Slideshow: Blast From the Past Mach 1 Has 400HP

A 70's Legend Reborn

The story of a rebuilt American Muscle car usually starts in the place where the car was originally born. Countless stories of junkyard muscle cars that have been refurbished with the help of some blood, sweat, and tears are almost commonplace in America. What makes this particular story so interesting then?

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

Where it all Started

Travel a few thousand miles west, and this story starts in Yokohama, Japan with a man by the name of Watanabe; who just wanted to revive one of his favorite cars from the dead. The Mach 1 Mustang was found in 'junkyard' condition and was pretty much covered in rust. So, Watanabe decided to build this thing back up from scratch.

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

The Building Process

No rebuilding process is ever an easy or speedy project. Usually, it takes heinous willpower and a big checkbook to properly fix a car to its former glory. All in, this Mach 1 took six years to look the way it does today. That was a result of extensive metal and welding work as well as choosing the correct pieces to maintain that retro, yet modern, 70's muscle car look.

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

Inside and Out

The car was painted in a subtle metallic beige and rides on HRE 891Rs. Our Mach 1 also has a whole new suspension setup along with AP racing calipers to ensure that this passion project doesn't go hurtling off into a tree.

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

The Details

Some special touches have been given to this Mach 1. Gone are the tiny bulbs that used to be housed inside the tail and front lights, and in are LED lights which provide much better vision at night. 

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

Oh, the Power...

The engine is a "Ford factory...351 Cleveland fed by a 4-barrel Automate 4300A carb and Ram Air system," which was, for the most part, ditched and completely revamped. The only part that remains is the original 5.8L block.

Watanabe also added extensive stainless steel bits. One part that stands out, in particular, are the exhaust pipes which rumble with the fury of over 400 horsepower.

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

Interior

The entire interior was gutted during the first rebuilding phases so the sumptuous leather you see before you is all custom stitched. The leather on the dash is the same beautiful color that is found on the seats. This Mach 1 also has a nice modern LCD screen which provides satellite navigation and other functions. All of that is housed in a wood-coated console. The carpet is a brown, shag-looking rug which makes its way onto the lower door panels.

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

Final Product

After six labor-intensive years, the Mustang is finally completed. This Mach 1 truly turns heads no matter where it goes on the island. This one build is just a microcosm of what is the entire car culture here in Japan. The intense attention to detail and obsessive pursuit of perfection is seen throughout the car community. This just so happens to be a unique car with an even more unique story. 

>>Join the conversation about this Restomod Mustang Mach 1 right here in The Mustang Source.

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