2010's Best Mustangs - 2010 Top 10

A new year of seeking out the hottest muscle Mustangs (and fast Fords) is starting, and as the excitement of the next racing and show season begins to build, we get a chance to take a look back at all of the awesome Mustangs (and Fords) we've seen over the previous 12 months. With so many amazing Pony cars on the streets, at the track, and in the show fields, the Top 10 Mustangs of the year is an extremely hard list to pick. When it comes down to the nitty gritty, heated debates often break out about which Fords should comprise the coveted Top 10 list. After all, everyone is going to have a different opinion, and since the Top 10 is essentially our list of favorites (for one reason or another), it's hard for everyone to agree.

With the last 12 issues of MM&FF laid out, we jotted down about 20 contenders as we flipped through the pages and expressed our likes and dislike over style, power, driveability, and any other factor that would make or break a "Top 10" Mustang. This year, the decisions were tougher than ever. It took longer than it ever has before, but after four lengthy editorial meetings, the list was finally finished.

There's no doubt that 2010 was a groundbreaking year for Ford and the Mustang. We've seen some amazing Ponies this year, and it's time to share our favorites. So without further ado, here are the Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords Top 10 Mustangs of 2010!

Ford '11 Mustang GT
Few Mustangs have had the impact of the 2011 Mustang GT. The long-awaited return of the 5.0-liter engine has given enthusiasts a reason to be excited, and with 412 hp, Mustang owners are finally equipped to demolish anything brand-X has to offer, all for around $30,000. The GT ushers in amazing electronic and powertrain technology, which increases power and efficiency. Driver feel and braking capabilities are also enhanced, especially with the Brembo option. And let's not forget world-class navigation and communications systems. At the heart of it all is the Ti-VCT Four-Valve, 5.0-liter powerplant, with independent variable camshaft timing, a free-flowing intake, tubular headers, and a great sound. It also features EPAS electric power steering, plus six-speed transmissions (auto and manual). The end result is a powerful Pony car that is fun to drive, offers tons of sporty feel, and gives you great efficiency. It can hang on the strip, road course, and open road with cars that cost double the price, which puts it atop our list. Ford really knocked it out of the park with the 2011 Mustang GT!

Chris Escobar '86 SVO
Chris Escobar is the undisputed king of MM&FF's True Street. He uses his twin-turbo-powered, DOHC, mod-motored '86 SVO to slay the competition. With nine wins in NMRA, one NMCA title, and a win in the now-defunct Fun Ford Weekend series to his credit, Chris is a threat everywhere he goes. Built by Jake Lamotta at Lamotta's Performance (Longwood, Florida), the SVO's stock-displacement mod mill is force-fed by a set of 61mm turbos. Chris routinely blasts down the quarter in the mid-8-second zone with a best e.t. of 8.44 at 162 mph and always makes the 30-mile cruise with a smile. In preparation for the 2011 NMRA season, Chris is making some changes to his trusty SVO. Although we don't have specifics, we know a fresh paint job and some new wheels will add a little more show to Escobar's go-but anyone looking to dethrone Chris should know that more horsepower is also in the plan.

Kevin Tilney '84 Mustang LX
We're always on the lookout for a combination of show and go. Few people have pulled off both the way Kevin Tilney has with his Michigan-based '84 LX. The project began as a roller in very rough condition, but from the start, Kevin knew what his coupe could be. After the bodywork was finished, Art By Carp laid down the sick graphics, making this four-eye Fox truly stand out. When it comes to power, this LX is no slouch. With nitrous-fed, big-block power under the hood, Kevin routinely blasts down the track in the low-9-second zone. And with close to 200 passes on the car, this in no show queen. It's also a complete machine, with not only amazing paint, but a detailed undercarriage and interior to match.