Ruffian Cars '67 Ford FIA Fastback Mustang

You've probably figured it out by now that we're massive fans of Chris Ashton and his Ruffian Cars team. This might be my favorite build they've done to date. So many amazing details and that naturally aspirated Shelby crate engine with the Weber carburetors is intoxicating to drive so sit back and enjoy the ride...
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[@mchristr]

The smaller wheel diameter with vintage race tires makes a huge statement. Chris sure has an eye for aesthetics: line, color, texture, depth, contrast. Very well done.

[@marcosmansilla397]

Qqhieievejdjkjjjjjjjjjjjj la mañana y no tengo ni un eu te dije que no me

[@literallyshaking8019]

Old cars need sidewall. I can’t stand a car from the 60s with 20s on it. It’s an abomination.

[@haveaday1812]

@@literallyshaking8019You’ll Never be able to afford one, not even build one of that caliber. So take that useless opinion and shove it in the back of your grocery getter and beat it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

His attention to detail is spot on

[@mura0]

yes, the wheel color/size/tire combo makes the car. What a spectacle of a car. Give that car against any modern Ferrari any day of the week.

[@maflingo42]

May be the coolest Mustang build ever. What a thoughtful build. Huge fan of this dude’s work.

[@jerryday8817]

I think I saw his gt40 vid first and I was hooked right from jump! So unique it's refreshing

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m a massive fan as well

[@orwellknew9112]

I can see Steve McQueen loving this car. That’s how cool it is. The colours, the shape, the lines, the drivetrain. All his choices are cool on their own, but the whole thing together is just so right. This is easily one of the nicest 60’s Mustang I’ve seen, maybe even the nicest.

[@tragiclife9760]

Not a ford fan at all, but this car transcends being a ford , spectacular build

[@MacktasticSlick_]

I already know it’s gonna be insane just by seeing the Ruffian name

[@AutotopiaLA]

And it is…wow!

[@RamblinAround]

Chris really gets it, love everything he designs. This might be my all-time favorite Mustang.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m with you all the way

[@jaedanb]

This thing is beautiful. I was in love with his 1970 already, and now I'm in love with this. You don't even notice so many of the subtle changes, but you know it looks better than factory. I would never have guessed without having an original side by side

[@JaredR1996]

Ruffian knows how to make some killer looking vehicles. It looks meaner than the average Mustang

[@cavscout62]

So great to see properly sized wheel and tire on this car, no goofy cartoon hoops.

[@ljsites]

Shawn, when it comes to the Ruffian cars you give off a ‘Kid on Christmas morning’ vibe’. You’re not alone.

[@timbebel4331]

What a talented group of guys, beautiful car! I can’t even fathom the hours into re-working all that steel. Salute!

[@zwei94]

the best restomodded 67 mustang ever. Hands down. Period.

[@nastystang113]

I’m not sure I would really classify this as a restomod. It doesn’t have a modern engine, it’s got very limited electronics, no power brakes, and I don’t think it has power steering. It’s an absolutely amazing car and I’m not saying this to take away from the build. The owner of Ruffian is genius and they can really build amazing cars.

[@heinrichbier4759]

This is as close to a "Perfect" build as it gets. Wow. Congrats to the builder.

[@buddymccormack8668]

I was impressed with the intro, that Mustang is incredible. I agree with Chris, vents and scoops should have a purpose or they are not needed.

[@wayland7150]

I like the British Racing Green and Bronze wheels.

[@talesofanasphaltjockey]

Can't beat a combination of classic original styling styling with modern refinement & technology ... the fact that he didn't go LS is what makes this car that much more special .

[@Comet-hn3gm]

That car is fantastic. I love the appearance with 15 inch wheels and tires.

[@AMac1978]

The 8 webers and equal length headers gives that car such a great, clean sound. I love this car.

[@troubluke5030]

4 webers, they are two barrel carbs:) They share float chambers. Common misconception I only know from having weber DCOE's and dellorto's in the past, sidedraught carbs but very similar

[@AMac1978]

@@troubluke5030 I didn't look close enough. I thought they were one barrels. Regardless this car sounds incredible.

