Ford retro body may start a wave of the future

Ford Motor Co. and Dynacorn are partnering on making a new, first-generation Mustang shell for those who want to build their own classic Ford Mustangs, according to the New York Times and other media outlets.

For $15,000, a shell of a vintage Mustang can be delivered right to your garage:

The new body can be configured as a ’64.5, ’65 or ’66, depending on the trim with which it is finished. It is made of virgin metal and is assembled using modern welding techniques. According to Jim Christina, Dynacorn vice president, the steel is of a better grade than that used in the original Ford-manufactured body.

Dennis Mondrach, the licensing manager for Ford Restoration Parts, said that nearly all the parts needed to build a complete first-generation Mustang convertible, save for some minor body hardware, could be bought new from Ford-approved classic parts suppliers. (The front fenders and hood must be purchased separately.)

That would mean a tinkerer could rebuild the premier pony car of its era without laying a finger on the genuine item. Of course, such a car would have to be titled as a home-built vehicle, and state regulations would have to be met. In Texas, for example, securing title and registration would require a safety inspection, documentation of all purchases relevant to the car’s construction and the issuance of a vehicle identification number.

According to the report, Dynacorn already makes shells for Camaros, Firebirds, Chevelles, Challengers and Chevrolet trucks, as well as 1967-70 Mustangs. But Mustangs are America’s most-restored vehicles, so this new item opens a potentially lucrative market.

The Mustang shell will be displayed at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show in Las Vegas, starting Tuesday.

I think it’s only a matter of time before one of the major carmakers takes a plunge into making a vehicle with a vintage body, but with amenities that meet modern specs (including better fuel economy and less pollution).

Volkswagen, for instance, could make a big pile of money if it would make a new 1965 Beetle or minibus, but with better engines. And can you imagine how much excitement Chevrolet would generate if it made a “new” 1958 Corvette?

2 thoughts on “Ford retro body may start a wave of the future

  1. What an amazing idea. While I don’t have the know-how to build a Mustang like that, the idea of them issuing a modern version of the classic car is a fantastic one. Heck, I was thrilled when they released the ’05, with its fairly retro design (and I love my car!). I agree…that would be one helluva moneymaker. Everyone loves Mustangs!

  2. VW still makes the bus in Brazil. It’s not the 1950s bus, but the 60s-70s “Bay Window” model.

    There, it’s called the Kombi, it’s FlexFuel and water cooled! It wouldn’t take much to make it road legal in the US, though it would probably cost you $40,000.

    In the world of vintage scooters, some companies have already caught onto this idea and produce a (plastic) vintage 60s Vespa with a modern automatic transmission, fuel injected 4stroke engine. Another company rebadges Indian metal-bodied Vespa knock-offs (of surprising great quality) and is doing pretty well with it.

    American cars of today are boring. They should just revert back to the classics that everybody loved – the cars that were thought of as classics from the moment they rolled off the assembly line.

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