In little under a month, the Ford Mustang will join a small and distinguished group of automobiles whose nameplates have endured for a half-century or more.
Like the Porsche 911 and the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ford Mustang has transcended simply being an automobile and has now reached pop culture status.
A custom 1967 Mustang Fastback modified by brothers Rick and Daryl Francoeur at 360 Fabrication in Abbotsford.
Rick Ernst, PNG
Launched April 17, 1964, at the New York World’s Fair, the Mustang’s rise from its birthplace of the terminally uncool Ford Falcon into iconic automotive status may seem inevitable with hindsight.
For generations of auto enthusiasts, the minute Iacocca’s engineers draped the Falcon’s economy car chassis with the stylish 2+2 body that would become the Ford Mustang, the world’s love affair with the Pony was born.
As the historic nameplate approaches its half-century mark, collectors around the world are dusting off, shining up or rolling out their vintage Mustangs in celebration.
In Canada, where sightings aren’t uncommon, one vintage Mustang has drawn international attention.
Built by brothers Rick and Daryl Francoeur and their team of master automotive specialists at 360 Fabrication in Abbotsford over the course of nine months, a 1967 Mustang Fastback nicknamed The Nightmare, underwent more than 700 engine and body modifications, including a modified Eleanor front end over an Art Morrison chassis, flared fenders to accommodate a lowered body and computerized air ride system, customized forward flip steel hood with electric actuators.
Engine inside the custom 1967 Mustang Fastback modified by brothers Rick and Daryl Francoeur at 360 Fabrication in Abbotsford.
Rick Ernst, PNG
The engine was tuned to 700 h.p. and given an additional 100 h.p. nitrous modification. Even the engine compartment was hand made.
The rear end was given a Ferrari look and the sides were shaved and handmade scoops added to flush fit the windows.
The car features 20-inch Vellano wheels and 375 wide rear wheels.
In the interior, the Italian sound system alone is worth in excess of $40,000 and the entire leather interior was hand stitched.
The car was painted in BASF black with Waterborne Candy red paint for the GT stripes.
Undoubtedly the most impressive example of a vintage Mustang in the country, the level of detail around this customization is unmatched.
But perhaps what’s most surprising about this vehicle, which is valued in excess of $700,000, is the fact that the owner has never once driven it.
A waterfall of amps inside a custom 1967 Mustang Fastback.
Rick Ernst, PNG
A true celebration of the Mustang, it has been displayed at Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale and will be featured at the 2014 Vancouver International Auto Show in the Classic Alley area of the Show as one of the world’s most significant tributes to one of the most important vehicles of all time.
360 Fabrication is one of Canada’s largest and most respected automobile restoration and fabrication companies.
Located in Abbotsford, the shop is known internationally for its projects which are shipped to a global clientele. http://www.360fabrication.com
— Submitted to The Province
