How the best Ford Mustang may not be a Ford: The Steeda Q767 Mach 1
Tuning Ford Mustangs has experienced a long tradition in the USA and there are many established players. However we rarely get the pleasure of such tuned versions here in the UK and Europe, until now that is. Florida based Steeda Autosports alongside its Steeda UK and Steeda EU partners are on a mission to change that. Originally established in 1988, Steeda has been involved in Ford performance engineering and race car development for over 35 years and is the largest privately owned Ford performance based operation in the world. Steeda even modifies Special Service Ford Mustangs for police departments in the US.
One of Steeda’s latest Mustang offerings is the Steeda Q767 Mach 1, a vehicle that is not officially classed as a Ford Mustang, but officially homologated and certified as a Steeda Mustang. This certification is under the auspices of the UK’s Vehicle Certification Agency and the Swedish Transport Authority. Achieving this certification is no mean feat and has taken over 10 years of negotiations between Steeda, Ford and European officials. The certification means that instead of being spectators to what’s happening over the Atlantic, UK and European customers can now purchase official serialised Steeda Mustangs directly from dealership in the UK and Europe.
Owning a vehicle such as a Steeda Q767 Mach One without it being designated as a Ford Mustang will surely add to each vehicles exclusively and provenance and is likely to appeal to enthusiast and collectors who desire something different to the standard Mustang offerings or even other tuned Mustang variants, such as those provided by Saleen, Roush, Hennessey or Shelby. Steeda’s Q767 will be limited to 150 vehicles for the S550 chassis Mustang and this production limit will surely add to the rarity factor.
The Q767 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 providing power to the rear wheels, which can either come with a 6 speed manual or 10 speed automatic transmission.
Much of Steeda’s refinements have focussed on the chassis and suspension with Steeda combining its dual rate springs with Ford’s Magneride’s adaptive damping, thereby lowering the ride height and providing for much flatter cornering on the road and track. Steeda’s trademark IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) modification consists of a complete overhaul of the rear suspension enabling drivers to achieve higher levels of stability when deploying the V8’s power to the rear wheels.
There are optional power upgrades from 450hp to 480hp and options to enhance the braking with slotted discs, performance brake pads and braided brake lines front and rear.
However, more power is not the focus for Steeda here and the Q767 is clearly aimed at enthusiasts seeking a Mustang with sharper and more precise handling for use on the track and the street, which is able to compete with its European rivals.
Steeda’s optional upgrade packs are extensive and judging by the cars that Steeda have produced previously, customers can likely expect that they’ll be able to spec their Q767 to a level that provides for a completely unique performance Mustang.
Existing Ford Mustang Mach 1 customers can even use their current cars as a base for the Steeda upgrades or alternatively start from a new unregistered S550. Either way, once the Steeda upgrades have been applied all vehicles will be registered as a Steeda Q767 Mach 1. For UK customers this will most definitely be a unique make and model entry on the V5! Customers in Germany can treat their Mustang to the Steeda treatment or purchase a Steeda directly from Fiege Performance, Steeda’s official partner in Germany.
Steeda describes the Q767 as the ‘final hurrah’ for the S550 chassis as the new S650 Ford Mustang is now upon us which will also surely receive the Steeda treatment in the near future.
Image source: Steeda UK
Robbie Kazandjian, Steeda Europe’s Director said;
“We have long pushed for this day, and I am incredibly proud and excited by the result. Although all the challenges and problems caused by Covid have delayed the launch of this Q767 significantly, we think it is a game changer in Europe. Not only is it an incredible driver’s car, but also an extremely collectible and historic first non-Ford registered Mustang available in Europe.”
So if you are in the market for a high performance, track honed Ford Mustang, you may not actually end up buying a Ford.
Why not check out Steeda’s serialised Mustang’s here.