Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

Corruptt Mustang – An American Classic with an Italian Heartbeat

The Corruptt Mustang is the brainchild of one crazy lunatic. We say that in the most caring, admiring, and respectful way of course. This is a 1968 Ford Mustang with more body mods than the finest Instagram model.

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

It’s also a first for us here at Fuel Curve as we have never featured a vehicle under construction. We hope you will agree we made the right call here. What makes the Corrupt Mustang so intriguing is the Ferrari F430 V8 with a little extra motivation from a couple Nelson Racing Twin Turbos backed by a T56 6 speed. We know of a few early Ford hot rods with Ferrari swaps but never have we seen an Enzo motor in an American Muscle Car. It’s too bitchin’!

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel CurveCorruptt Mustang, Fuel CurveCorruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

Owner/builder of the Corruptt Mustang is Phoenix area craftsman Tony Arme – founder of American Legends Hot Rods and Muscle Cars. Along with building cars for a steady stream of clients, Tony wanted to build something mind-blowing for his personal stable – Something you’ve never seen before and likely never will again. It was at SEMA when the inspiration for this build slowly started turning in Tony’s head. SEMA, the world’s largest automotive trade show, is a common place to see the most insane and “Why didn’t I think of that,” ideas come to life.

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

Sure, he could’ve swapped in a Ford Coyote crate motor or perhaps an EcoBoost V6 but there’s nothing really wild and crazy about those swaps. Tony wanted something that would draw people’s attention. He wants to hear people as they walk by saying “Did you see what kind of motor they had in that thing? It’s insane!”

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel CurveCorruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve


Tony already had a canvas for such a project as he had picked up this Mustang in Texas back in 2004. He drove it around for an about a year before deciding to chop the top 2.5″. Over the next two years a healthy amount of body mods were done, but then it sat and moved around with Tony until the end of last year when he finally had the time to get back on this horse that he had rejected long enough.

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

So, while at SEMA, the cell phone was put into action and a search for a powerplant commenced. He knew he had to keep the engine small because he already had a full RideTech suspension waiting back at the shop and wanted to keep the stock shock towers in their factory location. While searching for NASCAR engines, a random Ferrari engine showed up as if EBAY itself was taunting Tony. It looked small enough to fit so he had a few measurements taken then pulled the trigger. “It was a total shot in the dark. I knew worst case, I would have to delete the towers but I ended up only pulling 1.5” out of them,” Tony grinned.

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

As with any SEMA build there will be challenges along the way, there is no blueprint for this type of build. Endless amounts of parts need to be 3D printed, fabricated and built from scratch. As you can tell from the photos there is a long way still to go on this build but every day they get a little bit closer.

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

Corruptt Mustang, Fuel CurveCorruptt Mustang, Fuel Curve

The goal is to not just get it to SEMA but to actually drive it out of the Convention Center and watch those jaws drop. If you’d like to stay up to date on the build process follow @corrupttmustang on Instagram and if attending SEMA in 2018 be sure to stop by the Odyssey Battery booth and check out the car in person because I guarantee you, you’ve never seen anything like it!

Born and raised in New York, it wasn't until Terry moved to Arizona that his love for photography and vehicles merged into a passion. Terry has always photographed vehicles since he was young but it wasn't until he started shooting autocross at Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events that led to more opportunities. Since then, he's covered various motorsport events and worked with corporations within the performance market. Terry has always had a love for trucks and has owned several, including lifted and lowered ones. Currently, he's working on finishing his 1972 F-100 Flareside.