Taking the wheel of a 1967 Mustang Fastback, Grant from Roadster Shop shares his experience with a car built to combine classic looks with modern engineering. The Fastback keeps its timeless style, Highland Green paint, and stock interior, calling back to its famous appearance in classic films while hiding some serious upgrades under the skin.
This build uses a specially designed chassis and enhanced suspension to boost handling and ride quality. With a healthy small-block Ford V8 and improved brakes, it strikes a careful balance between power and everyday drivability. The goal is to offer a car that feels like a piece of history, but drives like something far more advanced.
Key Takeaways
- The 1967 Mustang Fastback blends classic appeal and new technology.
- Upgraded chassis and suspension improve how the car drives and handles.
- The build focuses on maintaining classic style with modern performance.
Past and Ongoing Influence of the 1967 Mustang Fastback
Ties to the Movie “Bullitt” and Steve McQueen
The 1967 Mustang Fastback is deeply linked to the movie “Bullitt,” which starred Steve McQueen. The car was famously used in one of the most well-known car chases ever filmed. The movie Mustang wore Highland Green paint, similar to the build featured here, making it instantly recognizable to car fans.
Many owners and builders like to re-create the exact look of the Bullitt Mustang. The actual car used in the movie stayed with one family for many years and was finally auctioned, selling for a price around $2 million. The connection to Steve McQueen and “Bullitt” made the Fastback a symbol in car culture and added to its popularity.
Quick facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Famous Movie | “Bullitt” starring Steve McQueen |
| Movie Car Color | Highland Green |
| Auction Sale Price | Around $2 million |
Impact on Car Shows and Modern Auctions
The 1967 Mustang Fastback has a strong presence at car shows and in the auction world. Its classic design draws attention from fans of all ages. Many enthusiasts appreciate keeping the car’s paint and interior close to the original, while others enjoy building replicas of famous movie cars.
Auctions featuring these Mustangs can attract high bids, especially when the cars have Hollywood ties or unique history. The value of original and well-built Mustangs continues to be strong, and their appeal does not seem to fade with time.
Highlights:
- Popular among collectors, especially with a movie or racing history
- Replicas and well-kept originals see higher auction interest
- Classic look and fame keep it in demand year after year
Summary of the Project
Ford 302 V8 Provided by Client
The build uses a Ford 302 small block engine that was brought in by the client. The motor is carbureted and runs strong, showing signs of some upgraded components. It’s not extreme but delivers a healthy amount of power—estimated in the range of 350 to 400 horsepower.
- Type: Small block V8
- Fuel System: Carbureted
- Output: Estimated 350–400 HP
This motor pairs well with the overall setup, giving the car strong performance without going overboard.
Drivetrain and Performance Details
A 5-speed manual transmission is paired with the V8, allowing for smooth shifting and performance driving. The car is built on a purpose-designed chassis for this Mustang, requiring minimal changes to the original body.
Key Performance Features:
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (also supplied by the customer)
- Custom spec chassis designed for this model
- Suspension: Fox RSV1 system from Roadster Shop
- Brakes: Upgraded to a modern package for better stopping power
- Factory floor pan stays in place for a more original feel
All tuning and adjustments were based on practical experience from multiple previous builds with similar Mustangs.
Classic Green Paint and Subtle Styling
The car is finished in a shade of Highland Green, similar to the color used in the famous movie “Bullitt.” This color choice, along with the black 5-spoke wheels, gives a classic, understated look.
- Paint Color: Highland Green
- Wheels: Black, five-spoke style
- Interior: Mainly stock, keeping an original and timeless feel
The subtle approach makes the car look original and avoids drawing too much attention, which many Mustang fans appreciate. This styling pays homage to one of the most iconic movie cars without flashy or distracting details.
Upgrades for Frame and Ride Quality
Key Improvements of the Roadster Shop Frame
- Minimal Vehicle Alteration: This frame is made for the Mustang and fits over the original rails. Owners only need to remove the factory front suspension spot welds. The factory floor stays untouched.
- Modern Engineering: Each frame is CAD-designed and based on scans of real car bodies. The team builds and tunes actual cars using every chassis, which helps ensure a good fit and easy installation.
- Improved Instructions: The team updates the design and the instruction guides based on experience from real builds. Each update helps make the frame more user-friendly.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Bolt-over design | Fast fit with little cutting needed |
| No floor cutting | Keeps the car’s inside as original as possible |
| Expert tuning | Better performance right out of the box |
Fox RSV1 Suspension Benefits
- Better Handling: The Fox RSV1 suspension set lets the car stay flat in corners and take bumps smoothly. The ride quality remains comfortable and stable.
- Performance Tested: The full suspension package gets tested over hundreds of miles. This means owners can expect the car to handle tight turns and uneven roads with confidence.
- Balanced Feel: Drivers notice a planted, steady approach to every corner. The car handles well and feels secure, whether at low or higher speeds.
Main Advantages:
- Stays level while turning
- Smooths out bumpy roads
- Works well with healthy engine power
Quick and Simple Installation Steps
- Less Work, Faster Results: Since the frame clamps right onto the original rails and doesn’t touch the floor, the installation is shorter and simpler.
- No Major Cutting Needed: Owners won’t need to do major body modifications. Most of the car’s original parts remain in place.
- Helpful Guidance: Updated instructions and experience-based tips come with every chassis kit. This makes it easier for builders to finish the job and get the car on the road faster.
