Restomods are usually about combining modern technology with classic muscle car design. But this custom 1965 Ford Mustang coupe does things the other way around, taking design elements from a 2011 Ford Mustang. But why?
Old muscle cars that are forced to look like their modern counterparts are increasingly rare because the builds don’t make financial sense. In theory, a fully-restored classic should be more valuable, especially when you compare a 1965 Mustang to a 2011 Mustang.
The 2011 model is what’s known as the fifth-gen or the S-197, built between 2005 to 2014. It was hugely popular, due in part to the design presented at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, which was very retro and took heavy inspiration from the fastback Mustang models of the late-1960s.
So, in theory, combining the two makes some sense. The front end undoubtedly required a lot of work. The 2011 Mustang headlights have been tucked into the fenders a little, while the honeycomb grille retains its round fog lights.
The body shop flex
Once you get past the crazy front end, you notice everything is custom-made. The greenhouse is completely different: 2-inch roof chop, custom sail panels to eliminate the rear quarter windows, a rear window that’s laid down 12 degrees, and curved door glass.
It’s pretty easy to spot the power dome in the hood, and the GT350-style nose with shaved, body-colored bumpers. Speaking of which, this appears to be a Corvette color, Atomic Orange, paired up with a deep gloss black top for the two-tone effect.
The interior is just as wild, featuring a 1958 Chevy Brookwood dash with a custom inset, custom console, seats lowered by almost two inches, and a color combo that looks like a 1950s bowling shirt.
Mechanically, this 1965 Ford Mustang boasts a 302 small-block with Holley dual quad carbs, Pertronix ignition, Comp cam, and Sanderson headers. The 9-inch Ford rear with 3.73 gears is supported by a Heidts 4-link suspension. Behind the 19-inch Raceline wheels, polished Wilwood disc brakes provide some extra restomod appeal.
As far as the price is concerned… forget about what I said earlier. This is more expensive than a regular 2011 Mustang. Motorcar Classics wants $124,900, which is a lot of money for a car that offends and intrigues at the same time.
