An auto parts store owner in Sacramento converted a 1966 Ford Mustang into a fully functional Tesla, spending about $40,000. As a result of this comprehensive project that lasted two years, the classic car was equipped with the Model 3’s dual-motor powertrain, 15-inch touch screen and active “Full Autonomous Driving” (FSD) system.

This vehicle is the first car to run the FSD system in a non-Tesla model. Additionally, with an energy consumption of 258 Wh/mi, it manages to achieve the efficiency values ​​of a standard Model 3.

Transformation process from classic Mustang to Tesla

Yaro Shcherbanyuk, owner of Calimotive Auto Recycling, purchased the 1966 Mustang through Facebook Marketplace in the summer of 2022. Shcherbanyuk, who specializes in Tesla and Rivian parts, worked with his father Viktor and brother Daniel on his project.

The team integrated the floor and seat sections of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 into the body of the Mustang. Shortening the battery case to maintain the original dimensions, the team installed a dual-motor system in the vehicle that provides approximately 400 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to these modifications, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.5 seconds.

Software and autonomous driving capabilities

The most striking aspect of the project was the successful adaptation of Tesla’s camera array to the Mustang. In this way, Autopilot, Sentry Mode and “Full Autonomous Driving” (Supervised) features were activated in the vehicle.

Inside, the Model 3’s 15-inch touch screen controls all functions, while updates can be received wirelessly.

Additionally, Cybertruck’s steering wheel and Tesla’s heated-cooled seats were also added to the vehicle. The charging port was placed at the back where the original fuel cap was located.

In test drives, it was reported that a range of 194 miles was achieved with 80% battery charge. These data show that Tesla efficiency can be maintained despite the less aerodynamic structure of the Mustang. Do you think that equipping classic cars with modern electrical systems in this way will become a common practice in the future?