From most people that we’ve talked to, building something that allows past and present to come together as one is somewhere on the bucket list; set aside the purists of course. With this spectacle, however, we have a feeling that even the most diehard purist would be willing to take a second look at this Eleanor replica put together by Mustangs to Fear. It does quite a nice job of maintaining the classic Americana feel while throwing in only the most tasteful modern touches where appropriate.
This ’68 takes a leap into the future with one of Fords more recent engines, implementing a Coyote power plant. The 5.0L allows the car to efficiently lay down 361hp at the rear tires, which we would venture to say is a bit more than the engine of old. Of course just throwing the modern v8 in the car wouldn’t complete the job, so Mustangs to Fear made it look right at home. To give the ride that finished look, the radiator, cold air intake, power steering, engine panels, and front cover were made in house as a kit to make the modern muscle look like it came from a Ford factory in 1968. This is in addition to the Eleanor kit that MTF manufactures and had already installed on this car, in fact MTF built the complete car for a customer using a number of custom touches.
When you step inside there is even more evidence of a professional blend of past and present. Having creature comforts is something that the classics don’t really offer, but with power windows, locks, and power trunk release this classic bridges the gap between classic and comfort. Throw in a clean looking stereo matched with modern seats and other detailed touches such as the illuminated door sills and this Stang really offers the complete package. It’s undeniably a job well done, and then there’s the sound. With MTF’s custom built stainless exhaust letting the Coyote engine breathe, one wonders why would you need the stereo at all. Check out the video as MTF’s Rich Smith goes over the car, and then takes it for one final shakedown run, blasting through the gears with wife Michele riding shotgun.