- BorromeodeSilva, a Milan-based design firm known for restomods, took a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback and completely revamped it.
- It ditches the Mustang’s classic look for a V8-powered off-road crossover design, built for open-air adventures.
- The chassis boasts independent suspension and high-performance coilovers, while power is delivered by a modern 5.0L V8 engine sourced from the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302.
The original Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic muscle cars in history. But what happens when you toss it into the hands of an Italian design wizard? Enter the world of BorromeodeSilva. And well, they didn’t just restore it to its former glory. Oh no. They turned it into the STL-1, a V8-powered crossover beast built for off-road thrills and open-air adventures.
The Milan-based firm is no stranger to the restomod business, having worked on the design of the Automobili Amos Futurista (Lancia Delta), Eccentrica’s Lamborghini Diablo, and Nardone Automotive’s Porsche 928. The new STL-1 project was developed in-house based on a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, which has been “completely revised and modernized” both aesthetically and mechanically.
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The exterior’s pièce de résistance? A custom-built tubular cage that ditches the roof, offering an option for a personalized cover. Crafted entirely from “special automotive-grade steel,” the body is a ground-up creation. While honoring the original design, it boasts tasteful tweaks like rally-style fog lights upfront and a sleeker tail.
The STL-1 rides on rides on a set of Turbine wheels shod in Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires. Its ground clearance has been increased by “a few centimeters”, with skid plates and underbody protection making it more durable off the beaten track.
BorromeodeSilva
Upgraded Chassis And A Modern V8
The chassis of the classic pony car has also been tweaked to match its adventurous spirit. Think beefed-up upgrades like independent suspension, high-performance coil-overs, and new tubular control arms. Plus, there are CV-jointed axle shafts and a manual rack-and-pinion steering box with tie rods and bushings to keep things agile. And let’s not forget the beefier braking system, boasting larger drilled discs (11 inches up front, 10.5 inches in the rear) paired with aluminum calipers for maximum stopping power.
Under the hood of the classic lies a modern 5.0-liter Road Runner V8 engine sourced from the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302, originally rated for 444 hp (331 kW / 450 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Ford’s Coyote-based motor features a forged steel crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, CNC-bored cylinder heads, a high-flow intake manifold from the 302R racer, and a revised camshaft with a high-lift exhaust profile.
Power is transmitted to the rear axle with the help of a new limited-slip differential. Furthermore, BorromeodeSilva added a new high-performance exhaust made of “sophisticated aerospace materials.”
Rally-Spec Interior
The exposed cabin has also been overhauled, embracing a minimalist and purposeful design ethos. We can see a new retro-themed digital instrument cluster behind the rally-spec steering wheel, aircraft-style toggle switches on the dashboard, and a tubular design for the center console and the bucket seats that come without headrests.
Even though the STL-1 was previewed through a series of renderings, BorromeodeSilva said it is ready to produce the first example which will be reserved for its private collection. However, the company is open to building more units upon request as they have made contacts with “top-level partners” in the United States and Europe for the STL-1 production.
The price tag for the Mustang-based restomod remains a mystery, but considering the extensive modifications, it’s safe to say it won’t be a budget-friendly purchase.