[@user-gw6nq5gs9w]

I just couldn’t stop from smiling and grinning the whole time. A genuine car, and a genuine person. It shines through. This is my favorite car! So freaking cool. Thank you for sharing

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you enjoyed and get a sense of how special Chris is. Happy to know him and his crew

[@rawdyrider]

Real life Shaggy if I ever saw one.Great skills with the man. Plus a Ford guy!

[@jonlennon3348]

Spectacular !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jorgejefferson8251]

The amount of little details when he goes through everything is crazy. They need to film a new Bullitt chase scene with this car in the starring role.....love the sound of the car

[@chrisashton7133]

Love it! Maybe one day!

[@ConemantheBarbarian]

I’ve watched this twice now. The second time to pause my tv so I could check the details. What an awesome machine! Ruffian knocked this way out of the park!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Ruffian is the build team to be watching. Amazing work and design from Chris and his team

[@kopanomofokeng6562]

Ruffian is just brilliant!

[@genemounceSr]

OH my my my ! I literally JUST ordered the entire set of build books Chris has on their site. Perfect timing Shawn. 💪😎🤙

[@chrisashton7133]

Awesome, thank you so much!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Those books are so beautiful. Like his builds there’s no detail left alone

[@jamesbennett5421]

That’s a beautiful car! Wow!

[@neverendingmods]

Ruffian has it going on right now. Using early 60's on up road racing styles as inspiration and taking it further with an "open class" modern flare is 🔥🔥. The cars, with their original style frames instead of a complete 1 piece frame with inboard brakes, 5 link rear, etc give the owners a sense of what it was exactly like to have an open class road racer back in the day but with modern safety, reliability, and modern power. A long with that look everybody loves. The look we all got into cars for. Ruffian is on fire right now.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Ruffian is crushing the game! I’m a huge fan as you can tell

[@mynamesmiked]

I absolutely love how much passion he's bringing to the scene

[@AutotopiaLA]

Same for me

[@craik26]

Beautiful! Just beautiful!!!

[@richheider8455]

Chris and his Ruffian crew are fabricated and building some fabulous looking cars ❤😎😁👍👍🤙

[@checolate9680]

This guy is my favorite fabricator. I like his engineering. I saw the video of his other Mustang a couple years ago and I was fascinated with his engineering.

[@MrRanggong]

45:10 after which you and chris just look at each other and laugh. Thats the experience you'll never get from a electric car. It will always be the most satisfying.

[@Jorgens_Garage]

love this build.. nice work Chris!!!!

[@johnnymossville]

The Shelby mag 15" wheels with big sidewalls, the open grille, the classic paint job, the retro gold interior, the 289 with webers,. The leather straps over the spare tire, Great!! This car is just plain stunning. this is a man of taste. Love it.

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

Nothing but pure awesomeness from this guys garage. New, it was gonna be awesome when i read the name, another brilliant show Sean, 🍻 KC Cradle Mountain ⛰️ Tasmania 🇦🇺

[@AutotopiaLA]

Chris and his team are killing it with their creations

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

@AutotopiaLA absolutely 💯 percent 👊

[@adventureswithedna]

You always have the best mustangs on your channel

[@erniearambula3525]

When you hear the thought and process that went into this build its cerebral its mind blowing in its execution for a modern vintage mustang gotta love it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I agree. Ruffian is truly impressive in their approach and execution

[@timothydraper3687]

The attention to detail with the grills, and the head rest mounts, is awesome.

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

This car is dripping with personality so much! Love the homage to vintage racing, but still making the car drivable. I can see why Chris considers this the most "accurate" build - accurate to his intent. Love it. Inspiring build and incredible talent. And, great filming!

[@CyberDocUSA]

Chris is like a method actor in the building world, a *_Method Builder,_* if you will. I mean this in a complimentary sense that, like an actor who will go hungry for weeks to lose weight and live the life of the character they are portraying, Chris has the ability to understand the character of the car he's building, each component and how they all relate to each other and influence the whole experience. In essence, he becomes what he builds along the way. Plus he's a mad scientist of sorts, so you gotta love that. 🙂

[@riccocool]

Never go full retard. Tropic Thunder.

