Reimagined classic Mustang on show

By Lizzie Pope

| 18 May 2018

Reimagined classic Mustang on show – Classic & Sports Car

A new-build classic Ford Mustang is making its debut at this week's London Motor Show (17-20 May).

The GT500CS Mustang is the work of Sutton Bespoke, which launched its new custom-build programme for this Ford model at the show.

And while this new-old interpretation of a classic isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, it is undoubtedly impressive.

The basis for this show car is an original 1967 chassis that's undergone a ground-up restoration, incorporating a host of 21st-century updates.

Serious performance from this evocatively badged V8

Under the bonnet is a 520hp, 5.4-litre V8, featuring racing pistons and a high-performance cam with eight-port fuel injection, matched to a modern five-speed manual gearbox, with a limited-slip diff thrown in for good measure.

The upgraded disc brakes are welcome with the extra oomph, plus the GT500CS Mustang has power steering and adjustable, coil-over suspension.

It's all change in the cabin, too. The GT500CS might have ’60s-style dials, but they carry inset LED gauges and are housed in a carbon fibre-trimmed dashboard.

Carbon fibre, LEDs and high-tech extras take the interior into the 21st century

This and the similarly finished centre console feature buttons for 21st century fare, such as sat-nav, an audio system with Apple CarPlay and traction control.

The rest of the interior has been retrimmed, too, in black Nappa leather with grey stitching. The front Recaro and rear standard seats have been upholstered in leather, and this example has a custom Mota-Lita steering wheel.

Outside, the Magnetic Metallic paint is a 2018 Ford colour, while the exterior chrome and 18in alloys have been powder-coated in satin black, the headlights now LEDs.