The 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is a vehicle that prioritizes mechanical engagement and visceral feedback above all else. This specific example, finished in deep Kona Blue Metallic, has been meticulously kept by its original owner since new. With only 7k miles on the digital odometer, it represents a pristine window into Ford’s peak naturally aspirated era. White over-the-top racing stripes and a black-painted roof provide the classic aesthetic that fans of the snake badge expect. This car is not just a muscle car; it is a precision tool designed to conquer both canyons and closed circuits. The 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 stands as a modern legend for those who still value the art of the manual shift.
High Revving Voodoo V8 Engine Performance
The defining characteristic of this 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is undoubtedly the 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 engine. Unlike traditional American cross-plane V8s, this unit features a flat-plane crankshaft that allows for a staggering 8,250-rpm redline. This exotic architecture produces a unique, high-pitched exhaust note that is instantly recognizable to any enthusiast. It was factory rated at 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, delivered with immediate throttle response. A commemorative plaque on the engine bears the signature of the individual builder, highlighting the hand-assembled nature of the powerplant. Additional coolers for the engine oil, transmission, and differential were standard to ensure sustained performance during spirited driving sessions.
Chassis Engineering and Track Ready Hardware
To manage the high-revving power, the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 utilizes a sophisticated MagneRide magnetically adjusted damping system. This technology monitors road conditions thousands of times per second to provide the perfect balance of comfort and grip. Six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brake calipers provide massive stopping power behind black 19-inch multi-spoke wheels. An aluminum front strut tower brace and performance-tuned springs ensure the front end remains pointed and communicative. The car was recently fitted with Hoosier Track Attack Pro tires in May 2025 to maximize mechanical traction. These components transform the S550 platform into a legitimate contender against the world’s best sports cars.
Convenience Package and Interior Refinement
Inside the cabin, this 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 was optioned with the desirable Convenience Package. This addition brings heated and cooled front seats trimmed in Ebony leather and Miko suede for year-round comfort. Technology is handled by the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes factory navigation and a clear rearview camera. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows both the driver and passenger to set their preferred temperatures during long road trips. An Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel offers a tactile grip that feels purposeful and premium in the driver’s hands. The dashboard features a central digital display flanked by a 200-mph speedometer and the high-winding tachometer.
Chassis J3118 and Driver Centric Controls
Every 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 carries a unique chassis number, and this specific car is designated as J3118. The passenger-side dashboard plaque serves as a constant reminder of the car’s limited-production pedigree and special status. Supplemental gauges for oil pressure and temperature are mounted high in the center stack for easy monitoring during track use. The Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission features a short-throw shifter that makes every gear change a rewarding experience. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip differential for optimal corner exit acceleration. This setup ensures that the driver remains the most important part of the performance equation.
Engine Specifications and Performance Summary
The 5.2L Voodoo V8 engine produces 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque through a high-strength flat-plane crankshaft design. It utilizes variable valve timing and dual overhead camshafts to maintain its broad and aggressive powerband up to the 8,250-rpm limit. The Tremec six-speed manual transmission is specifically designed to handle the high-revving nature of this exotic V8 engine. Massive Brembo brakes and a MagneRide suspension system ensure the car handles and stops as well as it accelerates. Recent maintenance includes a fresh oil change performed in October 2025 to keep the engine in peak operating condition. These specifications make the GT350 one of the most capable Mustangs ever produced by the factory.
Conclusion and Ownership Heritage
Purchased new by the current owner, this 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 comes with a clean California title and a damage-free history. The Kona Blue Metallic paint remains a standout color, especially when paired with the factory white racing stripes. While the Carfax report mentions a standard open recall, the overall condition of the car reflects very low usage. It serves as a preserved example of a car that changed the perception of what a Mustang could achieve on a racetrack. As naturally aspirated engines become increasingly rare, the value and appeal of the Voodoo V8 continue to grow. This Shelby is ready for its next caretaker to enjoy the high-rpm symphony that only a flat-plane crank can provide.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
