The Fox Body Ford Mustang has reached cult classic status over the last few years. Though it’s not every Mustang enthusiast’s favorite generation, there are some unique high-performance examples floating around, like the rare McLaren Mustang. Longtime Ford racer Vaughn Gittin Jr. just got his hands on one such model, adding it to his ever-growing collection of Blue Oval machinery.
Gittin detailed the odd journey that led to his acquisition in a recent video. A friend of his showed him an example of the M81 Ford Mustang for sale – one of just 10 units that were ever produced. Gittin said that he was so “captivated” by its presence, that he had to have it, especially since it was the only one to be produced that was painted black.
The rare Fox Body Ford Mustang was sent to the Mecum auction, but it ended up not selling, giving Gittin a shot at purchasing it. It’s a 1980 Mustang with quite a few upgrades, the product of a partnership with Formula One’s McLaren. It features a widebody kit, its shape calling to mind the Ford Falcon Interceptor featured in the Mad Max films – a series Gittin has a soft spot for.
Under the hood, the McLaren Mustang cradles a turbocharged 2.3L I4 powerhouse, featuring custom ductwork and a closed-off grille, producing approximately 175 horsepower.
So, what’s Gittin planning on doing with his ultra-rare Fox Body Mustang? The answer is, apparently, nothing. He’s going to keep it safe and protected as part of his collection, where it will serve as muse for other projects moving forward.
“It’s really cool. A lot of things this vehicle is and offers, I have a lot of connection to,” Gittin says. “I may not have known this thing existed for the last 45 years… but it is just a beautiful machine.”
Gittin is well-known for his wild Ford builds, including a convertible RTR Mustang, and his team slapped a 7.3L Godzilla V8 engine in a Ford Bronco and let it rock. Not to mention that the Mustang RTR is on its way to the mass market, representing the high-performance EcoBoost variant in the lineup.
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