Like the chassis, Paladin's interior bears little resemblance to Ford's low-buck original. Diamond Trim, also in Aurora, gets principal credit for the leather/vinyl/ultrasuede upholstery, including a molded headliner and custom door panels complete with power windows. A custom metal console houses the JVC head unit for a serious entertainment system, a Lokar e-brake handle, as well as the Pro-5.0 shifter linked to a Tremec TKO five-speed. A Vintage Air HVAC system breathes through billet eyeball vents, which share dash space with a full suite of Auto Meter carbon-fiber gauges, just ahead of Flaming River's tilt steering column. All in all, this is a thoroughly modern and functional interpretation of a classic Mustang cabin.
Compared to the underhood, underbelly, and interior mods, the Sikkens-coated ebony body is understated in its originality yet finished to a degree of perfection no production line could ever dream about. Yes, there are Shelby-esque hood and side scoops, a billet grille, and those monster Budniks, but for the most part, there can be no doubt this is a '65 Mustang. Even so, the fender lips are rolled, and all door and trunk jams are utterly smooth.
In truth, a small book could be written about the details and the lengthy, sometimes frustrating process of creating Ian Farrell's Paladin (you can get considerably more info at his Web site, paladin.pony-cars.net). In the end, it might be Farrell himself who earns the "paladin" moniker, as the rebirth of any classic Mustang is truly a noble cause.
The Details
'65 Mustang Fastback
Owner: Ian Farrell, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Engine
FRPP crate 5.0L (M-6007-XE3M)GT40-X aluminum headsE303 cam9:1 compressionTFS Track Heat intakePro-M 80mm mass air meterBBK 70mm throttle bodyMarch billet pulleysCustom A/C and alternator bracketsVortech V2 SQ supercharger, 11 psi477 hp, 441 lb-ft of torqueExhaust
BBK unequal-length 1-5/8-inch short-tube headers2-1/2-inch ceramic-coated exhaustHooker Max Flow mufflersTransmission
Tremec TKO five-speedCenterforce Dual-Friction clutch (cable conversion)Lakewood scattershieldRearend
Dana 44 centersection3.70 gearsAuburn posiSuspension
Front: Rod & Custom Motorsports Mustang II with coilovers, manual rack-and-pinion steeringRear: CTM Engineering independent rear suspensionBrakes
Front: Baer 13-inch disc, two-piston caliper Rear: Baer 11.5-inch disc, single-piston caliper Baer proportioning valve and master cylinder Mustang Steve power boosterWheels
Front: Budnik Arrow Fat Lip, 17x7 inches Rear: Budnik Arrow Fat Lip, 18x9 inchesTires
Front: BFGoodrich g-Force KD, P225/45ZR17 Rear: BFGoodrich g-Force KD, P275/40ZR18Interior
Pontiac Fiero buckets, custom upholstery by Diamond Trim, Auto Meter carbon-fiber gauges, Colorado Custom Paradox steering wheel, Flaming River tilt steering columnExterior
Shelby-style fiberglass components, billet grille, custom bumper brackets, modified rear valance, smoothed door and trunk jambs, rolled fender lips