ECD Automotive Unleashes ''67 Ghost' Mustang - A Redefined, Bespoke Classic
Not only is this the first Mustang that ECD has built entirely in-house, but it also marks the beginning of their custom Mustang lineup, offering bespoke builds across the 1965 to 1970 model years. With a claimed focus on "period authentic engines and modern luxury craftsmanship," ECD decided to stick to gas and worked exclusively with Roush Performance on a refined small-block Ford V8 for the '67 Ghost. The ROUSH 347 IR V8 makes 465 hp through a set of deep, throaty exhaust pipes.
"We're not following the crowd," said Elliot Humble, CTO of ECD. "Everyone else is swapping in modern powertrains. We're doing something far more special - taking original Small Block Fords and making them better with Roush. Paired with the RS Spec chassis, these cars are fast, comfortable, and totally reimagined for how people want to drive today."
The interior is where this restomod may start to fall apart for some, including yours truly. While the brushed aluminum dashboard and gauges fit the look of a classic Mustang, the black leather heated Recaro front seats with tan diamond-stitched inserts do not. The same goes for the black center console and the unfortunate inclusion of an Alpine touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and JBL audio. Even the rearview mirror has been swapped to a live-feed digital rearview mirror, which, despite bringing a modern touch to the cabin, takes away from the overall feel of a classic Mustang.
The Mustang rides on a Roadster Shop RS Spec chassis, with a body finished in High Gloss Mineral White with Santorini Black Metallic rally stripes. The rest of the body remains true to the 1967 Mustang's image, with the glaring exception of those 17" Rambler chrome wheels. In my mind, a muscle car needs big rubber to get the V8's power under control at all times, and the skinny Nitto tires on the big chrome wheels just don't fit that look. At least there are 11" drilled & slotted rotors behind them with four piston red calipers.
ECD claims it has multiple Mustang builds already underway, with some inspired by Shelbys and Boss-era styling. According to the company's website, a Mustang build starts at $279,995, which...isn't cheap, to put it mildly. Whether or not a six-figure price tag is worth it for a modernized 465 hp V8 Mustang is entirely up to the prospective owner, but at least ECD didn't make it electric. That's one thing we can all be happy about.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Better Buy: Rivian vs. Ford
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Investors buying Rivian today are essentially betting that the company will not only survive but thrive after enduring years of costly expansion. It's a long runway -- but also a risky one. Ford: A legacy auto that's built to last Ford may not carry the same hype as Rivian, but it has things Rivian sorely lacks: scale, cash flow, and a dividend. Ford has put together four years in a row of solid revenue growth. Yes, annual net income is a bit up and down, but that's the nature of the car industry, especially when you've been pumping money into new things like EVs. The company has leaned into EVs with its popular F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E while still maintaining a strong lineup of internal combustion vehicles that provide steady income. Even more importantly, Ford assembles over 80% of its vehicles in the U.S., giving it a relative advantage in the face of rising tariffs under the Trump administration. As reported by Yahoo! Finance, Ford expects to weather the tariff storm better than some of its rivals like General Motors, looking at a $2 billion (after offsetting $1 billion) bill versus higher estimates from GM. Still, Ford's business is not immune, since many of its parts are still sourced globally. But compared to start-ups and foreign automakers, Ford's domestic production base offers a meaningful cushion. From a valuation standpoint, Ford looks attractive. Its stock trades at a modest multiple of 14 times earnings, and it offers a reliable dividend yield of around 5.43% -- something growth-hungry Rivian can't match. Plus, after selling most of its stake in Rivian last year, Ford has sharpened its focus on its own EV ambitions. The better buy There's no denying that Rivian has potential. Its alignment with Volkswagen is a meaningful endorsement, and its brand is resonating with younger, affluent buyers. But as of today, it remains a speculative investment, with a high burn rate and no profits in sight. Ford, on the other hand, offers investors value, income, and relative geopolitical insulation relative to many competitors. While it too faces challenges -- especially from supply chain disruptions and legacy costs -- it's better positioned to ride out short-term volatility. And for investors looking to combine stability with EV upside, Ford is the more compelling pick. Verdict: Ford is the better buy today. It might not make you filthy rich overnight, but the dividend and low price tag make it a safer and more appealing play within the auto industry. Should you invest $1,000 in Rivian Automotive right now? Before you buy stock in Rivian Automotive, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Rivian Automotive wasn't one of them. 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