1965 Mustang “Black Label”
Some builds start with a vision. Others start with a shell and the stubborn belief that a first-gen Mustang can be pushed far beyond anything Ford imagined in 1965. The “Black Label” fastback falls firmly into the second category — a ground-up, no-compromise restomod that blends classic lines with modern capability in a way that feels seamless, aggressive, and unmistakably purposeful.
What began life as a modest pony car was transformed over seven years into a fully re-engineered machine. With fabrication from Kertz, refinement from Level 7 Motorsports, and a full CorteX Racing suspension architecture underneath, the result is a first-gen Mustang that drives with the confidence and violence of a contemporary performance car.
Powertrain: A Modern Heart With Attitude
Pop the hood and the nostalgia stops immediately.
Sitting front-and-center is a Mast Motorsports 427ci Black Label V8, a hand-built, LS7-based powerplant topped with Harrop individual throttle bodies. The combination delivers over 700 horsepower, but the real story is how it delivers it — instant response, sharp bark, and a power curve that stays eager no matter where you are in the rev range.
A Bowler Level II T56 six-speed puts the driver in full command, giving the car the gearing and durability to take the abuse of modern tires and high-RPM enthusiasm.
This isn’t a period-correct cruiser engine. It’s a statement of intent.
Chassis & Suspension: Built Around Capability
Underneath the vintage sheetmetal is a chassis transformed for real performance.
Up front, our CorteX Xtreme Grip SLA suspension replaces the factory geometry with modern precision and adjustability. Out back, our multi-link rear system delivers traction and control that a leaf-spring Mustang simply can’t replicate. Mini-tubs and widened rear arches clear the way for steamroller-spec tires — and the car needs every inch of them.
Forgeline GA3 wheels (19" front, 20" rear) wrapped in 285-series rubber up front and massive 335s out back complete the stance. Big tires, big grip, and the structure underneath to actually use it — that’s where this build separates itself from typical restomods.
Exterior & Fabrication: Classic Shape, Sharpened Edges
The Black Label retains its 1965 silhouette, but the details tell the real story.
Hand-formed flares, bespoke tubs, custom aluminum window frames, and precision-fit panels all contribute to a finish that reads more “modern performance car” than “1960s restoration.” Level 7’s billet details — including a custom-machined fuel cap — elevate the look while keeping everything cohesive and functional.
Every piece feels like it belongs. Nothing feels added just for effect.
Interior: Purposeful, Not Pretentious
Inside, the car strikes a balance between track focus and modern comfort.
Sparco buckets and harnesses set the tone, paired with a clean, modern dash layout that avoids unnecessary flash. Vintage Air climate control keeps the cabin usable in real-world conditions, giving the car the flexibility to be driven hard without sacrificing comfort.
It’s familiar, functional, and built to support the way the car wants to be driven.
The Result: A Mustang With No Apology in It
The “Black Label” fastback isn’t about nostalgia. It’s not built to sit under dust-free lighting or roll slowly across show lawns. This car was engineered to be used — aggressively, joyfully, and without hesitation.
It honors the original Mustang’s simplicity and shape, but every system beneath it has been rewritten for performance. It’s a machine built by people who understand that capability comes from geometry, structure, and balance — not just horsepower.
A first-gen Mustang with real modern behavior isn’t common. One with this level of execution is rarer still.
This is what happens when you take a classic icon and give it the capability it always deserved.
CorteX Racing Components Featured in the Build
1. CorteX Xtreme-Grip SLA Front Suspension System
The CorteX Xtreme-Grip SLA Front Suspension System transforms early Mustangs with modern short-long-arm geometry designed for maximum cornering grip, sharper steering response, and precision alignment control. Engineered specifically for high-performance 1964–1970 Mustangs, this system eliminates the limitations of factory strut designs and delivers the front-end feel of a contemporary track car.
Benefits:
- Massive camber gain for improved front grip
- Predictable turn-in and stability under hard braking
- Coilover-ready design with adjustable geometry
- Ideal for high-horsepower restomods and track builds
2. CorteX Xtreme-Grip Rear Suspension System (Multi-Link Conversion)
The CorteX Xtreme-Grip Rear Suspension replaces outdated leaf springs with a fully engineered multi-link system that dramatically increases traction, stability, and control for classic Mustangs. Designed for modern tire sizes and high-output engines, this conversion system brings contemporary handling to first-gen Mustang chassis.
Benefits:
- Anti-squat tuning for improved acceleration
- Zero-bind articulation for balanced cornering
- Modern ride quality and stability
- Supports wide tires and high-power applications
3. CorteX-Valved Coilovers (Front & Rear)
CorteX-valved coilovers are precision-tuned dampers engineered specifically to complement the SLA front and multi-link rear suspension platforms. Developed through extensive testing on performance Mustangs, these coilovers provide exceptional body control, high-speed stability, and real-world adjustability for street or track driving.
Benefits:
- Matched compression/rebound valving
- Wide adjustability for street or competitive setups
- Improved response to steering inputs and weight transfer
- Supports aggressive driving without compromising ride quality
4. CorteX Turn-Key Fuel System
The CorteX 22-gallon FIA-rated fuel cell delivers modern safety and performance to classic Mustangs, replacing aging factory tanks with a robust, motorsport-grade solution. Designed specifically for vintage chassis, this cell ensures proper fuel delivery under high-G conditions, enhances crash safety, and integrates cleanly with CorteX suspension systems and track-focused builds.
Benefits
- Enhanced safety with FIA-certified construction
- Reliable fuel delivery under cornering, acceleration, and braking
- Direct integration with high-performance CorteX suspension and chassis systems
- Improved weight distribution for balanced handling
- Modern motorsport durability in a vintage Mustang platform
