Rotisserie Built Mustang GT DSS Racing 331 V8 Tremec 5 Speed PS A/C Disc Brakes

SUMMARY

If you're a Ford fan, you've undoubtedly noticed the plethora of high quality Mustangs we've featured over the past few months. From our Grabber Blue Boss 429 to our RKM-built pro-tourer RK Motors Charlotte is working hard to continue our reign as the number one source for top-notch pony cars. You might be thinking: that's all well and good, but what about the enthusiast who just wants a cool car they can cruise and enjoy? Well, for those folks, we have awesome offerings like this red-hot '65 fastback. With solid, traditional aesthetics, a massaged 331/5-speed drivetrain and plenty of modern amenities, this coupe is an excellent way to soak up all aspects of the classic car hobby!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Beginning life as solid Dearborn steel, this classic proved a fine starting point for building a detailed Shelby GT350 tribute. The car's restoration no doubt began with hours of massaging vintage panels into a straight, wave-free canvas. Once that intense labor resulted in good fit and finish, smooth BASF pigment was streaked with metallic stripes, accented with correctly stenciled "G.T. 350 H" call-outs and sealed in durable clear. And today, this coupe rolls as one very convincing replica that mixes classic design with 21st century performance.

Back in the day, Ford designers made sure every year of the first generation Mustang had plenty of visual sizzle. And today, roughly 50 years in to the future, it doesn't get much better than this Shelby's classy combination of timeless accents and tasteful trim. At the front of the car, a mesh grille centers a patriotic Mustang emblem between halogen headlights, chrome-trimmed parking lamps and a mirrored bumper. Behind that grille, a pinned hood anchors a small scoop in front of polished wipers, chip-free glass and polished stainless frames. At the sides of the car, a polished bullet mirror reflects plexi quarter windows, traditional door handles and aggressive quarter scoops. And behind those scoops, a second mirrored bumper anchors clean taillights, a GT350 fuel filler and a small "G.T. 350" emblem above a custom roll pan that frames polished exhaust tips.

ENGINE

With the car's body finished, and the rest of the project well underway, it was time to find suitable motivation. Given this Mustang's predisposition to both class and muscle, it seemed logical to stay with proven Ford power. Pull the pins and you'll find 331 cubic inches of DSS Racing small block that provides plenty of spirited performance. The mean mill's energy mixture is supplied by a modern Holley carburetor, which is sandwiched between a familiar Cobra air cleaner, Barry Grant fuel components and a coated Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake. That mixture travels in to lightweight AER heads, which hang finned Cobra valve covers under a polished breather. Fire for those heads comes courtesy of an aftermarket distributor, Pertronix Flame-Thrower plug wires and a chrome-cased Pertronix Flame-Thrower II coil. That fire is kept in check by a beefy aluminum radiator, which is centered between a large electric puller fan and a snazzy Meziere expansion tank. That radiator fronts a smooth March pulley system, which spins a coated AC compressor and modern power steering pump next to a polished alternator and aluminum water pump. Spent gases traverse long-tube Hooker Super Competition headers. And details, like modern bracing, a familiar Wilwood master cylinder, polished fluid reservoirs and polished Eddie Motorsports hood supports, ensure the engine is both functional and attractive.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take a look at our professional, high-resolution photos and you'll see that the bottom of this fully sorted pony is a literal expos in well-planned componentry. Behind the car's race-inspired powerplant, a tough Tremec 5-speed drives a durable Ford 9-inch. That versatile drivetrain rolls on a full Total Control Products suspension, which follows adjustable VariShock coil-overs with a sturdy rear sway bar. Above that suspension, solid, Satin Black floorpans show absolutely no signs of severe rust or weathering. At the center of those floors, free breathing, true-dual pipes shuttle spent gases through Magnaflow Universal Spun converters and welded, dual-chamber mufflers. At the front of those pipes, Total Control Products power rack-and-pinion steering makes the best of turns. At the corners of the car, Wilwood 4-piston calipers use drilled and slotted rotors to make quick stops an absolute cinch. Everything rolls on 17-inch blades, which spin 235/40 Nitto NT05s in front of 245/45 Nitto Extreme ZRs. And items like a deep-sump oil pan, Barry Grant fuel components, braided fluid lines and Total Control Products subframe connectors round out miles of road ready performance.

INTERIOR

Open the door to this well-done Mustang and you'll find a fully restored cockpit that's seasoned just enough to provide an exceptionally comfortable driving environment. There's a typical combination of bench and bucket seats, all clad in vinyl. The monochromatic dash centers Classic Auto Air conditioning beneath Auto Meter American Muscle gauges and a crisp Pioneer CD player. A chrome TKO shifter surfs fresh carpet that's bordered by big Polk kick speakers. A tight headliner centers a polished mirror between factory door panels. In front of the driver, a polished and wood-rimmed steering wheel laps a polished, tilting column. And behind the passengers, a clean trunk hides a Taylor-capped battery next to a fresh fuel tank.

The true beauty of a tribute car is that it can be anything you want it to be. Love Shelby lines, but want a little more substance? Looking for a classic that'll wow crowds AND tear up the back roads? Here it is, no compromises, no disclaimers and no excuses!