Photography by The Authorn the world of classic cars, few stories ignite the spirit of automotive passion as much as that of Kenny Dillon’s 1970 Mustang Mach 1. With a lifetime of experience behind the wheel of a semitruck—racking up nearly 5 million miles—Kenny finally found the time to trade in long hauls for something a bit more exhilarating: his dream project.
This isn’t just any Mustang; it’s a stunning Coyote-swapped Mach 1 fueled by an 800hp Ford Performance engine, combining nostalgia with innovation. Kenny first saw this particular 429 Cobra Jet Mach 1 during his youth in Kentucky. After years of searching, he bought the car in 2017, though it was a bit weathered with 130,000 miles. Instead of restoring it to perfect condition, Kenny wanted a high-performance machine that blended modern technology with that classic Mustang style.
To achieve this bold transformation, he enlisted the talented craftsmen at Bond’s Body Shop, where they carried out most of the fabrication work. Starting from the ground up, he chose a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, which significantly upgraded the car’s structure and performance. By removing the factory unibody and welding in the new chassis, Kenny not only enhanced the car’s strength but also improved its handling. With Corvette-inspired suspension dynamics and Penske coilovers, this Mach 1 is no longer just a straight-line cruiser, it’s ready for road course excitement.
Kenny’s meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the powerhouse. He ensured the car had a clean undercarriage so that nothing hangs below the frame—no fuel lines, brake lines, or exhaust. Speaking of exhaust, the custom stainless setup breathes through Flowmaster Super 40 mufflers, giving the Mach 1 a roar that is music to any car enthusiast’s ears.
On the aesthetic side, the Mach 1 wears a brilliant coat of Colorado Red PPG paint, executed perfectly by Clayton and Joe Bond. The car’s exterior features a subtle yet aggressive custom front splash pan, tucked rear bumper, custom grille, and a hand-fabricated hood scoop that adds an edge to its classic lines. Rolling on Forgeline Grudge wheels—18×9 in the front and 19×12 in the rear, wrapped in Michelin (255/35-18 front) and Nitto (345/30-19 rear) tires—the overall stance commands attention. Rolling stock consists of Forgeline Grudge wheels—18×9 up front, 19×12 in the rear.
Inside, the cabin is a blend of modern comfort and classic charm. Equipped with 2019 Mustang GT seats, Joe carefully upholstered in black leather to mimic the original Mach 1 styling that retain its vintage appeal without becoming a digital alien spaceship. The instrumentation consists of Dakota Digital HDX gauges, while an American Autowire harness ensures everything is in sync.
Just like that teenage boy who first fell in love with Mustangs, Kenny feels young again every time he takes to the open road. With plans already brewing for a 1955 Ford truck with a Gen 3 Coyote engine, it’s clear that the journey of transformation and adventure will continue to unfold.
As he aptly puts it, “It feels like a high-speed go-kart.”
