**HOT ROD and Fully Torqued Industries Bring a Mustang to the 2024 Power Tour West**
*In collaboration with Amazon and Steve Pazmany of Fully Torqued Industries, HOT ROD breathes new life into a classic 1967 Mustang for the 2024 Power Tour West. Here’s the story behind this ambitious project, the challenges of restoring and upgrading a classic car, and what it took to transform this iconic vehicle into a modern performance machine.*
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### Reviving an Icon
Few cars command the level of respect and admiration as the 1967 Mustang. It’s a year and model that signifies peak classic muscle with an unmistakable silhouette and power to match. The Mustang’s legacy, however, isn’t just in the past; it’s found new life among customizers, gearheads, and modern-day restorers. This spirit of rejuvenation is what brought HOT ROD, Fully Torqued Industries, and Amazon together with a shared mission: to bring a 1967 Mustang into 2024 with both style and power.
Steve Pazmany, the mastermind behind Fully Torqued Industries, was the perfect collaborator for this project. Known for his precision builds and devotion to American muscle, Steve’s involvement ensured that the Mustang would not only maintain its classic appeal but would also integrate advanced tech and performance for the ultimate driving experience.
### The Heart of the Beast: A Modern Powerplant
Under the hood of this resurrected 1967 Mustang lies the heart of the build—a completely modernized powerplant. Staying true to the muscle car spirit, the team opted for a Coyote 5.0L V8 engine, a beastly powerhouse known for its impressive blend of reliability, efficiency, and sheer power. This was no ordinary swap; integrating a modern engine into a classic chassis involves custom mounts, reinforced components, and a host of performance upgrades.
Steve Pazmany and his team took painstaking care in every step of the engine fitment. The original engine bay, built decades ago, needed modifications and reinforcement to safely harness the Coyote’s power. After all, a 1967 Mustang was never intended to handle 460+ horsepower and the torque that this modern engine would deliver. To manage the increased power, the build includes a strengthened transmission, performance driveshaft, and rear differential, all upgraded to handle the muscle at full throttle.
### Bridging the Gap with Advanced Technology
HOT ROD’s vision was not just about performance but about bringing the Mustang experience into the 21st century. That’s where Amazon came in. Amazon’s wide array of modern car tech and smart devices made it possible to incorporate cutting-edge convenience features that would have been unimaginable in the late 1960s.
**Infotainment and Navigation**: Fitting a full touchscreen infotainment system was one of the challenges. The HOT ROD team worked with Amazon to integrate a high-definition screen with a user-friendly interface, offering access to navigation, music streaming, and other media options. With voice-activated controls and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, the Mustang has joined the era of smart cars.
**Safety and Driver Assistance**: Another area of focus was enhancing the safety of the Mustang, bringing it up to modern standards. The collaboration with Amazon allowed the installation of a 360-degree camera system and smart sensors, making parking and maneuvering this classic car easier than ever. Additional safety upgrades included LED lighting for improved visibility and a custom electronic braking system.
### Crafting an Aesthetic Blend of Classic and Modern
Transforming the Mustang’s exterior was a careful balancing act between classic beauty and modern updates. Pazmany and his team decided to retain much of the Mustang’s original lines and proportions but introduced a range of subtle enhancements. A new paint job in a custom blend of dark graphite gray with metallic flakes and clear-coat layers created a striking look that pays homage to the past while projecting a modern feel.
The decision to retain iconic elements, such as the Mustang’s chrome bumpers and signature front grille, allows the car to keep its vintage character. However, modern touches, including LED headlights, custom alloy wheels, and side skirts, signal that this Mustang is built for the road ahead.
### Interior Upgrades: A New World Inside
Inside the Mustang, the transformation continues. The interior was designed with a luxurious yet sporty feel, mixing classic aesthetics with contemporary comforts. Steve’s team reupholstered the seats in high-quality leather with a two-tone scheme, stitching in HOT ROD’s branding to leave a signature mark on the project. New door panels, a custom dashboard, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel give a fresh yet familiar look.
An Amazon-sourced digital gauge cluster displays real-time data from the Mustang’s modern engine management system. Gone are the analog dials of the 1960s, replaced with a sleek, high-tech display showing everything from speed to fuel economy.
### Suspension and Handling: Bringing the Mustang’s Drive to New Heights
The 1967 Mustang is famously known for its raw, untamed driving experience. HOT ROD and Fully Torqued Industries wanted to preserve that thrill while giving the car an enhanced handling package that meets modern performance standards.
**Suspension Overhaul**: The team outfitted the Mustang with a custom-built coilover suspension, adding adjustable dampers for precise handling adjustments. This setup allows drivers to dial in the suspension for both spirited street driving and the occasional track day. Enhanced control arms, a reinforced sway bar, and performance springs round out the upgrades.
**Braking**: With all that power comes a need for stopping ability. The build includes a state-of-the-art braking system, with high-performance rotors and six-piston calipers in the front, four-piston in the rear. HOT ROD went above and beyond with carbon-ceramic brake discs, not only reducing weight but also providing fade-free performance under extreme driving conditions.
### The Road Test: Putting the Mustang to the Test on Power Tour West
With the build completed, it was time to put the Mustang to the ultimate test. Power Tour West’s route took the car across varied landscapes, from desert roads to mountain passes. Along the way, it garnered attention from fellow car enthusiasts and onlookers alike, many of whom couldn’t believe that the classic exterior hid such a modern heart.
During the Power Tour, the Mustang proved itself as a comfortable yet exhilarating drive. The Coyote engine, paired with the modern suspension and braking systems, made the car not only a straight-line powerhouse but also a machine capable of tackling curves with confidence. The upgraded interior tech kept drivers connected and informed, allowing for a relaxed experience on long stretches of highway while still delivering a thrilling drive when the road demanded it.
### A Successful Collaboration, an Unforgettable Experience
The 2024 Power Tour West was the perfect setting to unveil this ambitious project, showcasing the results of HOT ROD, Fully Torqued Industries, and Amazon’s joint effort to bridge past and future in one of America’s most iconic cars. For Steve Pazmany and his team, it was a chance to display their commitment to performance, precision, and craftsmanship. For Amazon, it highlighted the role of technology in reinventing classics. And for HOT ROD, it was another chapter in their tradition of pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in the world of custom cars.
This 1967 Mustang is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to the ingenuity and passion that drive the automotive world forward. From its first engine rumble to the open roads of the Power Tour, this Mustang stands as a true icon reimagined—ready for the future while paying homage to its storied past.
