Admit it: if you were going to build a cool Mustang resto-mod, it would be something very much like this 1965 Ford Mustang fastback. With updated 5.0 power, a 5-speed, superior handling, and a first-class interior, it's everything that's great about an early Mustang with the volume turned up to 11. There's no question that this pony has been upgraded and you can see it everywhere you look. But at the same time, it's classically beautiful, with the perfect proportions that make the early fastbacks some of the most highly-sought pony cars of all time. Painting this one silver gives it a modern look that suggests some high tech work, but adding a few Shelby-inspired design details ties it to the past, making for a formidable combination. Check out the subtle hood scoop, the custom front valence with cut-out for an oil cooler, and the requisite Shelby stripes. GT-spec fog lamps and exhaust trumpets through the rear valence are other worthy ties to the '60s, while the billet taillight housings, custom HID headlights, and slick two-stage urethane paint job are pure 21st century. Finish quality is immaculate, with a deep shine and excellent panel gaps all around, and there's no doubt that cubic dollars were required to get it this nice. Fresh chrome bumpers look great against the silver paint and all the stainless has been buffed or replaced, so the whole car looks quite fresh.The interior offers that same smooth blend of old and new, starting with all-new black Pony upholstery. A Shelby-style wood-rimmed wheel warms things up a bit and original door panels keep the ties to 1965 very much alive. The original GT instrument panel with its "camera black" textured finish is beautifully finished, and there are now modern gauges in the original openings, including a very cool combination speedometer/tachometer in the center. Original-style under-dash A/C blows ice cold thanks to modern hardware working behind the scenes and yes, there are five gears shown in the Hurst shifter's knob, not just four. A Classic Autosound AM/FM/iPod stereo with speakers in custom kick panels and behind the rear seat sounds great, mostly due to extensive use of sound-deadening materials throughout the interior. And the fastback might just be the most practical body style, with a good-sized trunk and fold-down rear seats that allow you to carry plenty of gear.A built 302 cubic inch V8 is a neat fit in the Mustang's engine bay, mostly because it's pretty much the same as the original 289. The engine bay isn't stock, though, with removed shock towers, custom inner panels, and lots of chrome, billet aluminum, and fabricated panels. A serpentine belt drive system makes it reliable and uses flashy chrome accessories, and there's a big aluminum radiator up front. A Holley Street Avenger carburetor, MSD ignition system, and a full roller valvetrain help build horsepower and the new wiring makes it work properly. The front suspension is a Mustang II setup, while out back there's a Lincoln Versailles 9-inch hanging on adjustable air shocks. The Tremec 5-speed manual and 2.75 rear gears mean this car is a fantastic high-speed cruiser, and with a disc brake at each corner, it's easy to stay out of trouble. Big 17-inch Retro wheels have an old-school Torque Thrust look and carry 245/45/17 performance radials.An incredible build that's designed to run, it's show-quality throughout yet totally sorted and ready to rock. Yeah, this is exactly how you'd build it yourself. Call today!