In 2006 Ford Motor Company introduced the Shelby GT-H Mustang. The car is a performance-modified Mustang GT that was available for rent exclusively through Hertz. The 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H commemorated the 40th anniversary of the 1966 Shelby GT350H "Rent-A-Racer" Mustang. In 2007 the company created 500 convertible models.

Later this month collectors will have a chance to bid on 75-100 of the cars at Kruse's 17th Annual Auburn Spring Motorfair to be held on May 29 - June 1, 2008 in Auburn, Ind. Just be prepared to bring a large wallet. Last year these cars had a starting price of between $60k-$90k.

According to David Stolt, Hertz's Senior Director of Car Sales Operations, "Hertz offered 40 Mustang GT-Hs for sale at the 2008 Kruse/Dyno Marketing Race Car & Sports Car Auction this past January in Concord, N.C. The demand was overwhelming and all of the cars were sold."

In a press release issued by the company, Dean Kruse, President of Kruse International said, "Kruse International is the largest collector car auction company in the world and we are very pleased that Hertz has chosen to work with us and Dyno Marketing again to offer these wonderful, truly limited edition collector cars for sale to the public."

If you can't make it to Indiana later this month, never fear. Bidders will also be able to bid live online during the auction.

The 17th Annual Auburn Spring Motorfair is one of the premier annual auction events, featuring 1,000 outstanding collector cars in the Auction, swap meet, and car corral. For additional information concerning the auctioning of the 2007 Hertz Shelby GT-H Convertibles, including how to register to bid, contact Malinda Blue-Barfield at (800) 968-4444 x 242.

Photo © Ford Motor Company

Month-after-month Ford has reported declines in Mustang sales. Well, here's a bit of good news. Today R. L. Polk & Co. issued a statement announcing the Ford Mustang Convertible as the segment leader in convertible registrations in 2007. In all, convertible registrations in the U.S. declined 8.6 percent in 2007 after several years of continuous growth. For the first time since 2003, the segment dropped below 300,000 new registrations, landing at 299,661. Yet, the Ford Mustang remained the segment leader with 32,694 registrations, despite a decline of more than 33 percent from 2006.

In a press release, Mark Pauze, senior solutions consultant for R. L. Polk & Co. said, "Although the convertible market continued to grow in 2005 and 2006 despite declines in the general market, it was not immune to 2007's depressed economic climate." Pauze added, "The Ford Mustang convertible continues to rely on its iconic stance in the convertible market. It is a good value and a classic vehicle, but it is coming under competitive pressure from new convertibles including retractable hardtops such as the new Chrysler Sebring and MX5 Miata."

Following the Ford Mustang in total new registrations for 2007 was the Chrysler Sebring convertible (20,373 registrations), followed by the Toyota Camry Solara (18,090 registrations), Pontiac Solstice (16,615 registrations) and the Mazda MX5 Miata (15,123 registrations).

Photo © Ford Motor Company

Okay, so you've probably seen photos of the mystery Mustang by now. Many people think the car to the right is the 2010 model incognito. Now you can watch a video of the car to get a better view. Edmunds Inside Line recently captured the mystery Mustang on the streets of Michigan. The 2010 Mustang, which is now expected to arrive in dealerships sometime in the Fall of 2009, might feature a 5.0L engine. The EcoBoost V6 engine is expected to make its way into the lineup as well. My favorite part of the video takes place about 1 minute and 15 seconds into the clip. That's when you'll hear the Mustang, complete with mystery engine, come to life as it gallops on down the road.

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Photo © Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

This Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-25), the 9th Annual Gasoline Alley Birthday Bash will take place in North Las Vegas, Nev. This car show benefits the The Lili Claire Foundation, which assists children and young adults living with neurogenetic conditions, such as Autism, Down syndrome, and Williams syndrome. Aside from great cars, good fun, exhibitors, and raffles, this show has managed to achieve a first in Nevada history. In March, the event coordinators received a proclamation declaring May 27th, 2008, as Gasoline Alley Day. That's right, Nevada has actually set aside a day on its official calendar to commemorate an auto show.

The proclamation was signed by Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons to recognize the fundraising efforts of Gasoline Alley's Birthday Bash. The proclamation has been posted on the State of Nevada Website and, according to conversations with the Governor's staff, it's the first time a car show has been recognized.

From personal experience, I can tell you this is a show not to miss. Several years ago I spent a summer writing in Las Vegas. One Saturday while out for a drive, I passed The Cannery Casino and Hotel. Outside I saw numerous classic Mustangs and cars adorning the parking lot. I immediately pulled in and spent several hours chatting with enthusiasts and checking out the amazing cars. What's great about this event is the proceeds benefit a worthy cause. To learn more, visit the Official Gasoline Alley Birthday Bash Website.

