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6 Minutes
From High School Dream to Skyline Legacy: The Adventure of a 1965 Mustang Restomod
Every car enthusiast remembers their first love—but for Air Force pilot Roger Nelson, it was a classic 1965 Ford Mustang that ignited his passion for automotive performance. At just 14, Nelson started breathing new life into an old Mustang coupe powered by a modest straight-six. While others were content to drive, he aspired to build, fueled by ambition and a love for the original American pony car.
A Two-Decade Pause: Duty Calls, But the Dream Waits
Nelson’s drive took a detour as he committed to serving in the U.S. Air Force, trading wrenches for wings in an A-10 warbird. Over the next 20 years, he soared above 30,000 feet, where discipline, precision, and safety became his creed. Those formative experiences shaped both his character and the vision for his unfinished Mustang.
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The Return: From Cockpit to Wrench in Hand
After two decades, Nelson came home—forever changed by his service, but still driven by his Mustang project. No longer a teenager’s pastime, the restoration morphed into a mission for perfection. Every bolt and every weld had to meet the exacting standards forged in the clouds.
The Total Transformation: Reimagining a Classic Muscle Car
Determined not to build another garage queen, Nelson stripped his 1965 Ford Mustang down to its frame. He envisioned a street-taming, show-stopping muscle machine that turned heads at any car meet. The result is a restomod that fuses classic Mustang DNA with cutting-edge engineering and a fighter pilot’s tenacity.
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One-of-a-Kind Design: BMW Alpina Green Makes a Statement
Setting this Mustang apart is its bold exterior—expertly finished in BMW Alpina Green. Rather than the traditional Bullitt green, Nelson chose to defy expectations, partnering with friends in Phoenix to achieve a flawless, jewel-like finish. Under the desert sun, the paint glimmers like a gem, grabbing attention wherever it cruises.
Father-and-Son Effort: Custom Builds & Personal Touches
Nearly every component is custom-built, with Nelson modestly referring to his handiwork as “amateur-built.” It was truly a family affair, as his son Justin joined in, helping make engine and suspension upgrades. Together, they crafted a unique Mustang as much about legacy as it is about horsepower.
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Performance Unleashed: Specs That Scream Power
Underhood, the original six-cylinder has been retired. In its place roars a 408-cubic-inch Windsor V8, conservatively estimated at 469 horsepower based on supplier dyno runs. Power flows through a slick Tremec TKX five-speed manual, sending torque to the pavement via a narrowed 9-inch rear end.
The exhaust note is as bold as the stance, thanks to a 2.5-inch custom exhaust fitted with Varex valved mufflers. Whether commuting or making a grand entrance, this Mustang announces its arrival—a subtle nod to the fighter jets Nelson once piloted.
Suspension, Brakes & Wheels: Dialed-In for the Modern Road
Handling is tight and responsive courtesy of a Detroit Speed Quadralink rear suspension, while stopping duties are entrusted to manual Wilwood brakes—four-pot calipers in front, sliding two-pistons at the back. The car sits confidently on 17-inch wheels, wrapped in 235-section rubber up front and massive 315s out back, choosing optimal drivability over style excess.
Interior Experience: Classic Meets Contemporary
Inside, nostalgia meets innovation. While classic Mustang vibes abound, Nelson has equipped the car with a modern audio system—turning every drive, even grocery runs, into a personal concert. Deep Corbeau bucket seats put driver and passenger low to the action, immersing them in every bend and straightaway.
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Built to Drive, Not Hide: Real Muscle for the Real World
Since its completion, this 1965 Mustang restomod has logged over 5,000 miles in just five months. It’s not a showpiece to be pampered or trailered—Nelson believes in driving his creation as hard and often as any modern sports car. Performance, safety and fun blend seamlessly—a tribute to both classic Mustang engineering and lessons learned in the sky.
He puts safety above all else, with engineering choices reflecting both his piloting background and mature outlook. “I wouldn’t have survived at 16 with this car,” Nelson notes, acknowledging that experience brings both confidence and caution. At nearly 50, reckless abandon is replaced by calculated enjoyment.
Market Position & Comparisons: Where Does Roger’s Mustang Stand?
In the world of custom and restomod muscle cars, Nelson’s Mustang strikes a rare balance: classic charisma, jaw-dropping power, responsive handling, and a stunning one-off finish. Unlike many builds kept undercover or reserved for shows, his Mustang is built to be seen, heard, and most importantly, driven.
Compared to typical 1960s Mustangs—or even most modern pony cars—this build delivers bespoke performance, unique design, and a story that elevates it above mere collector’s metal. It competes with high-end custom muscle builds, especially those prioritizing genuine usability.
The Road Ahead: Living the Mustang Dream
Ultimately, Roger Nelson’s journey is about more than a car. It’s a story of perseverance, growth, and rekindled passion—a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. For Mustang fans, muscle car collectors, and automotive dreamers everywhere, this build stands as inspiration on four wheels.
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