‘Ghost’ is a 1967 Ford Mustang priced at $362K, featuring an exquisitely haunting engine sound.

      Byron Hurd

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      Are you familiar with E.C.D.? Of course, you are. But hold on—doesn't the "D" refer to "Defender," like the Land Rover SUV? Not anymore. East Coast Defender has now rebranded as E.C.D. Automotive Design. Stay updated, friend.

      This shift in branding away from “Defender” is intentional. While E.C.D. continues to build and restore classic Land Rovers, the company is diversifying its offerings. The 1967 fastback, known as “Ghost,” is the first customer vehicle from a new series of Ford Mustang restomods that are now going into production. Although it may appear only slightly modified at first glance, there’s much more happening beneath the surface.

      The Basics

      This specific car did not originally come as a fastback; it was produced as a notchback. It seems accurate to say that E.C.D. conducted a frame-off restoration and retrofit, but that's not entirely true. The body was indeed removed from the frame, but it never returned. In E.C.D.’s conversion, only the factory bumper, core support, and body (typically) are retained.

      The remainder of the original ’67 components are discarded in favor of a Roadster Shop RS Spec chassis, designed to provide modern driving dynamics beneath the classic Mustang exterior. Other chassis variations are available, but in this instance, it features independent front suspension with Fox fixed valve shocks, a 9-inch Ford rear end, 11-inch Baer brakes at all four corners, and a parallel four-bar rear setup with adjustable upper A-arm eccentric mounts. Additionally, the rear frame is narrower than the original, allowing for slight tubbing of the body to accommodate wider tires.

      And yes, it has a V8. This is where we introduce another essential player in this process: Roush. The Michigan-based manufacturer provides a full range of small-block Ford V8s for vintage builds, allowing E.C.D. customers to choose from various options. The choices range from a carbureted, dual-plane 347 producing 410 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque to a 588-cubic-inch, A460-based powerhouse generating 700 hp.

      The customer who configured Ghost opted for the 347 IR, which is a Dart Sportsman 8.2-inch 289/302 block increased to 347 cubic inches and equipped with an “8-stack” EFI system that looks stunning and sounds even better. While its power output in this setup is modest at 465 horsepower and 425 lb-ft—similar to a modern Coyote engine—it offers a distinct character that sets it apart.

      Inside, you'll find a mix of contemporary features and vintage style. Ghost’s infotainment system mounted on the center console contrasts sharply with the aluminum dashboard and traditional keyed ignition switch, but remember that these cars can be customized to suit various tastes, from a comfortable daily driver to a track-ready machine, and everything in between. Speaking of which, Ghost is equipped with an automatic transmission—another convenience factor.

      Driving the E.C.D. 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

      Settling into Ghost’s leather-trimmed driver’s seat reminded me why I had overlooked the Mustang until the S550 debuted with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Classic cars often come with classic ergonomics. To reach the accelerator in this fastback, I practically have to perch myself on the brake pedal. However, just a tap of the throttle dispelled any superiority I felt for waiting until 2015 to finally buy my first pony car. Even if it required me to twist into odd positions, Ghost’s allure far surpassed its annoying quirks.

      My seating position was not only awkward (thanks to my height) but low. That aspect isn’t too bad. Admittedly, the hood can obstruct your view, and you’ll often find yourself staring at the spare tire of the truck in front of you at stoplights, but even my personal sedan, a CT4-V Blackwing, feels like it's elevated in comparison. If you miss the era when cars had a proper low profile, this is definitely the car for you.

      Then there are the brakes. Unlike the overly sensitive systems found in modern sports cars, Ghost features a traditional, unboosted brake setup. This isn’t a limitation of the chassis—Roadster Shop allows you to design it as you wish—but it’s certainly a choice. I noticed it even more when I returned home in the Caddy and nearly smacked my face into the steering wheel at the first stop sign.

      Ghost wasn’t designed to be an outright beast, and in this case, that’s a positive aspect. Since it was a customer vehicle undergoing final quality checks, I couldn’t push it even if I had wanted to. However, my short