Rising gasoline prices and uncertain economic conditions mean you'll probably see more and more V6 Mustangs on the road in the coming days. No doubt about it, the 4.0L Mustang is popular. As such, there's a world of enthusiasts out there looking for ways to increase its power, improve its looks, and up the overall quality of the ride.

One product designed to do just that is the JBA Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust System for Fifth Generation V6 Ford Mustangs. According to the company, the product is an "easy to install exhaust system that delivers a powerful sound that won't be confused with a sport compact." Well, anytime you make a claim like that, I'm all over it. I decided to test out the exhaust system on a 2008 4.0L Mustang. The results were surprising.

Read the Full Review.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

Ford Mustang business manager Jackie DiMarco dedicated much time and energy working with the company to develop the "Warriors in Pink" package for the 2008 Mustang. The Warriors in Pink Mustang helps to raise money for breast cancer education and research. She didn't know it at the time, but before the car made its way to dealerships across the U.S., her own life would be impacted by cancer.

In a press release issued by the company, DiMarco said, "We were ready to roll with the 'Warriors in Pink' program in the fall of 2006, and in February of 2007, I discovered a lump in my breast that turned out to be malignant. I have always supported Ford's efforts with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, but despite the staggering statistics associated with breast cancer, you never think it's going to happen to you." After four surgeries, her prognosis is excellent. DiMarco is very fortunate. Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of the 182,480 women in the United States diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 will die from the disease.

DiMarco will share her story of survival on Sunday's NBC Weekend Today show which airs 8 to 9 am ET today. Check your local listings for the time in your area.

In all, Ford Motor Company has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions to breast cancer education and research to date. The company's goal for 2008 is to donate more than $1 million to the Cure through the sale of the special Mustangs, "Warriors in Pink" apparel and other fundraising efforts.

For more information, read the complete press release.

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• Photo Gallery: 2009 Warriors in Pink Mustang

Photo © Ford Motor Company

The Mustang show season is off to a good start. In fact, chances are a Mustang show will be making its way to your neck of the woods sometime soon. This weekend The Rocket City Mustang Club of Huntsville, Ala. will host the 28th Annual Mustang & All Ford Powered Show. The event kicks off Saturday morning at the Madison Square Mall. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by judging at Noon, and the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. The event will feature goodie bags, door prizes, as well as a vendor and car parts corral. Best of all it will feature some great looking Ford Mustangs.

For more information about the show, check out the club's official site. To find an upcoming show in your area, check out the 2008 Mustang Calendar of Events.

This week it seems everyone's talking about the new 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang. As such, I reached out to Ford and obtained some new photos of the 2008 "King of the Road" Mustang on the track. Check out our 2008 Shelby GT500KR Photo Gallery, then come back to see what all these folks are talking about.

The 2008 Shelby GT500KR in The News

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• The Mustang News: Track Test- 2008 Shelby GT500KR
  
• Car and Driver: EIGHTY grand for a Mustang!?
  
• Profile: 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang
  
• Poll: Is the 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang Overpriced?
  

Photo © Ford Motor Company

Back on April 23rd Ford announced they had built the Nine Millionth Ford Mustang. Television station KCCI 8 in Des Moines, Iowa reports the car, a Mustang GT convertible, was sold to a local farmer, Thomas Krumm. According to the report, he was unaware he had purchased the Nine Millionth Ford Mustang. In fact, the dealership, Gookin Ford in Story City, had planned on surprising him with the news when he arrived to pick it up. In addition to a new 2008 Ford Mustang, the farmer also received a special plaque.

In a press release issued by Ford, Krumm's daughter Rachael said, "Having been a Mustang fanatic my entire life, I couldn't be more excited that my dad is receiving the 9 millionth Mustang." Rachael, who is a member of the Iowa National Guard added, "I am thrilled that I get to see his Mustang GT and its cool new features before I leave for Iraq." According to Ford, Mr. Krumm became interested in Mustangs through his daughter, who saved enough money to buy her first Mustang at age 17.

Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager said, "Mustang is an icon, and the 9 millionth Mustang is a milestone we're very proud of. So many people have contributed to Mustang's proud 44-year heritage possible – from incredible Mustangs owners and enthusiasts to our partners at AAI where Mustangs are built to Ford's Product Development and Ford Division teams."

Source: KCCI 8 & Ford Motor Company

Last week Ford announced its 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang will be priced at $79,995 MSRP when it arrives in dealerships this month. A short time later I began to receive notes from readers and friends who think the KR Mustang is overpriced. It usually goes something like this. "$80,000 for a new Mustang, yea, right..."

What's your take? Do you think the new "King of The Road" Mustang is overpriced, or do you think the sticker price is fair? Cast your vote.

Poll: Do you think the 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang is overpriced at $79,995 MSRP?

• Yes
• No
• Undecided
• View Results

Photo of the 2008 Shelby GT500KR Mustang © Ford Motor Company