The level of foreign attendees Ultrace draws illustrates the magnitude of this annual European gathering. It’s not just individuals traveling to Wrocław, Poland, but vehicles as well.
During the recent 2024 occasion, a particular international creation caught my eye prominently: the Ford Mustang by Chris Marechal from the USA.
Constructed by Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, California, the Vicious Mustang is more unique than it is Ford. Only the A-pillars and cowling from the base 1965 Mustang coupe remain; everything else is custom or aftermarket. This one-of-a-kind creation, reportedly costing over US$1M to assemble, goes beyond what words can adequately describe.
The exterior flaunts Vicious Black – a custom hue blended by PPG – accented with silver and red stripes for contrast. The hood, a custom carbon fiber piece unique to this vehicle, weighs merely eight pounds. My personal standout feature? The rear diffuser, inspired by the Ferrari F430.
I had the pleasure of meeting Chris, who gladly provided a tour of his vehicle. But not before letting the Ultrace attendees experience its roaring sound.
The swift gathering of onlookers before an engine starts always intrigues me. In this instance, I wholeheartedly comprehend the fascination.
Beneath the hood lies a 5.1L Ford Performance Aluminator V8 engine generating 1,003whp and 784ft-lb of torque on E85 fuel – operating at a modest 70% throttle.
These remarkable figures are achieved through a Magnuson MP2300 TVS supercharger and twin Precision 6466 ball-bearing turbos. Yes, this vehicle runs on compound boost.
The turbochargers – concealed within the front fenders – outperform the supercharger via conduits that route into the air-to-air intercoolers at the front, then beneath the vehicle into the supercharger. With a duct equipped hood, once the air flows through the front-mounted intercooler and radiator setup, it generates some downforce to enhance the Mustang’s handling.
Serving as backup for the Aluminator powerplant is an EMCO CG46 sequential 6-speed gearbox with a customized Centerforce DYAD clutch, extending towards a Strange Engineering 9.75-inch aluminum rear axle.
One might assume the dual apertures beside the headlights facilitate air intake for the turbochargers. Surprisingly, they are cooling ducts for the front brake system, comprising Brembo 6-piston calipers and 15.5-inch carbon-ceramic discs. The rear features Brembo 4-piston calipers.
The vehicle rolls on center-lock Forgeline CF3C-SLs – 19×11 inches at the front and 19×13 inches at the rear, equipped with 305/30ZR19 and 355/30ZR19 tires respectively. Despite the substantial front wheel and tire combination, the Mustang effortlessly maneuvers from full left to full right.
The suspension setup comprises Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers with the front end benefiting from a full Art Morrison C7 Corvette frame clip. Meanwhile, at the rear, the Mustang features a multi-link independent rear suspension configuration also crafted by Art Morrison.
The crimson accents present in the engine compartment, across the body panels, and on the Brembo calipers harmonize with the custom interior.
The entirely red interior serves a functional purpose but is completed with meticulous attention to detail. Situated within a 14-point roll cage, custom-trimmed Sparco Pro 2000 seats are matched with Crow Safety Gear 5-point harnesses. All necessary controls and gauges are conveniently located in the front and under the MoTeC C127 color display. The spec is further elevated by a Vintage Air heat/defrost system and DJ Safety fire suppression system.
A bespoke fuel tank occupies a majority of the cargo space, leaving ample room for the fuel delivery system and Viair air reservoir and compressor for the paddle shifter mechanism.