Do you know E.C.D.? Formerly East Coast Defender, a Land Rover specialist, the company has become E.C.D. Automotive Design. This name change is not insignificant. Although it continues to restore Landies, it is now diversifying. This 1967 fastback, nicknamed “Ghost,” is the first customer car from a new line of Ford Mustang restomods.
Technical Basics
This particular car did not start its life as a fastback; it left the factory as a notchback. E.C.D. performed a complete restoration and transformation. Only the original bumper, radiator support, and body are typically retained. The rest of the old 1967 elements are discarded in favor of a Roadster Shop RS Spec chassis, designed to provide modern handling under the sheet metal of an original Mustang.
This chassis features independent front suspension, a Ford 9-inch rear axle, Baer 11-inch brakes on all four corners, and a parallel four-bar rear setup. The customer who configured the Ghost opted for a Roush 347 IR V8, a Dart Sportsman block bored to 347 cubic inches and powered by an “8-stack” EFI configuration. It produces a modest 465 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, but its sound is absolutely unique.
Driving Experience and Feel
Sliding into the driver’s seat of the Ghost is a reminder of why old cars have… old ergonomics. To reach the accelerator in this fastback, you practically have to sit on the brake pedal. But a brief press of the accelerator instantly erases any sense of superiority for modern cars.
The driving position is low, reminiscent of the era when cars felt truly close to the ground. The brakes, on the other hand, are an old-school unassisted setup, a choice that is immediately noticeable. The Ghost was not designed to be a pure race beast, and that’s perfectly fine. True to its name, it floats over Michigan’s rough roads, providing commendable feedback through the steering wheel.
Verdict and Price
The price is the only real obstacle. E.C.D.’s services are not cheap. The base Mustang package starts at $279,999; the Ghost, on the other hand, rings the cash register at $362,000. What you really get for that price is exclusivity. A custom build process and a fully customizable product. E.C.D. has learned this formula so well from restoring old British tractors that it has expanded to Mustangs, as well as Jaguar E-Types, classic Toyota FJs, and soon Porsche 911s.
| E.C.D. 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Specs | |
|---|---|
| Base Price (as built) | $279,999 ($362,000) |
| Powertrain | 347 cubic inch (5.7L) EFI V8 | 4-speed automatic transmission | rear-wheel drive |
| Power | 465 horsepower |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Cargo Volume | 5.1 cubic feet |
A premium car with a premium price, but this V8 sounds so good.