Flashback Friday: Archer 520FX is a Fastback with a Ford Hemi!

Classic lines with a modern touch!

Some people dream of owning a Ferrari or Lamborghini, instead, the owner of this Archer 520FX Mustang wanted to relive his childhood dreams of owning a Fastback Mustang. Jon, the lucky owner, and his son Dylan brought home a 1969 Mustang with the intention of restoring it with some minor engine and exterior work. However, after a trip to the World of Wheels car show where hundreds of the finest pro-touring builds are displayed, Jon had a change of heart. As a successful businessman, Jon was in the position to approach Vintage Fabrications in Missouri and request for them to build a supercar with the skin of a 1969 Mustang.

A Ford Hemi?

Although the entire automobile is extremely special, the spectacle of the build is the Kaase Racing Engines built 520-ci Boss-block Ford producing a ground-pounding 800hp while retaining perfect driveability. Although most Italian supercars are known for their high-strung V10's and V12's, the Kaase-built masterpiece retains the unmistakable character of an American V8 with its brutal torque and chest-pounding loping idle. 

To back the massive powerplant, the builder used a Bowler 4l80E transmission with paddle shifters and custom stainless-steel headers, and an exhaust system. 

>>Join the conversation about the Archer 520FX right here in The Mustang Source.

The Miracles of Modern Chassis Technology!

Although the exterior retains the classic lines of a 1969 Mustang, the underpinnings including the chassis and suspension are all state-of-the-art and can compete with the best chassis designs of the modern era. A fully-independent Roadster Shop Elite Series chassis and custom Penske coilovers were the foundation of this supercar in disguise. 


>>Join the conversation about the Archer 520FX right here in The Mustang Source.

You name it, its been upgraded!

Since the owner wanted to actually drive this car frequently, the suspension was designed to be extremely tight but forgiving enough to provide a clean and comfortable ride down the highway. Due to the improvements in chassis design, the 520FX eliminates any downfalls of the factory setup such as swaying under heavy braking. 

>>Join the conversation about the Archer 520FX right here in The Mustang Source.

Craftsmanship at its finest!

As you can see, the interior is extremely well-executed and not overdone. Although everything has been replaced and gone through, the interior retains a classy and functional look. The owner was so meticulous about retaining a factory look to the interior that he demanded to have the Vintage Air logo from the A/C controls be ground off since it appeared aftermarket! The custom leather seats and center console really set this interior apart! 

>>Join the conversation about the Archer 520FX right here in The Mustang Source.

A bold design with executed with class!

Lastly, the paint and bodywork of the Archer 520FX are truly impeccable. For starters, the color choice came directly from a Porsche 918 Hypercar, and all of the exterior panels are custom built. The owner wanted his vision to be available to anyone with a deep enough wallet so every panel was CAD scanned so that they can be reproduced. 

The custom fenders widen the front fenders over 2 inches and the rear fenders over 3 inches to be able to tuck the massive Boze forged wheels. Although the 345mm section width rear tires are like steamrollers, the 800hp 520ci monster under the hood has no mercy and will light up the tires at any speed. 

Anyone lucky enough to afford a supercar can go buy a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or McLaren, but the vision to build your own supercar is much rarer and the results are often spectacular. What is your dream pro-touring build? 

>>Join the conversation about the Archer 520FX right here in The Mustang Source.

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