Someone Built a Safari '68 Mustang and Now We Want One!
This retro-inspired Mustang combines a modern Coyote V8 with rugged off-road gear—though its capabilities may not match its adventurous looks.
Classic Muscle Meets Off-Road Ambitions
The 1968 Ford Mustang, a timeless icon of American muscle, has become a popular platform for restomod projects. Enthusiasts often update these classic cars with modern performance enhancements while preserving their vintage charm. However, one particular Mustang takes this concept in a unique direction—a safari-style build equipped with off-road tires, a tubular roll bar, and rugged styling elements inspired by the movie The Thomas Crown Affair.
The Build
This build, which was recently auctioned on Bring a Trailer, aims to evoke a sense of adventure by blending classic Mustang aesthetics with off-road readiness. The exterior, finished in Nightmist Blue with white racing stripes, features Shelby-style bodywork, flared wheel arches, and carbon-fiber accents. The look is completed by a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear decklid, a nod to rally-inspired designs.
Under the Hood
Powering this unique Mustang is a modern 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, reportedly sourced from a Roush-modified F-150. This potent engine is paired with a Tremec TKO600 five-speed manual transmission and a nine-inch Ford rear end with 3:50 gears, ensuring plenty of power to match its aggressive appearance. The front suspension has been updated with a Heidts Mustang II-style independent front suspension (IFS) kit, which not only accommodates the engine but also improves handling.
The car’s braking system has also been modernized, providing additional stopping power to match its enhanced performance. Despite these upgrades, it’s worth noting that the Mustang retains its rear-wheel-drive layout, and the inclusion of off-road tires and a Trac-Lok differential hint at its potential for light off-road use.
Form Over Function?
While the Mustang’s off-road aesthetic is undeniably striking, closer inspection raises questions about its actual capabilities. The Nitto Ridge Grappler tires and off-road-themed modifications suggest ruggedness, but the car’s limited suspension travel indicates that it’s more suited for on-road driving than tackling rough terrain.
Suspension Setup
The front suspension setup, despite being modernized, appears to lack the vertical travel necessary for serious off-road excursions. Additionally, the car’s low stance and tucked-in tires could result in damage if subjected to harsh impacts. In contrast, purpose-built safari-style vehicles prioritize ground clearance and suspension articulation to handle rough conditions, which this Mustang seems to fall short of achieving.
Movie Magic and Inspiration
This 1968 Mustang pays homage to the pony car featured in The Thomas Crown Affair, a film that helped solidify the Mustang’s place in pop culture. The tribute build includes several nods to the movie car, such as the Shelby GT500-style bodywork and iconic racing stripes. However, the addition of off-road elements takes creative liberties that set this car apart from the original.
Notable modifications include a tubular roll bar with four KC HiLiTES, a Ringbrothers hood pin kit, and a range of carbon-fiber components. These touches give the car a rally-inspired aesthetic, though they may be more about visual impact than functional improvements.
The Auction and Market Value
When the timer ran to zero on the Bring a Trailer listing, the winning bid was a healthy $152,000. Considering the fact that the build reportedly cost over $110,000 to complete, the auction result is likely satisfactory from the points of view of both the seller and the buyer.
The Broader Context: Safari-Style Trends
The idea of transforming classic sports cars into off-road-ready machines isn’t new. Porsche enthusiasts have long embraced this trend, with the brand even releasing the 911 Dakar to capitalize on the growing interest in rugged, rally-inspired vehicles. In contrast, Ford has yet to offer an off-road-focused Mustang from the factory, though rumors have circulated about such a model. Ford CEO Jim Farley previously downplayed the idea of an off-road Mustang. However, recent reports suggest that Ford may have showcased an off-road version of the Mustang to dealers, hinting at future possibilities. For now, enthusiasts interested in a rugged pony car must turn to custom builds like this 1968 safari-style Mustang.
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