More Issues

Fifty-year Itch

The Big Three have been waist deep in a modern-day pony car war for years. As it was the first time around, big power numbers are the heavy artillery, but cashing in on classic looks and nostalgic heartstrings is the real catalyst. Revology Cars in Florida is waging a similar war, though on a different front. See, Revology is building ‘60s Mustangs packed with modern drivetrains, fit and finish and reliability.

This Highland Green ’68 fastback is car #35 to roll out of the Revology laboratory, and I think it’s safe to say that their products are getting better with time. Ride and drive are at the top of the list when planning a new car, so the suspension design was examined with a fine-tooth comb. Double wishbones up front feature near-ideal geometry, while the three-link rear suspension with a Panhard rod and torque arm keep the aft section under control with help from Ridetech coilovers. Braking comes by way of 12.9” rotors with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, all from the Wilwood catalog. American Racing Torq Thrust wheels were spec’d at 17x8, then paired with Michelin Pilot Sports measuring 245/45ZR 17. The fat feet really fill the wheel openings while bringing an unbeatable vintage look.

The 435hp 5.0L Coyote engine underhood offers great driveability and reliability. In normal conditions, this car is very sedate and easy to live with, day in and day out. Should a black Dodge torque you off, though, a flick of the throttle gets the car going like a speeding Bullitt. The 6R80 six speed automatic is the best of everything; low gearing to get the car moving and all the overdrive you could want for top end…I mean for good fuel economy.

The interior of a Revology car is no less impressive in the way modern and vintage styles cooperate in perfect synchronization. Starting with German square-weave wool carpet on the floor, Nappa leather covers the bolstered bucket seats. A custom center console houses the late model shifter, entertainment screen, and a pair of billet cup holders. Surrounding the shifter is a Walnut veneer overlay, and just behind is a storage space under the armrest. The wrapped dash pad caps more Walnut veneer trim and a stock-looking instrument bezel. Sharp readers will note the turn signals and wiper switch are missing in action. Such trickery is made possible in part by the HDX instruments; their built-in turn signals and high beam indicators (among others) mean dedicated lights on the dash are a thing of the past. This particular system received a custom, stock-appearing overlay, which casual car show goers will pass off as stock gauges. Similarly, the steering wheel looks 1968 but boasts a billet Revology horn button. Perhaps the best part, the icing on the cake if you will, is the speedy power windows controlled by manual window cranks.

The exterior of the car was pretty well left alone, which is a good thing. The badges, fog lights and painted stripe have been deleted, the grill exchanged for a muscular ’67 version, and the tail panel has been blacked out. Paint is as mentioned Highland Green Metallic; a spectacular choice to pair with the charcoal gray-painted Torq Thrusts.

Revology is no local shop, no, their Mustangs go all over; worldwide. In fact, car #35 is bound for Europe and will no doubt cause quite a stir at the local shows it attends. The benefit of a car like this, new stuff in an old wrapper, is that you really do get the best of both worlds. Modern muscle cars are much larger than the originals; that alone would keep me in a ’68 Camaro or Mustang versus the inflated modern iteration. I wasn’t surprised to learn that this car is headed overseas; the roar of American muscle is heard around the world.

September 2019

View Online

More Issues

Fifty-year Itch