The 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback is a vehicle that naturally commands attention, but this specific example carries a Hollywood pedigree. Known on set as “Hero 1,” this car was a featured screen-used vehicle in the 2025 action-comedy “The Pickup.” It shared the screen with a massive cast including Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Eva Longoria. Beyond its cinematic fame, the car underwent a comprehensive transformation to become a high-performance street machine. It perfectly bridges the gap between a collectible movie prop and a professionally built restomod. This Mustang offers a rare chance to own a piece of modern film history alongside top-tier mechanical upgrades.
Cinema Ready Shelby GT350 Aesthetics
Visual impact was a priority for its film role, leading to the installation of a Tony Branda Shelby GT350 body kit. The package includes a specialized hood, rear trunk lid, taillight panel, and distinctive side cowls. A fresh coat of Brittany Blue paint gives the car a sophisticated yet aggressive look that pops under studio lights. New glass, lights, and lenses were installed throughout to ensure the car looked flawless for high-definition cameras. These modifications successfully transform the standard fastback silhouette into a tribute to one of Ford’s most famous performance models. It retains the classic 1968 charm while projecting a much more muscular road presence.
Complete Interior and Component Refresh
The cabin of this fastback received the same level of attention as the exterior to prepare for its “Hero” status. A completely new interior was installed, featuring fresh seat covers, door panels, and high-quality carpeting. A new headliner and a Borgeson power steering kit make the driving environment feel much more like a modern vehicle. These updates ensure that the car is as comfortable to sit in as it is beautiful to look at. Precision was clearly a priority, as even the smallest bulbs and lenses were replaced with new units. The result is an interior that looks and smells like it just rolled off the assembly line.
Advanced Handling and Braking Systems
High-speed chase scenes require more than just a pretty face, so the builders focused heavily on the chassis. The car features a complete Wilwood brake system, including multi-piston calipers, high-performance rotors, and a new master cylinder. A unique Wilwood hand disc brake control was also integrated, likely to assist with stunt maneuvers during filming. The suspension was completely overhauled with new springs, shocks, and control arms at both the front and rear. These components work together to provide a level of handling that far exceeds the original 1960s factory engineering. It stays flat through corners and stops with the confidence of a modern sports car.
Drivetrain Strength and Road Grip
Power reaches the pavement through a new 9-inch rear end equipped with a limited-slip differential and 3.90 gears. This setup provides aggressive off-the-line acceleration while remaining durable enough for spirited driving. The car sits on 17-inch U.S. Mags Rambler wheels with a gunmetal finish and a machined lip for a custom look. These are wrapped in Toyo Extensa HP II tires, with wider 245-series rubber in the rear for maximum traction. A custom exhaust system featuring MagnaFlow mufflers provides the deep, rumbling soundtrack that defines a classic American V-8. Every mechanical choice was made to ensure the car could perform reliably under the stress of a movie set.
Engine Specifications and Performance Data
Under the Shelby-style hood sits a BluePrint EFI 302 CI long block crate V-8 engine producing a stout 361 horsepower. This fuel-injected powerplant ensures reliable starting and smooth idling regardless of the temperature or altitude. It is paired with a rebuilt Toploader 4-speed manual transmission for a classic, mechanical shifting experience. A new radiator with an electric fan and temperature controller keeps the high-output engine cool even during slow-speed cruising. This combination delivers enough power to be thrilling without compromising the car’s ability to serve as a reliable weekend driver. It is a modern heart beating inside a legendary vintage body.
Summary of the Hero 1 Fastback
This 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback is a unique find that offers a compelling story for both car enthusiasts and film buffs. Its role as “Hero 1” in a major motion picture gives it a level of documentation that few other Mustangs can claim. The extensive mechanical list proves that this was not just a static prop, but a fully realized performance build. From the Wilwood brakes to the fuel-injected BluePrint engine, every upgrade was selected for quality and durability. It stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Mustang in popular culture. This car is ready to continue its life as the star of a new owner’s collection.
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Source: mecum.com
