Mustang Convertible Pro Touring 4.6L EFI V8 5 Speed A/C

When it comes to universal appeal, few classics bring the smiles like Ford's legendary Mustang. Of course, universal appeal equates to high demand. High demand means big prices. Big prices beg the question: is original always better? And most enthusiasts answer that question with a slick, fully-sorted resto-mod like this razor-sharp convertible. Professionally detailed and ready to rumble, this awesome drop-top is the beneficiary of a clean, ground-up restoration that transformed a stylish weekend warrior into a world class cruiser. Thanks to an SVT-tuned motor, thoroughly tweaked suspension and stylish leather interior, it'll keep you smiling all day long. And, if you're looking for a highly desirable muscle car that can provide years of open road fun, you won't even have to give the word “original” a second thought!

Steal a glance at this Mustang's rock-solid body and you'll see what high quality craftsmanship that's performed by a dedicated group of individuals truly looks like. Those individuals knuckle down at a place called Horse Heaven in Benton City, Washington. And, with the help of six-figure financing, they transformed this tired old mule into a show stopping thoroughbred. The car's high quality reboot began with a complete strip and first rate metalwork. Once intense labor had blended that metalwork into excellent fit and finish, smooth black two-stage was detailed with an attractive tan roof. And eventually, this posh pony emerged as a first rate classic that mixes the best design of Ford's Iacocca era with the modern build techniques of a top notch restoration shop.

It's obvious that Ford has always sweated the details on the Mustang. And with its completely new brightwork and bolt-on pieces, this drop-top presents a professionally finished appearance that goes far beyond nice paint. At the front of the car, traditional halogen headlights anchor a 'bomber sight' grille between a “F O R D” branded hood, a triple-plated bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. Behind that hood, pristine glass rides between bright stainless wipers, straight stainless frames and classy chrome mirrors. At the sides of that glass, a traditionally sculpted profile lays the groundwork for new Cobra emblems, classic chrome handles and stainless-trimmed coves. And at the back of that profile, another triple-plated bumper reflects fresh tail lights, a detailed fuel filler, small reverse lamps and polished Magnaflow exhaust.

Hoist the Kansas-flat hood and the car transforms from classic to state-of-the-art in literally the blink of an eye. Looking completely natural between slick, body-matched fenders is a 4.6 liter, DOHC V8 that twists a solid 320 horsepower into 317 lb./ft. of gravel-mincing torque! You see, the key to a great resto-mod is taking the virtues of a classic factory design and incorporating modern mechanical elements that are as stylish as they are seamless. And nowhere is that philosophy more evident than in this Mustang's fully detailed engine bay. A long-time thoroughbred of Ford's performance car stables, SVT's hand-built 'mod motor' utilizes tumble-style heads, a fixed-runner intake, aggressive, high performance cams and a Teksid aluminum block to create an unbeatable combination of smooth cruising and spirited performance. Naturally, the big engine comes outfitted with sensors, a fuel pump and an Engine Computer Module from its 1999 donor car. And, before the modern mill was sealed in its classic frame, a quick-spinning puller fan was installed behind a beefy aluminum radiator. Twist the key and the cylinders rumble to life, singing baritone notes through brazen Magnaflow mufflers. Goose the throttle and a Ford air tube funnels wind into big combustion chambers, zinging the engine toward redline. Drop the clutch and the car settles into an anxious gait, backing killer performance with docile street manners and class-leading efficiency.

The bottom of this awesome Mustang is just as impressive as its slick exterior and smooth engine bay. Behind the mean motor you'll find a fresh Tremec 5-speed which, along with a familiar Ford rear end, is a direct transplant from the donor Cobra. That proven drivetrain hangs in a custom chassis that's reinforced with aftermarket torsion bars, welded subframe connectors and tubular control arms. Stopping and turning is a cinch thanks to power rack and pinion steering and a quartet of modern discs. Exhaust is handled by large, true-dual pipes that snake around an X-shaped crossover, great sounding Magnaflow mufflers and polished stainless tips. Power rolls through 17-inch Magnum 500s, which spin 235/40 Toyo Proxes around galloping horse center caps. And every one of this Ford's details, from its beefy sway bar to its giant stainless fuel tank, has been carefully planned and professionally executed.

Pop the car's doors and you'll find an attractive, well-rounded interior that puts a new spin on an old favorite. Pony-themed seats hang fresh leather covers over cool Scott Drake belts. In front of those seats, an attractive, wood-trimmed dash founds Auto Meter Pro Comp Ultra Lite gauges next to a direct-fit head unit and Ford-branded climate control. Below that dash, clean black carpet balances Mustang-branded floor mats between traditional stainless sills and a stylish chrome shifter. At the edge of that carpet, two-tone side panels hang elegant handles above simple armrests. In front of the driver, a deluxe steering wheel spins a sculpted wood rim around a modern, tilting column. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hides a fresh plaid mat beneath a custom convertible cowl.

The sale of this sun-seeking pony includes an owner's manual, a stack of restoration receipts, a small album of restoration photos, a list of restoration costs and a late-2012 appraisal that values the car at $75K.

There's only one problem with this awesome Mustang: if you want it, everyone else will too. Well-done resto-mods have become some of our fastest sellers as more and more enthusiasts discover the thrill of taking their dream cars to the street. With its classic good looks, tastefully updated interior and thoroughly modern mechanicals, this Ford's appeal is universally strong. Instead of spending three years and twice the cash trying to build a long-neglected project car, call RK Motors Charlotte and hit the road in style!