The $500,000 hardcore 2025 Ford Mustang money alone can't buy: New supercharged V8-powered muscle car could be the brand's most exclusive car

Ford’s new Mustang GTD road racer could be the most exclusive pony car ever built.

Money alone isn’t enough to secure the $US325,000 ($505,000) hardcore coupe, with Ford asking potential buyers to make a pitch on why they should have the privilege of owning one.

The Mustang GTD is only available to North American drivers for now before expanding to other global markets.

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Ford is following a similar path to some high-end car makers such as Ferrari that require you to be a long time customer to be eligible to buy some special edition models.

When applying to get your hands on the 5.2-litre supercharged V8 muscle car you need to let them know if you own Fords and Lincolns, if you are a collector or involved in motorsports.

If the Blue Oval is happy with those answers then you’ll need to include a short video - 60 seconds or less - on why you would make a good Mustang GTD owner.

The application process then asks you if you have any other relevant photos, articles, documents or media posts that you’d like to include.

For those who miss out on the GTD, tuning house Shelby also offers a hardcore Mustang.

The American company might ensure the limited edition muscle car lands in the hands of people who will actually drive the car rather than profiteers trying to flip the vehicles immediately after purchase for big profits.

The Mustang GTD should be a beast with Ford aiming to make about 600kW from its supercharged V8. 

Fans of red hot Mustangs won't be left out in the cold if they can't secure a GTD, however, as legendary tuning house Shelby American has applied its craft to the latest 'S650' pony car.

Dubbed the Shelby Super Snake, it is available with two engine choices.

Potential buyers need to pitch to Ford why they should be able to buy the car.

The first is a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 that makes about 360kW and the other is fitted with a supercharged version of the same engine that boosts power to an astounding 620kW – beyond even the GTD's levels.

Shelby has beefed up its supporting hardware with a Borla exhaust, bigger brakes and increased cooling. 

Shelby American boss Joe Conway says the Super Snake follows Carroll Shelby’s vision.

“We designed the Shelby Super Snake to be the pinnacle of our performance cars based on Ford’s world-class Mustang sports car,” said Conway.