Mid-Engine Mustang Fastback

[vipercuda]

My name is Mike Staveski and I own Time Machines in Hudson FL. I would like to introduce my shop's next project here. We have posted it on Lateral G as well. Any suggestions to help the project are welcomed.

Jason Rushforth and I have teamed up on what is probably the biggest project of our collective careers. When I say this is a Mustang GT, I'm talking about the actual drivetrain which is lifted from a late model Ford GT and it's going in the Mustang in the exact same configuration right under that back glass like a contemporary mid-engined supercar.

I have been thinking about this concept since I visited Foose's shop in 2000 and saw the partially finished Hemisfear but was still thinking Mopar for the body and the motivation when I approached Jason but Rad Rides just finished the best fastback Cuda of all time and a mid-engine 70 Cuda would look all wrong so Jason instantly suggested a Mustang for the fastback glass like a contemporary supercar and a mid-engined drivetrain already engineered.

Jason knows from past conservations with the Ring Bros that they are playing with this idea too and it will be a cool evolution of the Kona and Reactor and is sure to be killer and have their signature look.

Attached is the rendering of what the completed car will look like as well as a couple pictures of a Ford GT that Jason has been staring at for ideas, inspiration and proportions. As it turns out, the wheelbase of a 69 Mustang and a GT are less than 1" different but make no mistake, there are tons of major modifications done to this body to make it more slippery and stylish while still being true to the Shinoda Mustang design, arguably the best looking Mustang of all time.

Look for a very unique rear view next week that we are working on as we speak.

Construction on this concept will begin very soon and inquiries to own it are welcome.

Thanks
Mike Staveski
owner of Time Machines

[atomicjoe23]

Can't wait to see the rear view. . .keep us up to date!!!

[vintageracer]

Looks a lot like a car built here in Nashville 20 years ago. A 69 Mustang that was pancaked (6 inches removed frome the center/middle of the car, sectioned if you will) and a Pantera drive train installed making the car mid-engine.

The car was never finished. It was purchased by a friend of mine who removed the Pantera drivetrain and made the car front engine/rear drive again. It is at the paint shop now and will be finished this summer.

These cars look fabulous when they are sectioned. Your car will be neat and unique.

Go for it!!!!

[LMDGUY]

I always look foward to seeing your cars at SEMA. From what I have seen what come out of your shop this will be a awsome ride also!

[boodlefoof]

Sounds great! I hope to do something similar someday. Are you planning to swap out the tranny for a transaxle? I imagine the engine/trans combo might climb kind of far into the cabin.

[formula98]

The Project sounds great. Post pic's from start to finish this will be a great thread!

[absolom]

i've always wanted to do something similar

awesome project

[Chad-1stGen]

Looking forward to progress pics and of course the finished product.

[fvike]

Wow, what an Idea! I love the engine under glass thing. As an '69 Mustang owner I'm happy you'll try to stay true to the Shinoda design. It will keep that timeless look, and won't look dated a few years forward. The concept drawing looks sweet, but please do keep the sport mirrors and don't shave the handles. Muscle cars never look right without them.

[vipercuda]

Jason Rushforth and I introduced this project a month ago. Here are the latest rear view designs fresh off the drawing board.

The cool thing about the Mustang is the fastback rear glass that showcases the motor like a Ferrari F430 or Ford GT where some of the drivetrain components are coming from but instead of the supercharged 5.4, we are using a naturally aspirated Ford Racing FR500 crate motor with individual throttle bodies for a cool visual element.

That rear glass is going to be tipped down at a slightly steeper angle than the roof to form a shallow trough that accentuates and improves the downforce created by the rear spoiler and the entire taillight panel is perforated mesh that will allow hot air to leave the engine compartment.

The other main visual element visible from this angle is the undertray that forms functional diffusers out the back.

The car should start getting sliced up soon so we'll keep you posted.

Thanks
Mike Staveski-Time Machines

[formula98]

Not able to enlarge the images. I would like to see the pics a little larger.

Thanks,

[vipercuda]

Sorry, I will try to send the pictures again.
Mike

[JayR]

Not able to enlarge the images. I would like to see the pics a little larger.

Thanks,

Let's see if this works. Thanks for the complements and enthusiasm, everybody!

Fvike, It will have a transaxle and You're right about the handles and some kind of side mirror, Boodle. I just haven't figured them out yet but they won't be stock.

[Restomod]

So have you allready got your hands on the GT engine/transaxle?? If so post up some pics and measurements. Looks like a great project!!

[formula98]

Great to see the pictures. Looks like a fun project....

[Smock67]

Thats gonna be one hell of project. I can't wait to see the results. The renderings look awesome.

[spddmnjay]

Very wicked lookin'!! Can't wait to see the progress!!

[HWY Nova]

Just checking in to see if you can post any progress photos!

--Eric

[vipercuda]

I glad you asked, yes we have made some progress on the project. The car is stripped and we have our game plan. It looks like Ford will not release anything GT because of a corporate policy in place. It looks like we will be using the brand new Mendeola transaxle. It is smaller than the GT model and handles up to 750HP. The key to this project is that it will retain its mustang look. It will not look like anything other than a mustang fastback. The plan is to build the entire car in the raw and then drive the HELL OUT OF IT. We will be doing all kinds of testing on it. Our goal is to build the ultimate driving machine. We want this one to be known as a driving car with performance placed first and foremost. Once we have driven it, tested it, and worked out all the bugs then we will take it apart and make it pretty then we will abuse the HELL OUT OF IT AGAIN. This one is going to be fun but it will take some time to do it. It will not be rushed to attend a show, this one will be done to be driven and enjoyed over be rushed to be completed for a show. It will not be pushed anywhere like so many of the cars at SEMA were last week.

Thanks
Mike Staveski

[MZ 500]

I like the concept are you going hatch the back like the GT-40?

I had thought about this concept but I was thinking a 68 69 Torino fastback would be a good base to start with. well maybe some day.

Keep us posted I will like seeing this thing come together.