There are modified cars, and then there are vision-driven machines where every component is engineered around a single theme. The legendary Martini Mustang is the latter—a one-off ’66 Ford Mustang that looks like a rally car from an alternate history and drives like no other classic ever built. Conceived by master builder Steve Strope of Pure Vision Design, this project answers a “what if” question: What if Ford had gone all-in on rally racing during the 1960s? The result is a radical Mustang that merges European rally heritage with American muscle, wrapped in a livery that pays tribute to Martini Racing’s iconic colors.

The car recently stole the spotlight in a feature with Autotopia LA, giving enthusiasts a chance to hear, see, and feel the unhinged brilliance of this build. And make no mistake—it’s more than just a showpiece. Beneath the stripes and fog lights lives a real IndyCar heart, tuned for the street yet still capable of singing all the way to 9,000 RPM.

Indy Power Under the Hood

At the core of the Martini Mustang sits one of the wildest engine swaps ever attempted: a 255 cubic-inch dual-overhead-cam IndyCar engine originally designed to dominate oval tracks. Known for its sky-high rev range and brutal efficiency, the engine was reworked for road use by none other than Ed Pink, “The Old Master” of race engines.

To tame the beast for the street, Pink adjusted the cams, lowered the compression slightly, and converted it to electronic fuel injection. Even with concessions for drivability, it remains a fire-breathing monster—producing around 500 horsepower in a car that has been stripped to near-race weight. A 7,000 RPM limiter keeps longevity in check, but the mechanical symphony of this V8 screaming at full tilt is unlike anything else in the Mustang world.

Backing it up is a NASCAR-spec 4-speed transmission, weighing just 65 pounds, paired with a Detroit Speed chassis packed with aluminum components. The result is a machine that blends muscle car aggression with rally car finesse.

A Rally-Bred Appearance That Redefines Mustang Style

If the Martini Mustang’s drivetrain is outrageous, its exterior is what makes it unforgettable. The Martini Racing livery—with its bold stripes and rally-style details—transforms the Mustang into a piece of motorsport history that never existed. Strope worked meticulously to capture the essence of ’60s rally design, from custom Evod wheels wrapped in Avon slicks to period-correct driving lights mounted at the front. The look is authentic enough that legendary designer Peter Brock himself praised the car, saying it reflected the GT350R project he once envisioned.

The interior follows the same theme: GT350R roll cage, stripped weight, race-spec hardware, and a minimalist design that prioritizes performance. It’s not plush, but it doesn’t need to be—this is a rally warrior disguised as a classic muscle car.

More Than a Build: A Dream on Wheels

The Martini Mustang isn’t just about engineering perfection—it’s about passion. Autotopia LA’s host, Shawn Davis, admitted that this was a car he had dreamed of driving for years. When it finally appeared in Southern California under new ownership by Steve Sanett, Shawn got his chance. Watching him pilot the Mustang, grin plastered across his face, captures what makes this car special: it connects dreams to reality.

The engine note, a mix of IndyCar sharpness and muscle car thunder, fills the air. The livery turns every head. And the driving experience? It’s raw, demanding, and unforgettable. This isn’t just another Mustang—it’s proof that imagination, when paired with engineering mastery, can create something truly timeless.

The Martini Mustang stands as one of the most radical classic Mustangs ever built—not because it’s the fastest, but because it redefines what a classic muscle car can be when given a new motorsport identity. It’s a one-off masterpiece, and like all great one-offs, it’s destined for legend status.