Classic Mustang Meets Modern Racing Heritage
Since 1964, the Ford Mustang has been the go-to canvas for anyone wanting to keep that classic vibe but sneak in some modern muscle. The first-gen Mustang especially is a fan favorite, mostly because it looks the part and isn’t a nightmare to wrench on.
Ford’s leaning right into that nostalgia with the R125 Mustang project. Starting with a 1966 Fastback, they’re marking 125 years of Ford Racing and showing off just how wild you can get with their latest performance parts if you’re building up a classic. This is a project of Ford Customer Service Division, Ford Racing Parts, and Ford Customization.
Ford
A Familiar Fastback With Racing-Inspired Details
The bones here are pure 1966 Fastback, so you still get those classic lines everyone loves. But Ford’s given it a meaner look with a black paint job and some loud red and gold touches.
You can’t miss the R125 graphics – big lettering and a bold Ford Racing badge run down the sides. Gold wheels crank up the flash, and the front gets its own R125 makeover. Out back, Ford Racing is splashed across the panel, just in case you forgot what this build is all about.
All these tweaks give the Fastback its own vibe, but you still know it’s a ’66 Mustang at heart. The graphics and color pops make it obvious this isn’t just a restoration – it’s a full-on tribute.
Ford’s keeping quiet about what’s going on inside, so no word yet on the cabin details. For now, it’s all about the looks and the hardware under the skin.
Ford
Ford
A 360-HP V8 With a Five-Speed Manual
Pop the hood, and you’ll find a 347-cube crate V8 pushing out 360 horses and 400 lb-ft. It’s a mix of Ford Racing Boss block, aluminum heads, and Edelbrock Pro-Flo EFI – old-school muscle with a modern twist.
That fuel injection setup keeps the classic V8 feel but makes the car way more livable for anyone who actually wants to drive it. Ford’s ditched the all-original carburetor setup for something you can easily enjoy owning. Power goes to the wheels through a Tremec TKX-600 five-speed, which is smoother and tougher than the old TKO. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit in builds where you actually care about how the thing drives.
Ford Racing Parts even threw in their trick two-piece valve covers, with swappable tops, O-ring seals, and built-in wire looms – because why not go all out?
The R125 will hit the spotlight at the 2026 SEMA Show for Ford Racing’s big 125th bash. Don’t expect to see it at your local dealer or find a price tag – this one’s all about showing off what you can snag from the Ford Racing Parts catalog.
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Ford
Ford
Ford
Ford
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog