The 1965 Ford Mustang fastback has long served as the canvas for high-performance engineering, but few examples reach the technical depth of this Maeco Motorsport build. Originally completed in 2004 for a reported $160,000 and subsequently featured in Motor Trend, the car underwent a comprehensive mechanical evolution in 2021. This Mustang is no longer a simple vintage pony car; it is a meticulously braced and reinforced pro-touring weapon. Combining a high-revving SVO-based stroker engine with exotic materials like carbon fiber, it delivers a driving experience that bridges the gap between classic aesthetic and modern GT racing performance.
Widened Steel Body and Functional Aerodynamics
The exterior maintains the iconic 1965 silhouette while incorporating aggressive, functional modifications. Maeco Motorsport reinforced the unibody with 14-gauge steel frame rails and widened the wheel wells to accommodate 17-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels and staggered Falken Azenis rubber. A custom steel hood features an integrated scoop, locking pins, and NACA ducts, while a wicker bill-style rear spoiler adds high-speed stability. The front end is dominated by an R-style valance, LED headlights, and a mesh grille, all finished to a professional standard. Carbon-fiber accents, including brake cooling ducts and wheel center caps, highlight the car’s weight-conscious construction.
Sparco Seating and Carbon-Fiber Appointments
Inside, the cabin is a technical environment focused on high-speed control and safety. A full roll cage provides structural rigidity and protection, framing a pair of black leather Sparco bucket seats equipped with Simpson harnesses. The dashboard and center console are extensively trimmed in exposed carbon fiber, housing AutoMeter Sport-Comp II gauges with a 10,000-rpm tachometer. Despite its track-focused layout, the interior includes modern conveniences such as power windows, cruise control, and a Bluetooth-capable Alpine stereo. A leather-wrapped LaCarra steering wheel and a short-throw shifter ensure the driver remains perfectly connected to the machine.
347ci SVO Stroker and TKX Five-Speed Drivetrain
The mechanical heart is a Ford SVO R302 V8, rebuilt and stroked to 347ci in 2021 by JG Machine Service. This high-output mill features a SCAT forged crank, Carillo rods, and Trick Flow heads, producing significant power managed by Edelbrock 1,000 cfm throttle-body fuel injection. Power is sent through a Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission and a 4-inch carbon-fiber driveshaft to a Currie 9-inch rear end with a 3.50 Wavetrac differential. The handling is governed by Total Control Products adjustable coilovers and a four-link rear setup, while Alcon front calipers and slotted rotors provide massive, fade-resistant stopping power.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 347ci SVO R302 Stroker V8 |
| Transmission | Tremec TKX 5-Speed Manual |
| Rear End | Currie 9-Inch w/ 3.50 Wavetrac |
| Braking | Alcon Front Calipers / Slotted Rotors |
| Chassis | TCP Coilovers & 4-Link Rear |
| Driveshaft | 4-Inch Carbon-Fiber |
Market Position and Pro-Touring Provenance
In the hierarchy of classic Mustangs, this Maeco Motorsport build sits well above standard restorations due to its extensive structural reinforcements and high-tier componentry. The provenance of a Motor Trend feature and a documented six-figure build cost places it in a category occupied by names like Griggs or Revo. Compared to a standard GT350 tribute, this car offers superior modern driveability and track capability thanks to its fuel injection and Woodward power steering. It represents a unique selling point for the collector who demands a vintage aesthetic but requires performance levels that can challenge modern sports cars.
A Performance Landmark Built Without Compromise
Offered with a clean Montana title and a wealth of build records spanning over two decades, this 1965 Ford Mustang fastback is a masterclass in pro-touring execution. Every system, from the stroked SVO engine to the Wavetrac differential and carbon-fiber driveshaft, has been optimized for peak performance. It is a vehicle that commands respect on both the show lawn and the circuit, standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of the fastback silhouette when pushed to its absolute mechanical limits.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
