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Roush Stage 3: 2012 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

The fact that companies like Roush can take already impressive muscle cars like the Coyote V8-equipped Mustang and somehow extract even more prodigious performance out of them is a testament of their commitment to speed. The example seen here is a 2012 model in Stage 3 trim, which means it has an R2300 Roush supercharger strapped on to deliver an eye-watering 540 b.h.p. And, like most Roush vehicles, it’s been kept as a collector’s item with a scant 5,623 miles on the odometer. Top down season may be over in some parts of the country, but if you happen to live there, isn’t now a great time to plan a drive to a warm weather state? Find the Mustang here on eBay with bids to $22,100 and the reserve unmet.

Despite cars like this seemingly prone to loud exhausts and hood scoops – you know, the sort of things that leave no secrets about the level of performance under-hood – I give a lot of credit to the Saleens and Roushs of the world for keeping the exterior tweaks fairly low key. Sure, there’s a nicely integrated rear spoiler, larger polished wheels, and an exhaust that likely burbles louder than stock, but the appearance is largely subdued especially compared to what’s under the hood. With such low mileage, the cosmetics remain in excellent condition, and the seller notes it has been kept in covered, climate-controlled storage since being brought home and still smells new inside.

According to the listing, Roush only produced 53 Stage 3 convertibles in 2012, making this one of the more exclusive Mustangs you can buy. The engine isn’t overly detailed but it also likely didn’t need much in the way of clean up given the limited use. Roush incorporated numerous upgrades beyond the ROUSHcharger system that feeds 10 PSI of intercooled boost into the 5.0L V8 and hollow-chamber exhaust, including Rouch-tuned shocks and struts, stabilizer bars, front and rear springs, anti-wheel hop kit, and more. The body also benefitted from Roush enhancements, including a custom front air dam, side splitters, rear valence, and the aforementioned spoiler.

While I wish we could go back to the days of companies like Roush making aftermarket Recaros a standard upgrade, that seems to have been lost to the hey-day of 80s performance cars built by the likes of ASC. Of course, that’s an easy swap if you want better bolsters than the stock seats can offer, and I think it’d work well visually, too, given the long list of enhancements Roush incorporated to make this into a driver’s car through and through. The interior remains in mint condition with Roush-floormats and leather seating surfaces, and other touches including aluminum pedals and custom shifter ball. While they don’t have the same pedigree as a genuine Shelby Cobra, they’re also far more affordable and almost as prestigious given Roush’s long history of upgrading Ford’s top-shelf muscle car.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    Nice. But then I’m partial to them, as I own a 2012 Roush RS3. Mine’s a coupe, Lava Red with black interior and silver stripes. I like the performance and looks, but perhaps my favorite feature is how it sounds. It burbles and pops at low speed, but at middle speeds and up it levels out to a pleasant and unobtrusive rumble.

    Roush doesn’t quite carry the same prestige as Shelby, but they do have a high degree of respect. They look good and have great performance and garner plenty of compliments, and are usually a bit cheaper as used vehicles.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Stangalang

    These are beautiful cars..and you can’t beat the sound of a v8 mustang..there are a number of aftermarket companies that deal with mustang’s but other than Shelby..Jack Roush is one of the best. And like Bob said I’m partial to mustangs

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Daniel Gavin

    Nice!! I owned a 2011 GT convertible white / red interior. I added the Roush front spoiler with fog lights and a Borla sport exhaust. It was absolutely beautiful……. except for the fact I ordered an automatic…..don’t ask me what I was thinking. I regretted ordering the automatic EVERY time I got in the car.
    I keep it for 4 years and then traded it in for a new Shelby GT350 and discovered what it’s like living in HEAVEN !!!!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Doug Wolf

    Where is the car?

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Dan Gavin

    Traded it in to a dealer in Buffalo for the Gt350.

    Like 0

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