This 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback represents far more than a restoration—it is a purpose-built tribute to one of the most legendary competition Mustangs ever created. Inspired by the iconic Shelby GT350R race cars that dominated SCCA competition during the 1960s, this Mustang was transformed from its original A-code fastback roots into an R-style machine engineered to capture the look, feel, and spirit of Ford's most celebrated road-racing heritage.

Completed by Greg's Auto Emporium in 2001, the build was never intended to be a simple cosmetic tribute. Instead, it was developed as a driver-focused performance car that embraces the raw, uncompromising character of the original competition Mustangs while benefiting from carefully selected upgrades designed to enhance both capability and reliability.

Finished in Wimbledon White with bold blue Le Mans stripes, the visual impact is immediate. The color combination remains one of the most recognizable and respected liveries in American motorsports history. Every line of the fastback body seems amplified by the racing-inspired details, creating a car that looks ready for the starting grid even while standing still.

The exterior transformation includes fiberglass R-style bodywork, side scoops, lightweight Plexiglass windows housed in aluminum frames, and a vented rear window that immediately signals this car's competition-inspired mission. Quarter window deletes, functional race-oriented details, and a lowered stance further reinforce the purpose-built nature of the build.

Unlike many tribute cars that stop at appearance, this Mustang's upgrades extend deep beneath the sheet metal.

At the heart of the car sits a rebuilt 289 cubic-inch V8 that has been thoughtfully upgraded for enthusiastic driving. Featuring forged pistons, roller rockers, a dual-plane aluminum intake manifold, and a Holley four-barrel carburetor, the engine delivers a combination of responsiveness, durability, and classic small-block Ford character that enthusiasts continue to appreciate decades after these cars first earned their reputation.

Tri-Y headers feed a side-exit exhaust system that produces exactly the soundtrack a car like this deserves. The sound is sharp, mechanical, and unapologetically aggressive—a constant reminder that this Mustang was built with performance in mind.

Additional upgrades including a Griffin aluminum radiator, Cobra T oil pan, export brace, and Monte Carlo bar further demonstrate the attention paid to creating a complete and cohesive performance package. Every component serves a purpose.

Backing the 289 is a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission, one of the most respected gearboxes of its era. Combined with the high-revving small-block V8, it delivers the kind of direct driver engagement that modern performance cars often struggle to replicate.

Power is transferred through a Ford 9-inch rear axle equipped with 3.50 gears and traction bars, providing both durability and confidence when putting power to the pavement. The drivetrain combination strikes an ideal balance between spirited acceleration and real-world usability.

What truly elevates this Mustang beyond a visual tribute is the work performed on the chassis and suspension.

The lowered suspension, front sway bar, traction bars, and upgraded braking system dramatically improve the car's capability while preserving the lightweight, responsive feel that made the original GT350s so effective on road courses. Four-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power far beyond what was available when the car was originally built, while front brake ducts reinforce the race-inspired nature of the package.

Inside, the cabin continues the competition-focused theme. The rear seat has been replaced by a parcel shelf and spare tire arrangement, reducing weight while enhancing the car's purposeful appearance. Bucket seats, Simpson racing harnesses, a roll bar, and lightweight interior panels create an environment that feels authentic to the era's road-racing machines.

This is not a luxury-oriented restoration.

It is a driver's car.

The heater and radio have been removed in favor of simplicity and focus, while modern gauges provide accurate information to the driver. Every detail serves the same objective: creating a Mustang that prioritizes performance above all else.

A Fuel Safe fuel cell mounted in the rear further emphasizes the competition-inspired nature of the build, while the overall execution demonstrates a clear understanding of what made the original GT350R cars so special.

On the road, this Mustang delivers a vastly different experience than a standard 1966 fastback. The combination of reduced weight, upgraded suspension, four-speed transmission, responsive small-block V8, and race-inspired modifications creates a car that feels alive in every situation. The steering is direct, the exhaust note is intoxicating, and every shift through the gears reinforces the connection between driver and machine.

What truly separates this Mustang is its commitment to a singular vision. Rather than attempting to blend modern luxury with vintage styling, the build stays true to the philosophy that made the original Shelby competition cars legendary: less weight, more performance, and maximum driver involvement.

This isn't a concours restoration.

It isn't a numbers-matching collector piece.

And it certainly isn't an ordinary Mustang fastback.

For the right buyer, it offers something arguably more exciting—a thoughtfully executed R-style tribute that captures the appearance, attitude, and driving experience of one of the most celebrated competition Mustangs ever built.

If you've always admired the legendary GT350R but want a car you can drive, enjoy, and experience without compromise, this Mustang delivers exactly that.

Race-inspired styling.

Small-block Ford performance.

A purpose-built fastback that honors one of the greatest chapters in American motorsports history.

Built to perform.

Built to be driven.

And built to keep the spirit of the GT350R alive.