1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Conversion Project

Make: Ford

Model: Mustang

Type: Coupe

Seller Type: Private

Build Sheet

VIN: 5R07A126708
407 HP 331 ci Cobra Automotive stroker V8 engine / Ford Performance block
Rebuilt Toploader four-speed manual transmission
Speakeasy 9-inch rear end with 3.50 Posi-traction
Moroso 4-stage dry-sump oil system
Cobra Automotive competition front suspension with Koni dampers
Heavy-duty rear competition leaf springs and Koni shocks
Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston front racing calipers with 12-inch rotors
Fastback body conversion sealed in epoxy primer
Integrated 6-point roll cage and weld-in subframe connectors
21-gallon Pyrotect racing fuel cell
AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge suite and MOMO steering wheel

Wrench Report

By Chris Esparza

RestoMods Head Mechanic. 20 year classic car mechanic & builder.

This is a serious mechanical foundation for an owner looking to complete a high-spec, track-focused Mustang build. Professional fastback conversion and an integrated six-point roll cage with a dry-sump, Cobra Automotive-built 331ci stroker V8, the project utilizes durable, road-course-ready components rather than standard street-car parts. I appreciate all the receipts and part lists, but worth going through to make sure you know what you are buying.

Description

This 1965 Ford Mustang is set up to be a high-performance restomod project that was converted from its original coupe body style into a fastback configuration by Desert Classic Mustangs. Currently in mid-assembly state, the project dates back to 2020 with the initiation of a blueprinted, dry-sump 331ci stroker V8 built by the vintage racing specialists at Cobra Automotive of Connecticut. In 2022, the fastback conversion and comprehensive chassis build began, and the project has since paused as of 2024. The body, chassis, front and rear suspension, and all associated parts are located in Ventura, California, while the complete engine is stored separately in a climate controlled facility at Cobra Automotive in Wallingford, Connecticut. The seller is including shipping to the lower 48 United States, and the vehicle is offered with a clean California title. All of components are itemized in the photo gallery below.

The body was completely converted into a fastback by Desert Classic Mustangs, a process that included the installation of front torque boxes, integrated subframe connectors, and a custom six-point roll cage before the entire shell was sealed in epoxy primer. Track-ready exterior details include a Shelby "R-Model" style front apron, a stainless-steel hood pin kit, and a competition front tow hook welded directly to the chassis structure. Included are 12-inch competition front brake assemblies with a cooling duct kit and Kelsey-Hayes four-piston racing calipers. The seller notes many exterior functional components are included such as headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers.

The engine bay is prepared to house a 331ci stroked V8 built, blueprinted, and dyno-tested by Cobra Automotive to produce 407 horsepower.

The engine incorporates a new Ford Performance block, a Scat rotating assembly, Race Tec pistons, World Products cylinder heads, and a performance Cobra intake manifold topped by a Holley 715-cfm carburetor. It is uniquely equipped with a professional Moroso four-stage dry-sump oil pump and matching dry-sump oil pan, supported by premium Brown & Miller crimped -12AN and -16AN oil lines. Included is a custom Griffin aluminum radiator with an integrated oil cooler and a SPAL electric fan to handle cooling, while fuel is to be delivered via an Edelbrock pressure pump and regulator drawing from a 21-gallon Pyrotect racing fuel cell. The project is set up to have power directed through a rebuilt Toploader four-speed manual transmission using a hydraulic clutch master cylinder setup, leading to a Speakeasy-built 9-inch rear end with 3.50:1 gears and a Posi-traction differential.

The highly modified chassis has been braced using a Total Control Products Monte Carlo bar, weld-in subframe connectors, and an export brace. The front end end upgrades include Cobra Automotive competition front suspension components, including oversized spindles, billet aluminum hubs, upgraded coil springs, heavy-duty tie rods, adjustable strut rods, Koni dampers, a thick front sway bar, and a specialized rollerized steering kit. The rear suspension layout mirrors this heavy-duty approach with competition leaf springs, a high-performance shackle kit, one-inch lowering blocks, Koni shocks, and a Total Control Products rear sway bar. Hydraulic pressures are split via a dual Wilwood master cylinder assembly equipped with a manual proportioning valve, and steering assistance is provided by a modern Borgeson power steering box and KRC pump.

The stripped, race-oriented cabin is structured around the integrated six-point roll cage. Interior components included with the project are a MOMO steering wheel, and an aftermarket Borgeson steering column with a quick-disconnect hub. A custom instrumentation panel houses a comprehensive suite of AutoMeter Sport-Comp digital/analog gauges designed to monitor engine speed, vehicle speed, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, voltage, fuel level, fuel pressure, and total operating hours. The interior layout remains a blank canvas ready for custom seats and upholstery to complete the build.

Above, the seller shows the many bins of included parts that will be shipped with the project car.

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