Modernizing a classic muscle car can be tricky. When you’re playing the restomod game, the key is finding the balance between restoration and modification while not sacrificing a rare trim-level car. Dark Horse Customs (DHC) nailed it with this 1969 Mustang Fastback, a soup-to-nuts resto with nose-to-tail mods. It has more than 400 eBay users watching the listing on eBay Motors.
This imposing Mustang could be the poster child for an automotive style known as Sinister. It’s a loose term, but DHC brings it to life. The renowned Foresthill, Calif.-based shop, refined the exterior with custom bumpers, light brows, side scoops, and a one-of-a-kind shaker hood. Filled seams and shaved trim smooth it out—while the black and silver paint is complemented perfectly by the American Racing alloys wrapped with staggered NITTO 555 Drag Radials (245/45/17 in front, 275/40/17 in the rear).
While purists may argue to the contrary, we believe this gorgeous build improves on the original. Here’s the rundown on Dark Horse’s work:
- A stroked and bored 2013 Coyote V-8 breathes through a Professional Products Typhoon intake manifold, a four-barrel throttle body, high-volume fuel rails, and 24-pound SVT performance injectors.
- A sweet set of Ford Racing valve covers and a Milodon Racing Street Strip oil pan keep the slippery stuff inside the gaskets.
- Exhaust gasses flow through a set of Sanderson ceramic headers mated to a custom 2.5-inch dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers and custom hand-forged DHC sinister side tips.
- A TCI Global Racing C6 Transmission mates with a custom driveshaft and a nine-inch Ford rear, equipped with a Quick Performance Ratcheting limited-slip differential and 3.70 ratio gears.
The Fastback’s updated suspension system delivers a proper stance and a sweet ride. The nose sniffs the asphalt with custom five-inch Eibach front lowering springs and Ridetech front lowering shocks, while the rear drops with two-inch Summit leaf springs and three-inch lowering blocks supported by air shocks. A Wilwood rear disc brake kit and front factory discs handle the stopping chores. The wheel/tire combo is spot on.
The interior transformation includes new bucket seats, two-tone upholstery, a carbon fiber dash, a custom DOM roll bar, and a killer sound system. The factory air conditioning unit is fully restored and fitted with a Sanderson compressor. If there’s one gripe, it’s the Grant GT steering wheel. A car of this caliber deserves something more on the level.
A Sinister Mustang with Star Power
Mustangs have starred in many Hollywood action thrillers over the years, with the Fastback the most famous one of all. It’s all about stars and their cars.
The 1968 Mustang Fastback in Bullitt earns equal billing with Steve McQueen. Eleanor, Nicolas Cage’s obsession in the 2000 remake of Gone in Sixty Seconds, inspired an endless string of 1967 Shelby GT500 knockoffs. (Eleanor’s role was filled by an arguably much less photogenic 1971 Sportsroof in the 1974 original.)
When it comes to 1969 Mustangs, there’s one star, Keanu Reeves, and two films: Point Break and John Wick with a wicked Boss 429. If we had to pick a third ’69 Fastback to play a cameo role in Bill and Ted’s third installment, this black beauty would pass the audition.
