Unleashed Beast: The $1M Vicious Mustang Steals the Show at Ultrace
Ultrace, the renowned European automotive event held annually in Wrocław, Poland, is known for attracting car enthusiasts from all over the globe. This year, however, one car captured the spotlight like never before—a custom-built 1965 Ford Mustang called the 'Vicious Mustang,' masterfully engineered by Timeless Kustoms based in Camarillo, California.
The Vicious Mustang is not your run-of-the-mill classic car revival. With a staggering build cost exceeding $1 million, only the A-pillars and cowling from the original Mustang remain. Everything else, from the bodywork to the smallest mechanical part, is either bespoke or aftermarket.
More Than Meets the Eye
Once at Ultrace, the Vicious Mustang’s presentation in 'Vicious Black'—a custom color mixed by PPG—immediately caught the eye. Accentuated with silver and red stripes, the exterior was more than just skin-deep. One striking feature was the one-off custom carbon fiber hood weighing merely eight pounds and an aggressive Ferrari F430-inspired rear diffuser.
When the car’s owner, Chris Marechal, fired up the engine for the crowd, the attention it garnered was unprecedented. Under the hood roared a Ford Performance 5.1L Aluminator V8. With the assistance of a Magnuson MP2300 TVS supercharger and twin Precision 6466 ball-bearing turbos, this beast produced 1,003 wheel horsepower and 784 pound-feet of torque—all on 70% throttle and E85 fuel.
Engineering Marvel
What sets this Mustang apart are the compound-boosted mechanisms where the turbos, hidden in the front fenders, override the supercharger. Piping leads the charged air into massive air-to-air intercoolers up front and channels it back under the car into the supercharger, fine-tuning both power and handling. The duct-equipped hood adds another layer of functionality by improving downforce.
The Aluminator engine pairs with an EMCO CG46 sequential 6-speed transmission, equipped with a custom Centerforce DYAD clutch and leading to a Strange Engineering 9.75-inch aluminum rear end. The brake setup includes Brembo 6-piston calipers and 15.5-inch carbon-ceramic rotors upfront, complemented by Brembo 4-pot calipers at the rear.
Center-locking Forgeline CF3C-SL wheels—19x11-inch in the front and 19x13-inch in the rear—shod with massive tires, ensure this Mustang performs as impressively as it looks.
Attention to Detail
The Vicious Mustang's suspension features Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers. A full Art Morrison C7 Corvette frame clip adorns the front, while the rear sports a multi-link independent suspension, again courtesy of Art Morrison.
Inside, the car continues to impress with an all-red, function-focused but exquisitely detailed interior. Sparco Pro 2000 seats and Crow Safety Gear 5-point harnesses nestle within a 14-point roll cage. Control switches, a MoTeC C127 dash, and a Vintage Air heat/defrost system further elevate this vehicle's custom appeal.
Interestingly, the meticulous rear setup includes a custom fuel cell and space for the fuel supply system. The Viair air tank and compressor attached to the paddle shifter actuation make you realize that every inch of this car is crafted for performance.
A Spectacle at Ultrace
While the Vicious Mustang is a known figure in the US automotive scene and a frequent participant at the SEMA Show, its appearance at Ultrace was nothing short of sensational for European fans. This was a glimpse into premium American muscle and custom engineering at its finest.
As always, Ultrace delivers some of the most exceptional cars worldwide, and the Vicious Mustang was a highlight that will be remembered until the next event, proving once more that quality craftsmanship and unwavering passion for automotive excellence can cross any border.
Chris Marechal’s Vicious Mustang Specifications:
- Engine: Ford Performance 5.2L Aluminator V8, Magnuson MP2300 TVS supercharger, Precision 6466 turbos
- Drivetrain: EMCO CG46 sequential 6-speed, custom Centerforce DYAD clutch
- Suspension & Brakes: Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers, Brembo carbon-ceramic rotors
- Wheels & Tires: Forgeline GT3C 19x11 front, 19x13 rear, Kumho Ecsta V720 tires
- Exterior: Custom carbon fiber hood, Ferrari F430-inspired rear diffuser
- Interior: Sparco seats, MoTeC C127 dash, 14-point roll cage