1986 Ford Mustang – Custom Build
Owner: Scott Young
This 1986 Ford Mustang started with a simple idea: recreate the feeling of a first car, then turn it up to eleven. Scott Young’s first car was an ’85 Mustang, and this build brings that memory back with far more intent behind it.
Scott teamed up with JH Restorations in Oldcastle, Ontario. He started with a clean T-top Foxbody hatchback from Alberta as the base.
A Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8 was fitted into the engine bay, paired with a 10-speed 10R80 transmission and a Brian Tooley Racing TruckNorris cam. The car runs a RideTech independent rear suspension and SLA front suspension mounted to a Team Z tubular crossmember.
To support the new setup, custom steel fender flares were fabricated and welded in. The result is a subtle widebody, about 3.5 inches wider in the rear and 4 inches in the front. It sits on powder-coated Forgeline CV3C wheels with Toyo Proxes Sport tires, backed by Wilwood 14-inch brakes and a modern hydro-boost system.
The engine bay was fully reworked. Shock towers were removed, the bay was shaved, and a close-out panel was added to clean up the look and secure a custom Dewitts radiator. Up front, a steel lower bumper with a larger grille opening and recessed fog lights replaced the factory plastic unit.
Underneath, the floor was 3D scanned and fitted with custom subframe connectors to handle the added power. The front bumper was also scanned to create flush-mounted turn signals, with 3D-printed housings and tinted lenses. Matching 3D-printed side mouldings were added before the car was finished in BASF Ford Shelter Green.
Inside, the goal was a more refined feel. TMI seats were reshaped and reupholstered by Nesic Interiors using Relicate Recaro black leather with satin distressed inserts. Custom door panels and a reworked dash followed the same approach.
Dakota Digital RTX gauges were added, along with a simplified center console using a 3D-printed surround and a Lokar shift knob on the factory shifter. Custom stainless trim ties it together. A new Ford windshield was installed, while the original glass was restored and reused.
To improve comfort, a Vintage Air Gen5 SureFit system was installed with EZ clip fittings. The interior stays clean and understated, matching the exterior.
After two years, the car debuted at Detroit Autorama, winning 1st in Class Street Touring and an Outstanding Street Machine award. It followed that up at Toronto Motorama with Best Ford, multiple class wins, Canada’s Top 10, and Canada’s Grand Champion.
Scott calls it a labour of love. It shows.
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