, making it a rare sight to behold.
A Rare Twist – The Story of the Twister Special
The Twister Special wasn’t just about looks – it packed a punch with either a 428 Cobra Jet or a Super Cobra Jet engine under the hood. With bold aesthetics and serious power, this four-wheeler was built to impress. Limited to the Kansas City area and with its unique color and design, the Twister Special remains one of the rarest and most regionally unique Mustangs in history.
Honorable Mentions – More Rare Mustangs That Deserve the Spotlight
Mustang’s legacy is all about raw power and American muscle. Over the years, Ford has rolled out a handful of Mustangs so rare they’re practically unicorns in the automotive world. This vehicle evolution is quite a sight to behold. While we’ve already covered a couple of them, there are plenty more that deserve the spotlight:
2000 SVT Cobra R – The Track-Ready Mustang
The 2000 SVT Cobra R was designed purely for the track, with no back seats, no air conditioning, and no radio – just raw performance. Powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 385 horsepower, it was a beast in the corners and on the straights. Ford produced only 300 of these minimalist monsters, each with a racing suspension and beefy brakes, making it one of the rarest Mustangs aimed directly at serious drivers.
2012 Boss 302 Laguna Seca – A Modern Classic
Ford brought back the Boss 302 with the 2012 Laguna Seca edition, a track-focused model named after one of the world’s most challenging circuits. The Laguna Seca packed a 444-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, tuned suspension, and high-performance brakes, allowing it to corner and handle with finesse.
It was basically a street-legal race car with distinctive red accents, a rear seat delete, and a performance splitter. Limited to just 750 units, this four-wheeler was a track-hugging machine built to capture the thrill of a high-speed lap.
2015 Shelby GT350R – The High-Performance Game Changer
When Ford launched the GT350R in 2015, they didn’t hold back. The GT350R’s 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 – a first for Ford – produced 526 horsepower and an exhilarating engine note that thrilled fans all across the world.
Ford took out everything “extra” in the GT350R, from the back seats to the air conditioning, all in the name of weight savings. With carbon fiber wheels and finely tuned aerodynamics, it became an instant track favorite. Rare and powerful, the GT350R pushed the boundaries of performance Mustangs, marking it as a modern-day legend.
1969 Mach 1 428 Super Cobra Jet – The Supercharged Powerhouse
The 1969 Mach 1 with the 428 Super Cobra Jet was another one of those Mustangs with a wild side. Equipped with the 428 cubic-inch V8, it produced an underrated 335 horsepower (rumor has it, the actual output was much higher).
With a ram-air hood scoop, heavy-duty suspension, and a special rear axle for extra torque, this Mach 1 was built to dominate both streets and drag strips. Although plenty of Mach 1s were produced, only a fraction had the 428 Super Cobra Jet, making this a true powerhouse and a rare gem for collectors.
2020 Shelby GT500 Carbon Fiber Track Pack – A Modern Marvel
The 2020 Shelby GT500 equipped with the Carbon Fiber Track Pack took the brand to new heights. Under the hood, it packed a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine cranking out 760 horsepower, making it the most powerful factory Mustang ever.
The Carbon Fiber Track Pack, complete with carbon fiber wheels and a large rear wing, added serious performance and a sleek edge. With limited availability and a hefty price tag, this GT500 is as exclusive as it is fast, embodying modern-day Ford engineering at its finest.
No Doubt About It – The Mustang Legacy Is Worth the Chase
From track-ready legends to muscle-bound beasts, these rare Mustangs have proven they’re more than just cars – they’re a collector’s ultimate fantasy. Hunting down one of these legends may be nearly impossible, but admiring them is almost as fun. So whether it’s the Cobra Jets, Bosses, or that elusive Twister Special, these Mustangs are rare enough to keep any gearhead dreaming.
