Shelby American is one of the key authorities in making already rapid machines get down the road even quicker, with the American operation having been racing and tuning primarily Ford vehicles since the early 1960s. Having impressed the public – as well as Ford – with the blazing Cobra, Shelby found itself enjoying a closer working relationship with the blue oval. It unveiled its first tuned Mustang model in 1965, before developing the mighty GT40 racer that won four successive 24 Hours of Le Mans events.
It continues to breathe on rapid Fords to this day, with the GT500 being one of its main staples. Despite already being such a fire-breathing monster, Shelby felt it could make the S197 I version of the nameplate even better. In 2008, owners wanting more performance could take their pride and joys back to their birthplace for a little extra tuning work. These limited machines are now worth a fortune, so you’d better get fishing down the back of the couch.
Shelby Earmarked Some Key Areas Where The GT500 Could Be Pushed Harder
2007 – 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – front 3/4 profileFord
The story starts with the release of the S197 I Mustang GT500 in 2007, with the famous nameplate returning for the first time since the 1960s glory days. Shelby equipped the Mustang GT with an enlarged 5.4-liter V8 for starters, which also boasted a rabid supercharger that boosted power up to just shy of 500 hp. The suspension was tuned to make the GT500 more capable in the bends, while a new Tremec six-speed transmission was also brought to the party. Most were also decorated with racing stripes, which, of course, doubles the power from the outset.
It was a popular return to business for the GT500, but to the astonishment of Shelby fans, the firm still had some tricks up its sleeve.
The Super Snake Package Was Introduced For 2008
Red 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake frontMecum Auctions
Aimed at GT500 owners who wanted to get themselves in trouble with law enforcement, Shelby debuted its Super Snake package a year after the model returned. Built to pay homage to Shelby’s one-off 1967 Super Snake model, which kicked out 550 hp in its own right, the SS setup saw the GT500’s power increased to either 600 hp or well north of 700 hp, depending on how far you wanted to go.
2008-2010 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake
Engine
5.4L supercharged V8
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Power
600–725 hp
Torque
590–685 lb-ft
0-60 mph
3.3–3.9 seconds
Alongside this, it was also lavished with a wide range of other performance, interior, and exterior modifications. And all this could be had for a fee of $27,995, which translates to around $42k in today’s money.
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Buying A Super Snake In 2026 Is An Expensive Exercise
Red 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake rear endMecum Auctions
While exact production numbers for the upgraded Super Snake are tricky to pin down, it’s thought that only around 2,000–3,000 were built between 2008 and 2010, when it was replaced by the S197 II model. As a result of their rarity, they’ve held their value much stronger than the more plentiful standard GT500.
Classic.com illustrates the scope of the difference, as it reports the average used value of the normal machine currently stands at $37,081, while the average figure for the Super Snake is $75,222. Consider that the model is far from reaching classic status yet, so chances are that it will further escalate in worth over the next decade or so due to its heritage, performance, and exclusivity.
Aside from being rarer, the vast majority of Super Snakes also come with significantly less mileage, seeing as many were treated as collectibles due to being so limited in numbers. As well as the fact that driving one on the road comes with the risk of losing your license.
2008-2010 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake Values
Average Used Value
$75,222
Lowest Sale Price
$45,000
Highest Sale Price
$132,000
Extremely Low Mileage Cars Can Be Had For A Shade Under $100k
2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake V8 engine topMecum Auctions
While SS’ with middling mileage on the clock can be picked up for around the $60–70k mark, minters with delivery miles on will cost you a fair bit more. As shown by a striking red example sold through Mecum Auctions in January 2025, which has just 306 miles on it, such a well-preserved vehicle will set you back around $90k. This was a car with the more potent Kenne Bell twin-screw supercharger too, meaning it made the full 725 hp. You’d better budget for plenty of rear tires with your purchase, then.
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The GT500 Super Snake Was A Different Animal
Red 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake tail shotMecum Auctions
Shelby went way further than upgrading the already-enhanced Modular V8 found in the standard GT500 with the Super Snake, with the operation opting to take another swing at its handling. The GT500’s independent front suspension and compromized solid rear axle componentry were reworked by a fully adjustable Eibach system, which was mated to a Ford Racing damper setup.
Some beefier sway bars were also on hand to help stiffen up the chassis, while a new differential was brought along to help keep the rear wheels from spinning up under acceleration. For drivers who ended up opting for the 725 hp upgrade, Shelby equipped the car with a stronger driveshaft that could take the extra punishment. A set of larger 20-inch wheels and stickier tires was the cherry on the cake.
The finished article was a tauter and more responsive version of the GT500, while also being considerably quicker thanks to the extra go-faster juice.
The Super Snake Also Looked The Part
2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake front cabin shotMecum Auctions
Aside from the performance-enhancing stuff, the SS was also graced with a wide scope of jewelry. Each car got a special numbered plaque, a new dash-mounted gauge cluster, as well as special Super Snake door sills on the inside, while the exterior was jazzed up a bit, too. A new hood with racing-inspired fastening pins was brought along, as were a splitter, mirror covers, and a rocker cover made from carbon fiber.
To finish off the design, more aggressive side scoops were incorporated just ahead of the rear wheels, and Super Snake-specific striping was also applied. There’s no getting around the fact that the GT500 Super Snake was, and remains, damn expensive, but you don’t half get a hell of a lot for your cash.
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Shelby Upped The Ante Even Further For Its Successor
2013 Shelby GT500 Super SnakeHotCars
By 2010, the time had come for change. Ford had released an updated S197 Mustang, so Shelby updated the Super Snake package alongside it. While the base versions came with the same sort of power levels as its predecessor, there was now also an 800-hp tune on the menu. With 0-60 mph being dealt with in a little over three seconds, the upgraded GT500 Super Snake could take the fight to many exotic supercars stalking the streets.
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The rest of the upgrades remained pretty much the same as those found on the S197 I Super Snake, with most of the changes reflecting the new Mustang’s updated styling. The newer SS is valued at a similar point to its forerunner at the moment, with Classic.com reporting that they currently have a slightly higher average worth of $76,747. Whichever GT500 Super Snake you ultimately end up going for, it’ll give you a new definition of heart-pumping, that’s for sure.
Sources: Classic.com, Shelby.