[@AutotopiaLA]

He’s a special one that’s for sure. I really enjoy getting to understand how he thinks

[@chrisashton7133]

Really appreciated. I love this little car so much. I'm glad that others are getting the same vibe!

[@randyrainier9670]

Kind of speechless, just wow!

[@anthonysiegel4685]

Man what a car.. love to drive that.. must be a thrill..

[@andycombo]

I was waiting this video since the first SEMA's footage. Coolest Mustang ever. Not bad for a videogames designer.

[@mitchellzrobin1933]

Another great production.

[@davidlopez991]

Love the Mustang, Shawn looking forward to the podcast.

[@AntRielly]

That sound is so addictive.. Love it and great car.

[@joshhonomichl1984]

This car is so sick. I’ve been waiting for months for you guys to get it and go through it. It’s so awesome!

[@AlexGerling]

I think this is the best sounding mustang I've heard

[@chrisashton7133]

Equal length long tubes, h-pipes and four glass packs with side exits - hard to beat!

[@williamsager1238]

One outstanding build after another a true legend in the making..

[@mikedean5595]

Oh man, such a cool car!!

[@properteaproperty]

If only all Mustangs looked like that!! Incredible build.. just looks so right

[@geraldstanley9692]

That looks all kinds of ‘right’. Absolutely love this. Great video. Really enjoyed this. The car must be even better IRL.

[@WOZCINEMA]

I’m 5 minutes into this and I’m lovin it!!!

[@scottlowe5824]

Bad ass car - Love it - this guy is the Bud Moore of the 21st century

[@chrisashton7133]

Hah! I don't know about that but I do love to build and drive em. 💚

[@Borderline5440]

The respect paid to history is my favorite part of these phenomenal builds. Bravo.

[@JoeMicc1973]

Wow! Just wow. I love this car more and more every time I see it!! Chris & his team have truly built a masterpiece with the FIA Mustang. 👌🏼👌🏼. Shawn, the ATLA production team absolutely knocked this episode out of the park! I totally get what you were saying…even at an hour, the whole episode keeps you engaged and intrigued. Chris’s work of art got its due attention. Great show! 🙌🏼

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks. It couldn’t be any shorter or we would’ve cut something that mattered. Truly a work of rolling driving art!

[@TheMerc1950]

I could listen to that thing all day long. Beautiful!!

[@SRobison1931]

Chris & Ruffian cars just keeps knocking out these amazing builds. Wiithout Autotopia interviewing & going over all the amazing work & details, there would be no way to soak it all in. Can't wait for next one Chris & his team creates

[@craiglizt8074]

Man that's a rad Mustang. Great choices all around in the design too.

[@WOZCINEMA]

Absolute brilliance Chris!!!

[@bos6782]

Love everything about this Mustang, especially the color and the rims selected. Wow what a machine… love it

[@chrisashton7133]

Sweeeet, thank you!

[@duane9707]

This would be my daily driver!!

[@chrisashton7133]

It really was built to be able to do that job, and what a head turner it would be too.

[@christianarias6974]

Those body line match so well

[@mitchellzrobin1933]

Nice Ruffian again! GREAT COMPANY.

[@lukiw7044]

A ton of great job made by this car. Very precise and well done build. Great episode. Greetings

[@bobleenko512]

Just finished watching . Another absolutely genuis build Chris. I literally cannot stop smiling. Bext up........TORINO.....TORINO.....TORINO ! CONGRATS ON IT ALL !

[@AutotopiaLA]

He’s got some really cool builds under way but this will be hard for anyone to top. But just watch what they do next…

[@chrisashton7133]

Just gotta find a good donor!

[@anvilauto6493]

This is one of those rare custom cars that just has the right sauce through and through! Well done Chris and crew and fantastic job from Shawn and the team at AutotopiaLA for putting together this stellar video!

[@rajcam80]

Sick build! The other Mustang with LS is sick as well!

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’d say he’s hit a home run with all 4 Ruffian cars. This is phenomenal

[@rajcam80]

@@AutotopiaLA Very talented group! I am hopeful from learning from my friends at DSE,that my 1971 Pontiac Lemans GT-37 will be something in the future, without that big bill!

