The recent SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center featured an array of custom cars and trucks, concept vehicles, motorcycles and special projects each more amazing than the next. But one car, a 1965 Mustang owned by Chris Marechal and dubbed “Vicious Mustang,” created a buzz that took custom to a whole new extreme. Marechal commissioned Jason Pecikonis and his talented crew at Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, Calif., to take the car from meek to mighty. What started out as a simple coupe ended up as a show-stopping fastback road machine with 1,000 horsepower, a performance-focused build, bright red interior and a remarkable silver-gray paint job achieved with PPG’s automotive refinish products.

Pecikonis and his team converted the Mustang coupe to a sleek fastback using existing body parts and advanced fabrication skills. They then focused on creating race-ready performance and raw power ensuring that the fastback would be worthy of the name Vicious Mustang. The car’s engine, a Ford Performance 5.1L Aluminator, is based on a Mustang GT350R engine and was enhanced with two turbochargers and a supercharger to produce the astounding 1,000 horsepower. Drivetrain, suspension and mechanical systems were designed to accommodate the car’s muscle.  While Vicious Mustang is all about rocket power and speed, Timeless Kustoms gave it great style and presence with a predator-like profile. The “look at me” red interior is eye-catching and the silver-gray matte finish gives the fastback a sophisticated appearance that complements its performance attributes—like a quiet monster that roars only when it wants to and then roars very loud. Shop owner Pecikonis painted the Mustang himself. To get the exact look he wanted, Pecikonis turned to PPG for several premium products including VIBRANCE COLLECTION® VP2050 DTM High Build Primer, ENVIROBASE® High Performance Waterborne Basecoat, ECP15 A-Chromatic Surfacer-Gray and ECS25 A-Chromatic Sealer-Gray, and GLOBAL REFINISH SYSTEM™ D8115 Matte Clearcoat. A special Timeless Kustom mix created the unique Vicious Silver Titanium color. Vicious Mustang attracted a crowd at its SEMA debut. It will soon begin appearing at various shows and racing events around the country.