Ford Mustang V8 GT, car review: A proper four-seat coupe with good road manners and stand-out looks

It’s on its way in RHD form – and for the money, there’s not a lot that can touch it

It’s on its way in RHD form – and for the money, there’s not a lot that can touch it

Good ol’ American cars would be a lot more popular in the UK if only their steering wheels were in the right place.

So the latest Ford Mustang may be about to become very popular. Because when it arrives here, it’ll be the first ever Ponycar with right-hand drive.

We were so excited about this that we couldn’t wait, and went for a blast in the first Mustang we could get our hands on. Unfortunately this had its steering wheel on, yes, the left – but it had the iconic V8 engine, and so will the right-hooker when it lands here.

Said engine gives you 5.0 litres of goodness. It puts out 415bhp and 391lb ft, and the six-speed box bolted to the back of it is, praise the Lord, a manual.

Its ratios are set for the sort of easy-going torque-fest that’s the staple of any muscle car. Just press the throttle and go.

It’s heavy, of course, by European standards, and that shows through very clearly in its handling. It’s not trying to be adjustable to the nth degree on the ragged edge – because when just smoking around is this much fun, you simply don’t need to go there.

It doesn’t feel like a handful either, though, even on twisting roads with questionable surfaces. It’s chunky, for sure, but its steering doesn’t disappoint and its body control is disciplined enough to stop the laughs turning to screams.

To cut to the chase, this is a proper four-seat coupe with a 4.8-second 0-62 time, a good balance of road manners and absolute stand-out looks. And a steering wheel where you want it.

And how many of those are there at £33,995?

Ford Mustang V8 Fastback

On sale: now

Price: £33,995

Engine: V8, 4951cc, petrol

Power: 415bhp at 6500rpm

Torque: 391lb ft at 4250rpm

Gearbox: 6spd manual

Kerbweight: 1720kg

0-62mph: 4.8sec

Top speed: 155mph (limited)

Economy: 20.9mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 299g/km, 37% AF