[@chrisashton7133]

75% of the overall cost is labor, so the more you can do yourself, the cheaper you can build it.

[@patrickeast6926]

Shawn, this was one of your most interesting and well planned shows. Absolutely amazing! Bravo!

[@71fordpinto]

One of a kind art on 4 wheels. Build books are unique and extremely well done. I recommend getting a set.

[@chrisashton7133]

Nice, thanks for the kind words!

[@ericdrinnan5814]

He reminds so much Jonathan Ward from ICON. He vision and as per Ward "Geek Out!" I am not a mustang, but man... The details, Beautiful.

[@West__Coast__Joyride]

Wow I’ love it so awesome mustang! Sound awesome .

[@michaeldelaney7271]

About your headlights ... In the 1970's R&T was testing various types of headlights. The editor "volunteered" me to have the yellow bulbs for our VW bus. Each member of the staff, with the experimental or foreign headlights, was given a letter from the California Highway Patrol Headquarters authorizing us to use those lights. During the time we had the yellow bulbs fitted, we were stopped just about every time we took the bus out at night. The CHP officers would read the letter, scratch their chins a little and then send us on our way. Anyway, good luck.

[@AutotopiaLA]

lol! So far everyone just stares at this including cops!

[@chrisashton7133]

Super easy swap if it ever becomes an issue. Not the most visibility at night anyhow but they're so cool we couldn't help ourselves.

[@chrisashton7133]

Also, awesome story! Thanks for sharing!

[@barrycuda3769]

I can remember seeing an advertisement in an early 1980's English car magazine for a small bottle of translucent yellow paint that you could brush over your headlight glass ,if you were taking your car to France, apparently, at the time the French Police required all cars on their roads to have yellow headlights.

[@michaeldelaney7271]

As soon as our test was over, we swapped in the "white" bulbs. We found the same thing you did about the visibility at night. Yellow wasn't so hot. After the switch our headlights were still not legal (they were not sealed beams) but nobody noticed because the color looked "normal." @@chrisashton7133

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

Super impressed with the cars Chris builds .. particularly this one.

[@mbc9290]

Yes. 289 is the legend please and thank you 🙏 sir!

[@jamesspikes9741]

Absolutely the best sounding mustang ever!

[@chrisashton7133]

I love how it sounds at 6k! Really sweet sound!

[@lansvsion9543]

This is one of the best episodes in the Autopia LA auto series.

[@gregsidel3557]

Congratulations, Chris. You have built a beautiful car. You're little touches are so fantastic. I really do like your taste. I have a 57 cube. I wish I could let you rework for me. But I don't have the money so that it gonna happen. But it would be a real honor to let you work on it. Again, you are a fantastic builder.I'm so happy to see what you do.Thank you again

[@AutotopiaLA]

He sure does amazing work and his team is right there every step of the way. Truly impressive

[@chrisashton7133]

Thank you so much!

[@toomanytoys09]

What can you say..Another awesome build!

[@aaronwoodbridge7979]

Two thumbs up on the last 5 killer Ford project's not my brand by heart but I'm liking them more after all your work finding great cars and trucks, people who want a out of the box ride, thanks for your time

[@vb50562]

The hills are still green nice. The attention to functional details was really special. Did the video seem long no not at all. That mustang was really incredible. I’ve always been a Porsche guy but then I got a 70 Chevelle. That car was the perfect blend European flair and American muscle. Really seemed like you were just blown away by the whole car and I can tell you so was I That is one amazing build

[@დავითიკუჭუაშვილი]

I love this car!

[@LexusThaMechanic]

Such a sharp fastback 🎉 That's one of my dream cars

[@13_13k]

