The number of overseas visitors Ultrace attracts shows how big this annual European event has become. But it’s not just people making the journey to Wrocław, Poland – it’s cars too.
At the recent 2024 event one international build stood out to me above all others: Chris Marechal’s Ford Mustang from the USA.
Built by Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, California, the Vicious Mustang is actually more custom than it is Ford. In fact, the only parts from the base 1965 Mustang coupe that remain are the A-pillars and the cowling; everything else is custom or aftermarket. ‘Bonkers’ doesn’t even begin to describe this one-off creation that reputedly cost over US$1M to build.
The exterior is presented in Vicious Black – a custom color mixed by PPG – with silver and red stripes to break it up. The hood is a one-off custom carbon fiber piece that weighs just eight pounds. My favorite detail? The Ferrari F430-inspired rear diffuser.
I met Chris, who was happy to show me around his car. Although not before letting the Ultrace crowd hear how it sounds.
I’m always fascinated by how quickly people surround a car when it’s about to be fired up. In this case, though, I can totally understand it.
Under the hood is a 5.1L Ford Performance Aluminator V8 engine that produces 1,003whp and 784ft-lb of torque on E85 fuel – with just 70% throttle.
These impressive numbers are thanks to a Magnuson MP2300 TVS supercharger and twin Precision 6466 ball-bearing turbos. That’s right, this thing is compound-boosted.
The turbos – hidden inside the front fenders – override the supercharger through piping that runs into the air-to-air intercoolers up front and then back under the car into the supercharger. Since the hood is equipped with a duct, once the air passes through the front-mounted intercooler and radiator setup, it creates some downforce to improve the Mustang’s handling.
Backing up the Aluminator engine is an EMCO CG46 sequential 6-speed transmission with a custom Centerforce DYAD clutch, running out to a Strange Engineering 9.75-inch aluminum rear end.
You might think the two holes beside the headlights are there to feed the turbos with air. In fact, they are cooling ducts for the front brakes, which consist of Brembo 6-piston calipers and 15.5-inch carbon-ceramic rotors. Brembo 4-pot calipers feature at the rear.
The wheels are center-lock Forgeline CF3C-SLs – 19×11-inch at the front and 19×13-inch out back, with 305/30ZR19 and 355/30ZR19 tires respectively. Despite the large front wheel and tire combo, the Mustang has no problem turning from lock to lock.
The suspension consists of Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers with the front end benefitting from a complete Art Morrison C7 Corvette frame clip. At the rear, the Mustang sports a multi-link independent rear suspension arrangement also manufactured by Art Morrison.
The red detailing seen in the engine bay, around the bodywork, and on the Brembo calipers tie right into the custom cabin.
The all-red interior is function-focused but finished with an exacting attention to detail. Nestled within a 14-point roll cage, custom-trimmed Sparco Pro 2000 seats are paired with Crow Safety Gear 5-point harnesses. Everything you need to switch on or off and look at is right in front of you and under the MoTeC C127 color display. A Vintage Air heat/defrost system and DJ Safety fire suppression system elevate the spec further.
A custom fuel cell takes up most of the trunk space, but there is still room for the fuel supply system and Viair air tank and compressor for the paddle shifter actuation.
To those that live in the US, this car is old news. VSTANG been around the scene for a few years now – not that you’d know by looking at it – and has attended the SEMA Show no less than three times. For us Europeans, however, seeing something of this caliber is a very special treat.
Ultrace always brings out the best; it’s just a shame that we all need to wait a full year for the next event.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
Chris Marechal’s Vicious Stang
Engine: Ford Performance 5.2L Aluminator V8, 2x Precision 6466 ball-bearing turbochargers, Magnuson MP2300 TVS supercharger, GT350 CNC-ported heads, custom Darton Mid 3.700 Big Bore Sleeve Kit, Ford Performance Coyote Boss 302 forged crankshaft, Comp Cams custom Voodoo Head camshafts with MMR billet cam Adjusters & guides, Manley Performance custom 2618 pistons, Manley Performance Pro Series I-Beam 300M connecting rods, Manley valve springs, custom MMR titanium retainers, ARP main/head studs, Cometic head & exhaust Gaskets, Aviaid 4-stage dry sump with billet oil pan, XRP oil lines, fuel lines & fittings, custom exhaust by Timeless Kustoms with MagnaFlow components, custom stainless steel long-tube headers by Timeless Kustoms with MagnaFlow components and DEI heat wrap, 2x custom Fluidyne intercoolers, custom Fluidyne radiator, 2x Aeromotive Eliminator Stealth in-tank fuel pumps, Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator, MoTeC ECU & data acquisition system with GCU, trunk-mounted Optima battery
Drivetrain: EMCO CG46 sequential 6-speed gearbox with paddle shifters, custom Centerforce DYAD clutch, Strange Engineering independent 9.75 aluminum rear end
Suspension & Brakes: Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers, front: C7 Corvette clip manufactured by Art Morrison Enterprises, rear: multi-link independent rear suspension (IRS) manufactured by Art Morrison Enterprises, Brembo 15.5-inch carbon-ceramic rotors, Brembo 6-piston front calipers, Brembo 4-piston rear calipers
Wheels & Tires: Forgeline GT3C center-lock 19×11-inch front & 19×13-inch rear wheels, Kumho Ecsta V720 305/30ZR19 front & 355/30ZR19 rear tires
Exterior: Dynacorn body panel shells, mini tubs with 2-inch custom fender flares by Timeless Kustoms, Ringbrothers billet hood hinges, Ferrari F430-inspired rear diffuser by Timeless Kustoms
Interior: Sparco Pro 2000 seats, Crow harnesses, DJ Safety fire suppression system, MoTeC C127 dash, Vintage Air air conditioning