It’s undeniable the impact the Ford Mustang->ke428 has had on the American automotive market, and this week celebrates the iconic Pony Car’s 50th birthday. Helping commemorate the occasion is this one-off Mustang built by RK Motors based on the 1967 Shelby GT500. We say ‘based on’ because under its factory-fresh appearance lies a host of performance add-ons and go-fast bits that could make a grown man cry. At the ‘Stang’s heart is a hand-built 527-cubic-inch Boss Nine, all-aluminum V-8 cranking out roughly 800 horsepower. It’s backed by a custom-built Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the pavement through vintage style 18-inch wheels mounted with BF Goodrich G-force sport comp rubber.

A heaping helping of other parts helps this Ford->ke31 handle like a go-kart. That’s a good thing because this car is no trailer queen. In fact, RK Motors owner and chairman Rob Kauffman will drive the RK527 during the upcoming HOT ROD Magazine Power Tour -- a 1,500-mile excursion between Charlotte and Wisconsin. Taking place June 7th through 14th, the challenging even tests man and machine in an endurance-style road trip with only hot rod and muscle car contenders.

There’s much more lurking underneath the RK527’s candy apple red paint, so click past the jump for the complete rundown.

Click past the jump to read more about the Shelby GT500 Tribute "RK527".

1967 Shelby GT500 Tribute "RK527"

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1967 Shelby GT500 Tribute "RK527"
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

Besides the aftermarket yet factory-styled 18-inch wheels, the RK527 looks stock. Its candy-apple red paint and white racing stripes set the tone of a true American muscle machine. Up front are two mid-mounted driving lights perched inside the chrome mesh grille. Hood pins with cables connected to the two cotter keys loop up from the grille. Just below, a long, thin chrome bumper adds just the right amount of flash.

Around to the sides are those beautiful wheels with chrome lips and center spinners contrasted by the dark grey centers. Another white stripe snakes down the Mustang’s side with the legendary "GT350" lettering just behind the front wheel well. It only adds to the overall beauty and classic elegance of the 1967 Mustang.

Even the interior is left mainly stock, only updated with a set of accessory gauges and a vintage heat and air system.

Drivetrain

Pop those two hood pins and raise the hood to find a hand-built work of muscular masterpiece. The 527-cubic-inch V-8 is constructed entirely from aluminum and sports Fast XFI ECU Port Fuel Injection, a custom camshaft, forged aluminum pistons, a full roller rocker valvetrain, a massive 1,500-CFM throttle body, and custom headers feeding three-inch exhaust pipes fitted with Magnaflow mufflers.

The one-off Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission was built by D&D Transmission from Michigan and turns a legendary Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.55 gears and a cone locker for extra traction.

Suspension And Brakes

Helping this pony gallop is a full suspension setup with modern parts. A Custom Detroit Speed Alumaframe helps stiffen the RK527’s unibody for extra rigidity. Bolted to that are coil-over shocks up front and a Detroit Speed QuadraLink rear suspension system with coil-overs. Long gone are the Mustang’s original leaf springs.

Bringing everything to a stop are Baer six-pistion calipers clamping 14-inch drilled and slotted rotors up front, and 13-inch units out back.

One Bad Pony

The RK527 is the latest example of a ‘resto-mod,’ or a restoration of an older car with the addition of modern underpinnings to help increase performance and reliability. Those are two aspects the RK527 will have to posses as it travels the 1,500 miles across the United States in the HOT ROD Power Tour. With its upgraded suspension, brakes, and tires – along with modern fuel injection and an ECU, this Mustang at least has the right parts put together.

Photo Credit: Jeff Thomas