List of Installation Benefits:
- Keeps most of the factory structure
- Reduces time spent on prep work
- Lets builders enjoy their finished car sooner
How It Drives and Handles
Steering Feel and Ride Comfort
The Mustang fastback sits on a custom chassis that changes the driving feel completely. Turning into corners feels smooth and tight, almost as if it’s riding on rails. The suspension is tuned to be planted, so even on bumpy or uneven roads, the car stays steady. There’s no choppiness, and bumps do not unsettle the ride, making it a comfortable cruiser even at higher speeds.
Quick Details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Steering | Responsive, well-weighted |
| Suspension | Smooth, stable, confident |
| Ride Comfort | Comfortable on rough roads |
Stopping Distance with the Upgraded Brake Kit
This Mustang uses a performance brake setup that takes stopping power to another level compared to what it had from the factory. The brake pedal always feels firm and gives the driver confidence when slowing down. Even when driving spiritedly on twisty roads, the brakes react quickly with no fade. The custom chassis works well with the brake package for a safer, more controlled ride.
Key Features:
- Brake Feel: Firm and consistent
- Response: Immediate
- Confidence: High
Engine Sounds and Power Response
Under the hood, there’s a strong small-block V8 with enough muscle for everyday fun, but nothing extreme. The engine note is deep and classic, but not overly loud or harsh. Power delivery is smooth, so it feels lively but easy to control. It’s enjoyable to row through the gears, especially when accelerating out of corners or cruising at a steady speed.
Power and Sound highlights:
- Engine has a healthy, lively sound
- Not too loud—keeps things enjoyable
- Power is balanced for both fun and comfort
Technical Innovation and Engineering
Digital Design and Frame Fabrication
Each chassis is computer-modeled using advanced scanning of the original car’s underbody and frame. This digital process lets engineers identify the correct mounting spots and dimensions before any metal is cut.
To install the custom frame, there is no need to cut the factory floor. The frame is designed to clamp right over the original rails after removing just a few spot welds. This approach keeps much of the car’s classic build intact while upgrading its performance.
Features:
- Minimal modifications needed for installation
- Faster build time for customers
- Preserves original car structure
| Benefit | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| CAD accuracy | Exact fit for each car |
| Clamping over factory rails | Less invasive for classic vehicles |
| Preserved floors | Keeps more originality |
Learning From Real Car Projects
Every frame designed is also used in actual cars by the shop team. By building several of the same model, they learn the parts that fit best and find any issues that could slow down a project.
This real-world testing leads to better guides for customers and regular updates to the frame design. Even small feedback, like how certain wheels or brakes fit, is used to adjust the next version. If anything could be smoother, it’s updated before the next frame goes out.
Methods:
- Actual builds inform future design updates
- Team tunes frames to improve handling and fit
- Instruction packs are improved with each build
Results:
- More accurate fit and smoother install
- Improved recommendations for brake, tire, and wheel choices
- Smoother driving experience for the finished car
Driving Experience and Reflections
Test Drives Across Illinois and Wisconsin
Grant took the recently completed 1967 Mustang Fastback out on various roads in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The Mustang features a Ford 302 small-block engine with moderate upgrades and a 5-speed transmission, making it lively yet manageable. Its Roaster Shop Spec chassis and Fox RSV One suspension delivered a planted and stable drive through sweeping turns and hilly stretches.
Driving Impressions Table
| Feature | Grant’s Observations |
|---|---|
| Engine | Healthy power, great sound |
| Brakes | Bare brakes offer strong stopping |
| Chassis & Suspension | Smooth ride, feels agile |
| Road Feel | Handles bumps, corners easily |
| Comfort | Classic but comfortable interior |
Though the summer sun made it a warm day, Grant found the drive enjoyable with the windows down, savoring both the power and comfort. The car felt balanced in both city traffic and on open, rural roads.
Memories and Mustang Heritage
Mustangs hold a special meaning for Grant. Watching his father race a 1965 Mustang coupe at Road America in Wisconsin left a deep impression. Those early mornings and race days made Ford Mustangs a personal favorite long before he ever drove one himself.
- Personal Touches:
- The car keeps original green paint and classic interior, reminiscent of famous on-screen Mustangs.
- Grant enjoys the car’s subtle looks, appreciating its timeless style without flashy upgrades.
- He connects the Mustang’s fastback design to its roots and iconic status.
This Mustang Fastback blends family memories, classic design, and modern upgrades, making every drive both nostalgic and exciting. Grant enjoys both the quiet moments behind the wheel and the thrill of pushing the car through tight turns.
Wrap-Up and Takeaways
Driving the 1967 Mustang Fastback highlights its classic design and strong connection to car history. Fans recognize its Highland Green color, which helps it stand out and brings back memories of famous movies. The build keeps much of the original look and feel, using a spec chassis that fits well with minimal changes.
Here’s how the main features come together:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine & Transmission | Ford 302 small-block with 5-speed, solid but not extreme |
| Suspension | Fox RSV1, designed for Mustang, improved handling |
| Chassis | Easy to install, keeps factory floor, less invasive |
| Brakes | Aftermarket, much better stopping power |
| Wheels & Tires | Correct fit for this build, tested by the team |
| Interior | Original, functional, and timeless |
- The chassis and parts go through real-world testing before reaching customers.
- Notes from past builds help improve instruction materials.
- Each detail aims for good driving experience, not just looks.
- The process respects the car’s heritage while updating its performance.
The finished car provides strong performance, smooth handling, and classic looks without being too flashy. It is a balanced example of what can be done while keeping the spirit of the original Mustang intact.
