By Hamed Paydarfar

The Ford Mustang, throughout generations, is one of the most well-known cars. Originally released in 1965, no car in history had the global impact that the original Ford Mustang did back in the day. To this day, there are collectors worldwide who pursue the original model. The original Ford Mustang is in fact the most collected mark of all collector cars on the planet. 

A car that popular and impactful will not easily fade away, which is why there is such a market for restoring classic Ford Mustang model years. In fact, early models (1965 to 1973) are so sought-after that there are a number of companies that build full-on classic Mustang replicas from scratch, using Ford’s licensed body units and sometimes chassis!

Let’s take an in-depth look at this—as one might call it—resurrection industry.

The Market for Classic Car Reproductions

Reproducing a classic Mustang is very different from restoring one. Restoring a classic Mustang means having an original Mustang that has survived all of this time and trying to keep whatever that’s left of it in one place and replacing the old rusty parts with brand-new ones. Sometimes those parts are manufactured and/or licensed by Ford itself, and sometimes they’re built in custom shops. 

For building a classic Mustang replica, however, there’s no need for a pre-existing model to work on. Thanks to Ford’s licensed body units and chassis, there are custom shops and companies that assemble brand-new classic Mustangs from the ground up.

For sure, the soul of original Mustangs cannot be reproduced by a Mustang replica. We have it on good assurance that the driving experience of a Mustang replica could not be more different than an original model. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the driving experience is anything lesser than the original; it’s simply different. 

One major benefit of a reproduced Mustang over the original models is the up-to-date standards of safety, comfort, and reliability. You don’t need to treat it and take care of it like an old soul because, after all, it isn’t.

Although a reproduced Mustang won’t give you the same throttle sound an original Mustang engine would do, it can provide you with a modern stereo sound system, heated seats, up-to-date electronics, better steering and up to 1000 hp. 

How Are Classic Mustangs Made? 

Each company/custom shop that reproduces Mustangs has its own strategy for making their Mustangs. And each makes their own chosen models; from standard Mustang fastback and convertible models to more popular Shelby and Mach 1 variations.

Unsurprisingly, these cars don’t come cheap; neither do they come to your door very soon after ordering one. The time it takes differs from one company to another, but you shouldn’t be expecting anything less than 12 months, at the least. 

Some companies, such as Dynacorn International, bring you licensed replacement body shells of classic Mustangs. Finding a proper chassis as well as an engine, the interior and everything besides the shell is up to you. 

Some other companies, on the other hand, build the whole unit for you with customizable options and specs; Revology Cars and Classic Recreations are two prime examples of this industry. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top 3 favourite classic Mustang replicas on the market.

3. Shelby GT500CR 900C

Our third favourite Classic Mustang is none other than Classic Recreations’ Shelby GT6500CR 900C.

With an aluminium steering wheel wrapped in Lecarra leather, GT500CR 900C sets the mood for its leather-clad interior. The hand-stitched Shelby Cobra logo on the centre armrest gives more authenticity to the car and makes the experience even closer to the original model. 

Classic Recreations’ Shelby GT6500CR 900C comes with a Coyote GEN 3 5.0L/302ci Ford Performance crate engine which provides you with 810 hp. Putting high-tech electricals, premium cooling systems, reliable brakes and Coilover front and river suspensions in this car make the driving experience something to behold!

With our preferred specs, it will roughly cost £220,000.

2. Shelby GT500CR 900S

Classic Recreations’ Shelby GT500CR 900S comes as the second favourite Classic Mustang replica.

Using the shape of an iconic pony car and adding a lot of muscle under the hood, Classic Recreations claims that they build a Shelby the way Carroll Shelby himself would do today. 

With the expressive look of the 1967 model year, just looking at the exterior alone is certainly an entertaining experience. But it sure doesn’t stop there; the Carroll Shelby signature on the seats endorse the experience. The wood-covered steering wheel, chrome instrumentation and extra attention to details in order to stay as similar to the original interior as possible give Classic Recreations’ take on the GT500CR 900S a very authentic voice. 

Classic recreations’ GT500CR 900S is armed with a 427ci Ford Performance crate engine which with our preferred specs can give you up to 1000 hp! The specs on this model are some of the craziest stuff you can find on a Mustang replica; Fuel-injectors, F1-R procharger, and 3 core intercooler are only some of the stunning specs worthy of credit. 

With our preferred specs, the cost to order one would be somewhere around £230,000.