Bringing back the 5.0 moniker for the new Mustang V8 engine was a very wise move for Ford. It has rekindled and inspired Mustang builders across the country to bring out the very best for their upcoming cars. One Mustang we are looking forward to more than most is drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR-X.

Vaughn Gittin has been cataloging the build progress over at SpeedHunters, and the car is really taking shape. We can’t wait to see the finish product.

Pictures: Mike Garrett/Speedhunters

When last we saw the RTR-X, the body had finally been mounted to the chassis and it could actually be rolled around. Recently the focus appears to have been on the body, which is actually a reproduction 1969 Mustang shell. Rather than just go with the classic look though, the RTR-X is getting a wide range of modifications to improve the “flow” of the body.

These modifications include a brand new spoiler with a ducktail-like upward swoop. The bumpers are small and very tight with the body, which itself hovers just a few inches off of the ground.  We are especially impressed at how much of this body is actual metal work and not just fiberglass, though the fender flares and chin spoiler used fiberglass as there is a good chance they could be ripped off. This is a race car, after all.

Our favorite feature of this Mustang though is a toss up. It could be the fully-functional side air ducts that direct cool air onto the rear brakes. Or it might be the square hole in the hood which has a very “factory” look. With those throttle bodies sticking out of the hood, sitting on top of a brand new 5.0 crate engine, it looks good enough to have come out of a Ford factory 40 years ago. We’re going to make a beeline for this car at the SEMA show, where it is set to debut. Just a few more weeks to go!

Check out SpeedHunters for a ton more pics on this awesome build.