This lifted, rally-styled Mustang borrows cues from classic competition history while sidestepping the oversaturated 911 safari trend.
A Different Kind of Safari Star
Safari-style Porsche 911s have become so common that even Porsche felt compelled to build its own factory version, the 911 Dakar. Independent shops, from Kelly Moss to Leh Keen, helped popularize the formula, but the scene has grown crowded. That saturation has prompted some builders to experiment with other platforms, and one unexpected beneficiary is Ford’s iconic pony car. A lifted Mustang isn’t just novel; it makes the whole idea feel fresh again.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
A 1973 SportsRoof Reborn
The car at the center of this build began life as a 1973 Mustang SportsRoof fitted with a 302-cu-in (5.0-liter) V8. Its current configuration, however, bears little resemblance to how it left the factory. The most significant mechanical change is the swap to a larger 351-cu-in (5.8-liter) V8, giving it more muscle to turn larger tires and handle off-pavement conditions.
Completing the Transformation
To complete the transformation, the builder equipped the car with 31-inch Mickey Thompson tires, auxiliary lighting, and a safari-style roof rack. Mach 1–inspired paint, striping, hood, grille, and spoilers pull the look together without turning it into a full replica. The result is a Mustang that looks ready for desert trails rather than a concours lawn.
Ties to Real Rally History
Although the idea of an off-road Mustang might sound absurd at first, the nameplate’s past includes some legitimate rally credentials. In 1964, the car’s debut year, Ford sent three Mustangs to contest the Tour de France Automobile. Despite facing seasoned entrants from Ferrari and Jaguar, the Mustangs won 13 of the event’s 17 stages. That performance delivered Ford a one-two finish in the touring class and eighth and ninth overall, impressive results given the competition.
Domestic Competition
The success wasn’t limited to Europe. In domestic SCCA rallying, the Mustang Mach 1 secured the Manufacturer’s Road Rally Championship in both 1969 and 1970. As Ford noted at the time, the wins demonstrated the model’s durability and versatility: “We wanted to prove the Mustang could take punishment,” the company said of its effort.
Modern Echoes and the Present-Day Build
Ford still nods to this early rally history with modern projects like the Mustang Mach-E Rally. Company executives have occasionally teased interest in a future off-road Mustang variant, sometimes even described as a potential “Raptor-style” performance model aimed at the same niche Porsche now occupies.
One-of-a-Kind Off Roader
Until such a factory project materializes, enthusiasts have to rely on creative one-off builds like this 1973 off-road Mustang. Unlike many safari-spec 911s, which can command stratospheric prices, this car is currently up for auction and could end up selling for a relatively accessible figure. Whether used as a backroad plaything or simply admired for its audacity, it offers a different take on off-road performance, one that doesn’t involve a Porsche badge.
