You've got to admit, this isn't something you see every day. But, be assured, it is something you're going to see more of as time goes on because restomod is entering a new phase of extreme hot rodding. Conventional wisdom hot rodding has come to the world of contemporary vintage Fords. Stereotypical hot rods have always been the antique Fords: Model As and Ts, '30s and '40s coupes, and postwar shoeboxes. As the clock ticks, so does our thinking about what's old, classic, and hot-rod material. Our more modern '60s Fords and Mercs have become hot-rod material seemingly overnight.
Exciting things are starting to happen, like Jon Dinger's '67 Mustang fastback. On the surface, it's another Eleanor clone in rich Charcoal metallic. However, Jon wasn't content building just another Eleanor carbon-copy clone when he found this unfinished Eleanor. He wanted something more. To get there, he would have to begin with a solid foundation that could accommodate something larger than a conventional small-block.
Building a modified platform takes more than a sparse amount of hair on your chest. Jon wanted Ford's most current technology-the double overhead cam 4.6 Modular V-8 with a supercharger. To get there, he would have to build a chassis designed to take the punishment. He knocked out the towers and streamlined the chassis. Then, he opted for the '03-'04 SVT Cobra powerplant right out of the box, with a few twists that would make it better. This one has the Electromotive fuel-management system, a Griffin cooling system with a Custom 5,000-cfm fan, SVO headers, polished cam covers, and an Eaton supercharger packing 16 pounds of boost. Call this one a powerhouse from just 281 cubes.
Managing this kind of raw power takes the right combination of suspension and brakes. Because Wilwood has a wealth of racing history, this is the path Jon decided to go. With a massive 4.6 widebody underhood, Jon knew he needed a power brake booster that would fit and be effective. The '00 Mustang power booster-a hydroboost-type unit-works quite well and clears the massive Mod motor. Also underneath is a custom-fabricated Mustang II coilover suspension system with coilover suspension in back, all made possible by The Mustang Shop in Phoenix. Coilovers in all four corners does a lot for handling, making the car safer to manage and fun to drive.
This Eleanor look-alike got its fiberglass body parts from Cinema Vehicle Services in Southern California. When massaged to perfection, these parts change a Mustang's personality considerably. Those are 17-inch GT-40 rims. That's Pepper Gray Metallic flanked with black stripes on the surface.
Inside, thanks to Jon's fabrication skills, it's a driver's world with a Momo wheel and full Auto Meter Phantom instrumentation. Classic Auto Air Perfect Fit air conditioning keeps things tolerable in the Arizona heat. One can only imagine the feel of the Tremec six-speed, and the many ranges supporting a wide variety of driving conditions.
Exotic Mustang street rods like Jon's '67 fastback tell us something about where the hobby is going. There will always be those of us who dare not venture into the land of exotic Mustang rides. However, there will always be people like Jon who keep the faint of heart entertained.
The Details
1967 Mustang Eleanor fastback clone
Owner: Jon Dinger, Scottsdale, AZ
Engine
4.6 DOHC V-8
Iron Block
Aluminum Heads
Eaton Supercharger
430 Hp, 460 lb-ft of Torque
Forged Steel Crank
Forged I-Beam Connecting Rods
Forged Pistons
Griffin Radiator
5,000-cfm Cooling Fan with Custom Shroud
Electromotive Fuel-Management System
Transmission
Tremec T56 Six-Speed
Rearend
9-inch Ford
Traction-Lok
3.55 Gears
31-spline axles
Exhaust
SVO Headers
Flowmaster Mufflers
Suspension
Front: Specially Fabricated Mustang II Coilover Suspension
Rear: Coilover with ladder bar
Brakes
Front: Wilwood Disc Brakes
Rear: Wilwood Disc Brakes
2000 Mustang Hydroboost Unit