Bob Austin’s MetalWorks built ‘65 Fastback Mustang

- in Cars

Often when you hear of a classic car being restored, you image the starting point being a rusted hull that was drug out of a field, or a forgotten relic left to rot next to a barn with hoards of mice calling it home.

Often this is the case, but for Bob Austin it was the unsatisfactory paint work on his ‘65 fastback that sparked a radical revamping of an already nice car.

Bob turned to the talented crew at MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration in Eugene, Oregon to handle the new paint work.
As with all of MetalWorks restorations, the fastback’s body was sent to their acid dipping facility to be taken down to ground zero.

When a car body comes back from dipping it can be a bit stressful for the owner as you never know what is hiding behind a paint job…but in Bob’s case the mustang body came back in nearly pristine condition. Bob was so impressed with the 65’s condition in fact that he felt the old pony deserved to be given the royal treatment, so he gave the crew at MetalWorks the thumbs up to work their magic.

A pro-touring style build was the vision for the 65 so full Detroit Speed front and rear suspensions were utilized along with a 3” stretching of the wells thanks to DSE mini-tubs. Opening up the wheel wells allows room for the massive 305/30ZR19 tires that are jammed into the openings out back.
Putting the power to the massive meats is a 408 stroker built by Performance Unlimited…fuel delivery is handled by MSD fuel injection. A Ford 9” running a Detroit Tru-Trac posi is fed by a Tremec TKO600 transmission.
Stopping duties are handled by Wilwood 14” vented rotors and 4 piston calipers that are tucked inside BOZE “Autocross” wheels.

French stitched leather wrapped seats and roll cage the mustang’s cock pit has a simple, hot rod feel about it…nothing is overstated.

Ringbrothers hood pins, a very fine mess grille, and tucked bumpers accent the otherwise stock appearing exterior.
Moving inside the mustang we find a very distinct interior, most notably the metal dash and door panel accents. Other creature comforts include Dakota Digital gauges, and an Alpine touch screen. Even with French stitched leather wrapped seats and roll cage the mustang’s cock pit has a simple, hot rod feel about it…nothing is overstated.

Bob envisioned the fastback looking overall stock, but having performance built into it that he could drive hard all day in comfort…it would appear that the team at MetalWorks delivered.