A 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback, featuring a powerful engine once built for racing legend Mario Andretti’s McLaren M6B, is set to make waves at the Mecum Auctions in Glendale, California, on March 22. Dubbed “the Real Thing,” this restomod integrates an astonishing 777 horsepower V8, promising to captivate collectors with its blend of classic style and formidable racing history.
The backstory of this Mustang is as fascinating as its performance capabilities. The engine, a massive 494 cubic-inch big-block V-8, was initially developed by Holman Moody for Andretti’s use in the high-octane Can-Am series back in 1969. This Mustang not only embodies the spirit of that era but also carries a direct link to one of motorsport’s most revered figures.
Tom Fry, the current owner, recounted how the engine became the centerpiece of this project. Originally acquired by his father in the mid-1990s from Holman Moody, the engine sat in storage until custom-car builder Bodie Stroud was tasked with creating something extraordinary around it. The result was this stunning Mustang, unveiled at the 2010 SEMA show and subsequently featured on multiple media platforms including “Jay Leno’s Garage” and in the documentary “The Real Thing” by Julian King.
Stroud’s modifications to the Mustang are extensive. The vehicle features a lowered roofline, widened body, and a completely redesigned I-beam-stiff ladder-frame chassis to accommodate the immense power of the V-8 engine. It also boasts modern enhancements such as a four-wheel air suspension, Brembo brakes, and Rushforth polished-aluminum rims, ensuring that it drives as impressively as it looks.
The interior of the Mustang mirrors the exterior’s blend of vintage and modern, with features drawn from the 2011 Mustang, including black leather upholstery, updated gauges, an aftermarket steering wheel, and a cue-ball-style shifter knob for the six-speed manual transmission.
As it approaches the auction block, there is speculation that this unique Mustang could fetch as much as $1 million, given its rare engine and the meticulous craftsmanship. The car represents not just a significant piece of automotive history but also a tribute to the golden era of motorsports, embodied by Mario Andretti’s storied career.