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The limited-edition Roush Classic is an all-out performance version of the Ford Mustang that seems more like a race car for the street.

The Classic has all the ingredients that a dedicated hot rodder might apply to a Mustang: stiff suspension, ultrafast steering, giant brakes, booming exhaust and a supercharged V-8 that roars with 379 horsepower.

Roush Performance is a huge name in racing and racing products. Founded by longtime Ford tuner Jack Roush, the company also builds performance versions of Mustangs, Expeditions and F-150 pickup trucks that can be purchased through Ford dealers.

The Classic, limited to 50 cars, has a cushier interior and slightly softer suspension than the top-dog 380R, making it a more useable street machine. The good stuff is still here, mainly the potent engine that can haul the Mustang through the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds, according to Roush.

Jack Roush’s signature is all over this car, from the side emblems to the window graphics, to the supercharger housing, seat backs, wheels, and brake calipers. Roush’s actual signature is on the tachometer.

The Roush Classic looks like a purposeful muscle car rather than a stylistic showboat.

The major visual elements are the lower body trim, custom hood, 17-inch open-star wheels, low-profile racing tires, and massive brakes with red calipers.

The real head-turner is the loud, throaty throb of the exhaust, which turns into a thunderous howl as you goose the accelerator and burbles and pops slowing down. The torque feels instantaneous, and the power climbs sharply with rpm.

Sprinting from a stop light or accelerating uphill, the Classic feels mighty. On the highway, the underlying roar is a constant reminder of this car’s potential.

The Classic may have a softer suspension, but it still feels rock hard. Every lump, heave and irregularity is felt inside, and the concrete slabs of the freeway provide constant quake and jiggle.

Much as I appreciate a car with a firm suspension, this one felt bolted to the axles.

Naturally, cornering is flat and stable, race car-style.

The modifications may well be worth the money, but a $50,000 Mustang? There are a lot of truly fine machines available at that price, so unless the Roush Classic is of particular interest, and there are many muscle car veterans salivating over this one, you might want to shop around.

Roush Classic

Price as tested: $51,179.

Engine: 4.6-liter supercharged V-8, 379 horsepower at 5,250 rpm; 380 pound-feet torque at 3,000 rpm.