Classic body, modern internals: is this the perfect convertible Mustang?

Velocity Modern Classics is now offering a convertible package for its ‘Signature Series’ of vintage Mustangs, which inherit modern body panels and refreshed internals so they actually work when you drive them. Maybe.

For £23,500, Velocity will pull the roof off and attach various electronic motors and hydraulics to a fancy bit of cloth to convert your Mustang into a soft-top cruiser. It’ll then repaint the leather-clad cabin to match the exterior, if you so wish.

But before you can start planning your orange roof and even more orange upholstery, you’ll need to find at least £240,000 to purchase one of the Signature Series cars to begin with. That’s a sizeable amount… but you do get a lot of car for your money.

For starters, these Mustangs gain Ford’s third-generation ‘Coyote’ 5.0-litre V8. The resultant 466bhp is then sent through a set of stainless steel exhaust pipes and out through Borla muffler tips to generate many decibels. 

But most classic Mustangs can cause a minor earthquake on a cold start, so that’s nothing new. What sets Velocity’s creations apart is the rest of it: a new chassis, independent front and four-link rear suspension, adjustable coilovers and modern brakes. The latter being especially important, since old Mustangs take around three miles of tarmac to stop.

Velocity has also made mild alternations to the already taut but handsome exterior, which includes 17in aluminium alloys, a vented bonnet and LED lamps at either end.

Velocity CEO Stuart Wilson said: “A convertible option for our Signature Series has been highly requested ever since we launched the Mustang last year. With summer right around the corner, we can’t wait to get these in the hands of our customers to enjoy the open road.”