The Roush 380R: The Hidden Gem of Affordable High-Performance Muscle Cars
For over five decades, Jack Roush has been a monumental figure in the automotive world, particularly with Ford. His dedication and expertise in NHRA, IMSA, and NASCAR created an empire of performance parts and vehicles that catered to Ford enthusiasts. From sleek body kits to powerful engines, his creations have enthralled Blue Oval die-hards for years.
At the core of Roush’s endeavors has always been the Mustang. Despite Ford's refusal to officially partner with Roush in 1988 for a Fox-body Mustang, Roush Performance was born in 1995 to cater to the aftermarket demand. His Mustangs became iconic, especially with the arrival of the SN95 generation in the mid-90s. These powerful machines were designed to thrill.
The New Age of Performance: The Roush 380R
In 1999, the Mustang received a facelift, known as the “New Edge,” and Roush took advantage of this with his various stage packages. Stage 1 focused on aesthetics, while Stage 2 included both looks and improved suspension. The pinnacle, Stage 3, showcased a supercharged engine with various enhancements, sold through select Ford dealerships. Enter the 2003 Roush 380R, based on the standard Mustang GT but supercharged to unleash a beast on the road.
The 380R came equipped with an Eaton Roots-type supercharger combined with an air-to-water intercooler. The upgraded fuel delivery system, new intake, and custom ECU transformed the stock GT’s 260 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque into a staggering 379 hp and 380 lb-ft. Even more remarkable was that peak torque arrived at a thousand rpm lower than the factory GT.
Chassis and Handling Excellence
The Roush 380R didn’t just boast a powerful engine; its suspension system was equally impressive. Sporting Alcon disc brakes—14 inches in the front and 13 inches in the rear—coupled with a completely revised and lowered suspension system, it promised a thrilling drive. Components like new springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, trailing arms, and bushings, together with high-performance BFGoodrich g-Force KD tires on 18-inch wheels, made this Mustang a joy in the bends. As Motor Trend put it, it was “…one of the flattest-cornering street Mustangs you'll ever have the pleasure of flogging.”
But premium performance came with a premium price. In the early 2000s, the Roush 380R was priced between $50,000 and $60,000, significantly higher than its Ford and Chevrolet counterparts like the SVT Cobra and the Corvette Z06.
The Bargain of Today's Market
Fast forward to today, the Roush 380R stands out as a fantastic performance bargain. Take, for example, a 380R convertible that recently sold for $21,000 on Cars & Bids. This particular gem, one of only 33 built in 2004, was dressed in Crimson Red with 35,500 miles on the clock. Though showing minor wear, it was a steal considering its original price.
Comparatively, a 2004 Mustang GT in similar condition would cost around $10,000. However, the allure of a Roush Mustang isn’t easily compared with a standard GT. Competitors like the supercharged Saleen S281 SC fetch prices from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on condition. In the realm of high-performance Mustangs, options abound. Yet, the Roush 380R’s unique blend of power and handling offers a distinct advantage.
Comparative Value and Collector's Choice
Comparing the Roush 380R to other Mustangs like the SVT Cobra or even the illustrious Cobra R, it holds its ground strongly. The Cobra, with 32-valve engines and independent rear suspension, is equally thrilling but built in larger numbers, making it less unique. Their prices hover around $24,000 in good condition. The rare Cobra R, built in 2000 with only 300 units, hauls a hefty price tag, with the best examples going for $150,000.
In the realm of fourth-gen Mustangs, the choices for enthusiasts are plentiful. However, the Roush 380R shines as an affordable performance option. With prices in the $20,000 range, the value per horsepower is exceptional. For those lucky enough to own or acquire one, it’s not just a car; it’s a piece of performance history.