With millions of examples made, the Ford Mustang is one of America’s favorite performance cars. So, what do you do when you want a classic Mustang that’s a little bit different—one with modern technology? You can go the restomod route, which is what was done with this amazing 1969 Ford Mustang.

This Mustang is many things: a classic, a high horsepower powerhouse, and a showcase for leading-edge technology.

The epic creation was the result of an international collaboration spanning three continents. A team in India worked out computer bugs and contributed to its digital gauge interface, and a team in Germany helped with design and testing. It was a combined effort of Muscle Car Restorations, Altia, and Cypress to showcase Cypress technology.

“Dubbed the”“Manticore,” it takes its name from a creature out of Persian folklore.

The Story

“Hassane El-Khoury, CEO of Cypress, first fell in love with classic Ford Mustangs as a kid by watching the Steve McQueen movie”“Bullitt.” In the film, detective Frank Bullitt uses his 1968 Fastback Mustang to give chase to a pair of hitmen in a 1969 Dodge Charger. Years later, Hassane bought a Mustang for $2,500 and got to work.”

The Car

When the Ford Mustang arrived on the scene, it offered consumers a fun, affordable, and sporty car. The Mustang has since become an automotive icon.

Not only was this Mustang restored, but it also received some heavy customizing and upgrades taking it far beyond stock. Between the power and handling modifications, this Mustang is an exhilarating track-day-ready machine.

Exterior

Like the rest of the car, the exterior received heavy modifications. A front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a custom-made rear spoiler provide this Mustang an aggressive look. In addition, its lowered stance and flush-mounted door handles give it a sleek appearance. Subtly flared fenders accompany larger rims and tires.

The rims are 18-inch Forgeline GA1Rs. The front wheels are 8.5 inches wide, while the back ones are a whopping 12 inches.

The track-style front and rear tow hooks and hood pins are further nods to this Mustang’s performance.

“The paint is a color called “gunmetal pearl.”

The LED headlights offer enhanced nighttime visibility and complement the car’s custom look.

Interior

Sitting in the driver’s seat, you’d be hard-pressed to know you were in a 1969 Mustang. Not only does it have a custom dash and center console, but perhaps one of the most noticeable modifications is the digital gauge cluster. Featuring a user interface designed by Altia (supplier to major automotive manufacturers), the digital gauges provide the driver with a range of information in a futuristic package. It wouldn’t look out of place in a science-fiction spaceship.

In place of buttons or switches, touch-activated controls are utilized. In addition, the controls are powered by Cypress technology. For security, it features fingerprint authentication. The combination of a classic Mustang and modern technology makes for a fascinating pairing.

A roll cage enhances safety while stiffening the chassis.

Braum bucket seats help the driver to stay put while adding to the performance look of the car. In addition, the rear seats have been removed.

The Sparco steering wheel adds to the Mustang’s performance look.

Performance

Engine and Transmission

Like the rest of the car, the performance in this Mustang is far beyond stock.

It sports a Coyote 5.0-liter V8 crate engine with an Edelbrock supercharger paired with a Tremec T56 Magnum XL 6-speed manual transmission. A Ford 9-inch rear end helps get all the power to the wheels.

Horsepower comes out to an earthshaking 785. For reference, just to how much power that is, a 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 has 760 horsepower.

Helping to move exhaust from the motor is a custom set of headers leading to a custom exhaust. Also, electronic cutouts are a fun addition when you really want to hear the engine.

Suspension

To help this Mustang handle, significant work went into the suspension. QA1 Adjustable 12-inch coilover shocks help keep this Mustang level. The front suspension is a kit from Rod & Custom. The rear suspension is a TCI Pro Street 4 Link.

Brakes

Wilwood Forged Narrow Superlite brakes bring significant stopping power.

More Information

If seeing the work done on this 69 Mustang has got you thinking about restoring your car, consider reaching out to Muscle Car Restorations. Visit their website to see more of the amazing restoration work they have done. I’ll be covering more of Muscle Car Restoration’s work in the future. For more information on this build, you can visit its official webpage.

Know of a cool car I should write about next? Let me know in the comments!