Ground Up Built Pro-Touring Shelby GT350 Fastback Tribute 347 V8 5spd

SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a ground-up restoration that was completed in 2006* 347 cubic inch Ford V8* Tremec Super-Duty T5 5-speed manual transmission* Heavily upgraded suspension* Power rack-and-pinion steering* SSBC Force 10 4-wheel power disc brakes* Ford 9-inch rear axle / Limited-slip differential* Customized interior* 15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels* Wimbledon White paint

When it comes to universal appeal, few cars bring it quite like the Ford Mustang. While a lot of its competitors placed an emphasis on speed, style, or some other singular piece of the puzzle, the Mustang did its best to be everything to everyone. And a prime example of that 'best all-around' mindset is this sweet GT350. Founded on a highly upgraded chassis, it wraps timeless Shelby style around a modern Tremec 5-speed and 347 cubic inches of stroker V8. Looking for some choice vintage muscle to take to the streets or the show? Check out this thoroughbred pony!

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 2006 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 Wimbledon White 2-stage was streaked with traditional top stripes and accented with familiar side stripes. And today, this coupe rolls as one very convincing replica that mixes classic design with 21st century performance. At the front of the car, halogen headlights and chrome-trimmed parking lamps frame a mesh grille above a Holman Moody-branded, R-spec bumper. Behind that grille, a pinned hood anchors a small scoop at the base of polished wipers, chip-free glass and polished stainless frames. At the sides of that hood, satin race mirrors reflect riveted quarter windows and traditional door handles. And at the back of the car, a mirrored bumper anchors clean taillights and a GT350 fuel filler above chrome-trimmed reverse lamps.

ENGINE

Pull the pins and you'll find 347 cubic inches of Ford stroker motor that provides plenty of spirited performance. The mean mill's energy mixture is supplied by a double-pumper Holley, which is sandwiched between braided fuel lines, a Cobra air cleaner and an Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake. That mixture travels in to aluminum, high performance heads, which hang bright Holman Moody valve covers under polished caps and breathers. Fire for those heads comes courtesy of a Pertronix coil, a Pertronix Flame-Thrower distributor and Moroso Blue Max plug wires. That fire is kept in check by a beefy aluminum radiator, which is centered between a large pulley fan and a fabricated expansion tank. Spent gases traverse JBS long-tube headers. And details like a coated fuel pump, a Moroso high capacity oil pan and monochromatic bracing ensure the engine is both functional and attractive.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind the car's race-inspired powerplant, a Tremec Super-Duty 5-speed, outfitted with a Cobra clutch and steel scattershield, drives a 9-inch Ford axle that's fitted with a limited-slip differential. That versatile drivetrain rolls on a retrofitted Martz 4-bar suspension, which features adjustable coil-over-shocks. That rear-clip pushes an upgraded front-half, which frames power rack-and-pinion steering in tubular control arms. At the corners of those bones, SSBC Force 10 calipers use slotted rotors to make quick stops an absolute cinch. At the center of the car's floors, free breathing side-exit exhaust shuttles spent gases through an H-shaped crossover and glasspack-style mufflers. And power meets the pavement through requisite Torq Thrust Ds, which spin 205/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 245/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

INTERIOR

Open the door to this well-done Mustang and you'll find a fully restored cockpit that's part classic car and part race car. There's Cobra racing seats, which wear 5-point RCI harnesses. The monochromatic dash balances familiar Stewart Warner telemetry behind a Lecarra Moto-Lita steering wheel. A chrome Hurst shifter surfs fresh carpet. And everyone stays safe thanks to a full roll cage.

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 awesome 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!