Weāve seen legendary car builder Chip Foose build all sorts of Mustangs over the years. From old to new, Chip has an eye for style and can seemingly make anything look good! However, heās faced his biggest challenge; a 1971 Mustang Mach 1. Letās face itā¦of all the body styles offered in the first generations of Mustang (1965-73), the 1971-73 body is the least desirable. Mainly because, compared to all previous years, this car is HUGE, but is still unquestionably, Mustang.
Olā Chip was commissioned to build this Mach by a wealthy Japanese businessman who loves the ā71-73 body style. Upon reaching an agreement, the classic was shipped to Foose along with a like-new 2011 Mustang GT that was taking up space in the businessmanās museum. So, why not put it to use, right?
Chip and his team promptly cut the body panels off of the ā11, cut the floor out of the ā71, and proceeded to fit the old body over the new chassisājust like we used to do when we built model cars back in the day! Thus, the āMach Fooseā was born!
But it was more than a mere swap; we all know that when Chip builds a car, he builds a car! Thereās not an area that isnāt addressed. From the way the old seamlessly blends with the new; to the clamshell-opening hood, to the subtle body mods that may not be noticeable, but make a big impact.
The biggest mod is the addition of the ā70 Mustang rear quarter panels that give it a more muscular, broad shouldered look, as opposed to the almost-flat rear quarter that made it look like a sedan delivery. Another stand-out are the wheels that are reminiscent of the classic Shelby 10-spoke wheels. Under the pristine bodywork and paint is an all original 2011 Mustang GT, complete with Coyote engine and automatic transmission, making it a great driver.
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
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- Image courtesy of Mustang Connection
The end result is a pretty stock 2011 Mustang GT expertly modified to look like a 1971 Mach 1 thatās an absolute head-turner, as evidenced at the 2017 SEMA show where it was unveiled. Fooseās the expert craftsmanship and style makes the Mach Foose a knockout at any angle!
So, is it a ’71, or a 2011?
Living in Richmond, Texas, PJ Rentie has been in the automotive industry for more than 30 years. This former Assistant Editor at Vette Magazine also spent time with companies like NOS, Edelbrock, Hillbank Motorsports, Classic Industries, and was an automotive instructor for Cypress College for ten years. In his spare time, PJ hopes to one day bring his Fox Body Mustang out of the back yard and back onto the street!
