The word "restomod" can signify many different things. To some classic car restorers, a restomod might be nothing more than altering a classic car with a lowered stance, wider wheels and tires, and a few cosmetic modifications. For other builders, restomod means pulling out all the stops and building something that's more akin to one of the chopped, channeled, and sectioned hot rods of old. California-based shop Restomod Mustangs offers builds that run the entire gamut, but the 1,000hp twin-turbo widebody '65 Ford Mustang seen here definitely falls at the most extreme end of that spectrum.
Studio photos courtesy of Restomod Mustangs, other images courtesy of AutotopiaLA
The Hoonicorn-Influenced "Drift King" Mustang
Fans of the late Ken Block will surely notice that several elements of this build are reminiscent of his heavily-modified "Hoonicorn" Mustang. That's no coincidence. The Restomod Mustangs customer who selected this car wanted something along those lines, but with a more streetable, polished interior and exterior.
Above: Ken Block's Hoonicorn Mustang was a purpose-built drift car with 1,400 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a stripped and caged interior. (Photo courtesy of HooniganRacing.com)
Restomod Mustangs describes the "Drift King" build as "a complete overhaul" that brings this '65 Mustang "into the world of 21st-century performance."
Starting with a 1965 Mustang coupe shell, much of the factory sheetmetal was replaced with lightweight fiberglass and carbon fiber. Massive custom flares accommodate 295 front and 335 rear tires on this car's white Brada wheels.
The car was painted House of Kolor Brandywine, an elegant color that contrasts nicely with its aggressive body mods. And of course it's impossible to overlook the hood, which has been cut to expose the intake manifold and turbos.
The Drift King Mustang is powered by a Ford Windsor 427ci V8 equipped with Holley EFI, MSD ignition, two huge turbos, and a custom exhaust. It's connected to a T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission and 3.80 rear end. On low boost, the engine produces roughly 600 wheel horsepower, but higher boost will allow for 1,000hp at the crank.
A set of Wilwood big brakes provide stopping power, and the car is even equipped with a modern push-button emergency brake.
Suspension was sourced from Chris Alston's Chassisworks, including adjustable coilovers, tubular control arms, stiffer swaybars, subframe connectors, and a 4-link rear. "With how light this car is, it handles on rails. It's like a go-kart," says founder and CEO Vince Hernandez.
Not to be outdone by the exterior, the interior features a spartan, track-ready look. The gauge cluster has been replaced by a piece of carbon fiber and a Holley EFI digital dash screen. An exposed sheetmetal transmission tunnel contrasts with the plush alcantara and leather on the dash, OMP steering wheel, Corbeau seats, and TMI door panels.
A touchscreen stereo head unit with Bluetooth, JL Audio speakers, and air conditioning ensure this Mustang is still practical enough for everyday use.
To see the Restomod Mustangs "Drift King" in action, check out the following video from AutotopiaLA:
Looking for Ford Mustang Parts?
If you own a classic 1964-2004 Ford Mustang — whether it's a mild restoration or a wild restomod — Classic Industries can help you find the parts you need to build it into your dream car. Click the button below to get a free full-color Mustang restoration parts catalog:
