4,500 Hour Restored Mustang Restomod Convertible Hi-Po 289 V8 Ford Racing T5

SUMMARY

Over the past few years, we've certainly seen some nice resto-mods. But this 1968 Ford Mustang, with its massaged Ford small block and solid Shelby-styling, is definitely one of the coolest! Fully sorted and ready to hit the road, this awesome classic combines the stump-pulling power of Dearborn's best muscle cars with vintage Detroit style that's classy enough to lead a parade. And today, thanks to meticulous restoration, not only is it a reliable and exceptionally comfy place to spend a sightseeing summer, it's also an authentic piece of Americana that'll be welcomed at virtually any car show in any town. If you're looking for a cool muscle car that's as alluring as it is powerful, who says you need a high maintenance original? This awesome pony will look just as cool rolling down the road, show just as well at the local drive-in and provide just as many miles of carefree cruising!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The beneficiary of a ground-up, 4,500-hour restoration, this slick '60s pony features an exceptionally straight body that's been soda-blasted, sanded and finished with roughly 500 hours of Shelby-style fiberglass work. Not surprisingly, that solid profile was covered in durable 2-stage paint, which, thanks to meticulous polishing, reflects vivid red pigment. And today, this Ford rolls as one very well done resto-mod that's right at home reflecting a summertime car show!

Back in the day, Dearborn designers made sure every year of the first generation Mustang had plenty of visual sizzle. And in the 21st century, it doesn't get much better than this Ford's racy combination clean factory accents and Shelby-inspired trim. At the front of the car, stainless-lined mesh hangs a red-detailed Cobra between modern headlights, a bright chrome bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a familiar "S H E L B Y" script leads the eye to an aggressive fiberglass hood, which founds small locks in front of mirrored stainless, satin wipers and like-new glass that's capped in fresh canvas. At the sides of that glass, a simple profile hangs Shelby-style scoops and subtle fender extensions around traditional door handles and correct mirrors. And at the back of that profile, a second chrome bumper reflects Shelby taillights, a Shelby-detailed fuel filler and a "S H E L B Y" branded decklid.

ENGINE

'Keep it simple' is a good philosophy when it comes to performance and reliability. And the builders of this top-notch Mustang did exactly that by making excellent use of Ford's familiar High Performance 289. Fully rebuilt and bored .030 over, the mill begins with a slim, "COBRA" branded air cleaner, which feeds oxygen in to a coated Edelbrock Magneti Marelli 4-barrel. Below that carb, a lightweight aluminum intake rides between Pro Comp heads, which prop a slick Ford Racing breather on clean, Cobra-branded valve covers. At the front of those heads, a Pertronix Flame-Thrower distributor sequences spark through loomed Pertronix wires, which snake around short Hedman Hedders. In front of those wires, new V-belts spin an aluminum water pump between braided fuel lines, a trick dipstick, a chrome fuel pump and a Pertronix Flame-Thrower II coil. And in front of those belts, a shrouded pulley fan cools a modern aluminum radiator that's finished with a Mr. Gasket ThermoCap. Aesthetically, the Ford Blue small block rides in a completely restored engine bay that's dressed in prototypical Satin Black. And nice pieces like pliable Shelby hoses and a sturdy brace bar provide the perfect amount of visual punch!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

What would an excellent restoration be without a great foundation? Take a look under this Mustang and you'll find solid floors that are highlighted by satin paint, rugged undercoating and choice performance hardware. Behind the hot 289, a Ford Racing T5 5-speed turns a tried and true Ford 9-inch. That glossy axle rolls on a TCI 4-link rear-clip, which backs a sturdy sway bar with modern coil-over-shocks. Speaking of modern, an upgraded front-clip centers modern rack-and-pinion steering under a second sturdy sway bar. And at the corners of the car, power-assisted calipers clamp drilled and slotted rotors. Step on the throttle and a fresh stainless fuel tank supplies gas while a custom exhaust system, complete with aggressive Flowmaster mufflers, supplies the soundtrack. Power meets the pavement through, you guessed it, Shelby-style 10-spokes, which spin 225/45ZR17 Achilles ATR Sports in front of 235/45ZR17 Achilles ATR Sports. And everything under this Ford, from its Ford Blue oil pan to its polished canister fuel filter, is fully sorted and ready to go!

INTERIOR

Swing the car's doors and you'll find a fully restored cockpit that's been updated with just the right amount of comfort and convenience. Front and center, TMI-covered seats stretch a cool combination of leather and suede under bright red stitching. A monochromatic dash hangs a full array of blue-lit gauges above modern, direct-fit audio. New carpet seats a leather-booted Hurst shifter between stainless-trimmed foot pedals and color-keyed Carroll Shelby floor mats. Custom door panels trace polished handles with more red stitching. In front of the driver, a polished Shelby steering wheel spins an ornate wood rim. And behind the passengers, a carpeted trunk hides plenty of sunny day space.

When it comes to maximizing the amount of metal your money buys, you simply can't go wrong with a purpose-built pony car. Thanks to its thorough restoration, this legendary Ford is a great driving piece that's fun, historic AND reliable. If you're looking for a stylish classic that commands respect on both the boulevard and the show field, this red-hot Mustang is just your style!