1968 Ford Mustang Fastback With 4.6 Cobra Engine - The Ultimate Mustang

Externally, the fastback is all vintage Mustang, restored like a concours show car and painted in BASF black urethane and clearcoat. Besides the wheels, there are only two other deviations from stock: The C-stripes are subtle with charcoal color to match the wheels, while the black-out grille hides a pair of Hella Black Magic driving lights.

Many of the components and conversion kits developed during the building of the Mustang in Black are now available from DVS Restorations. Of course, DVS will be glad to build another complete car to your specifications.

It's been over five years since David Stribling's light bulb moment. Now he's finally got a completed car to showcase, one with totally vintage looks and thoroughly modern SVT Cobra technology.

Behind The Wheel
During the Derby City Mustang Club's September in the Park show in Carrollton, Kentucky, Dave Stribling and I slipped away for a drive in the Mustang in Black '68 fastback. I was curious to experience the vintage/modern creation firsthand on the curvy Kentucky backroads.

Basically, the car sounds, drives, and accelerates like a '99 Cobra, only you're looking out over the long, twin-louvered hood of a '68 Mustang. The senses struggle with conflict because the view from behind the steering wheel is all vintage, yet mashing the '68-style accelerator pedal results in the smooth, powerful rush that comes only from a modern four-valve modular engine. The '68 steering wheel itself is huge with the familiar thin rim, but the turning effort is minimal and there's none of the center free-play that's so common with the old-style steering boxes. The shifter also has a familiar feel, albeit a bit notchy thanks to the T-45, so it's weird to shift out of fourth and into fifth.

Notably-but thankfully-missing is the rough, bumpy ride we've become accustomed to with the Mustang's solid rear axle. With the IRS, the Mustang in Black glides over pot-holes and rough surfaces. It's like riding in an old Mustang that rides like a new Mustang Cobra.

Which is exactly what David Stribling had in mind.

Do It Yourself
The research and development for DVS's Mustang in Black project has resulted in a number of available kits and components so others can duplicate some or all of the conversions. Some were still under development at press time so check the Web site for current availability.