Big props to Chris on this build. All the upgraded / modified parts are not just asthetics but changed for a purpose and function, as well. I have one thing that does bother me about that design and i'm glad to hear Chris say what I was thinking and that would be the delete of the wind wings in the doors. To me, personally wind wings were so cool and their presence is what defines the year of the car. They also are very convenient when you just want some fresh air without cracking the window and getting that wind tunnel noise. They do make it easier to break into a car (you can tell I'm from L.A.) but I've owned two '67 Chevelles and a '66 Pontiac Bonneville wagon and a '67 Camaro and a '66 428 Thunderbird all have wind wings. Chris even said that he wished he left them in the doors and wouldn't even as an option leave them out for his next build. That 289 aluminum block and heads punched to 361 or whatever he said is the way to go and the Webers is the frosting on the cake, as long as you have a guy who really knows how to adjust those things. If you don't have that guy you'll have nothing but problems. The cool factor is huge and the exhaust is insane. Hey, kids ... don't let your parents tell you that video games are a waste of time. Become a game designer and you too could be a multi millionaire and have a custom car shop as a hobby before you turn 35 years old.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Chris and his team are truly impressive. He doesn’t miss any details

[@13_13k]

@@AutotopiaLA --- you are absolutely correct about that. The first time I saw Chris and one of his cars was on Nichole Johnson's channel and I was really impressed with his work. You put it right in this video saying he is an enthusiast, not just a builder/fabricator. He loves his cars. They are being built for him, not for some client, well he has clients now but those cars are his personal toys and it shows. I have an '06 Dodge Magnum R/T 5.7 Hemi in fantastic shape but a blown motor. It's sitting at a friends ranch in Lancaster because I have no garage and he's not chatging me to store it. I'm hoping to donate or partner up with someone to do a build with that wagon. I've been told I have 2 - 10 years to live, I'll be 59 this year and I'm 3 years into that 2-10 window. I want to do some things before I die and getting that car set up to road race or drag or something is one of those things. To enjoy the process and then drive it would be so cool.

[@tylerdean5443]

This car is so well done. Crazy.

[@garyhenschke7330]

Absolutely Stunning Ford Mustang powered by FORD 🇦🇺

[@Nicolas_Carras]

It's so well done that it's hard to believe it's real. Like the Mona Lisa. You see what I mean. It draws you into its world and you can't resist. Chris Ashton, you are not just a creator, builder, artist, you are a magician. I am a big fan ! And thank you Mister Davis for showing us all this wonderful work. Best!

[@TT-ch2pz]

Dig the new intro! Every time I watch one of these videos, I'm reminded that I need to buckle down and make mo money.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I reminded of the same thing lol! Let’s go!!

[@matthewlockhart1529]

love the drama of the intro

[@TheBilingualBanker]

This Mustang is perfect! Best looking one, in my personal opinion

[@DKLabs99]

This guy is killing it. Another well thought out, purpose build.

[@Jezzafool]

I would love for Chris to come full circle and bring this and the Galaxy to Goodwood Revival ❤

[@laurencewhiteley.]

Love his builds. That wide stance!

[@alphafort]

Like always excellent video. Outstanding production characteristics. Your team knows their shit! What's remarkable is the consistency in the production quality... Other channel should do a look and learn.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. Lots of time and energy but it’s always worth it when I see the end result

[@shawng7902]

sitting here thinkin' to myself, imo, the 67 fastback has always been a favorite. 67,69,70 are to me the best-looking bodystyles they ever had. Then that 70 pops up . Of course, he has 1970 too lol. Ive been into drag racing my whole life, but the older trans-am series and style of car has always got me. Cars like this just look evil on the street and most of the time will hang with about anything you run into today. That no-grill oil cooler look is badass. Those lines frame it in and make it look like it has one.

[@LtHawk77]

This is the level of detail and approach I would love(and wish) to have thrown at something like my 64 Mercury. Truly appreciate the use of classic parts and going for a period what if kind of build. Absolute work of functional art.

[@mjaymo]

That is the best and nicest Mustang I have ever seen. Just stunning details. Amazing

[@GoSnackGo]

What a stunner. If I ever win the lottery, this is it - dream car.

[@arthurlangford5861]

My kind of build! This thing is retro traditional vintage on steroids!!! Beautifully designed and turned out!

[@juanitomendoza9254]

Another absolute beauty. You can see these cars are built with passion

[@neverendingmods]

To put into perspective just how thought out these Ruffian builds are, consider what he said regarding all the bracing and mounting points of everything that sees force. Like the hood pins. 99% of all the "I'll build you any million dollar car you want" shops that continuously show up on Autotopia this is one of the 1% of the shops that would actually give a crap about an owner's hood cracking or hood pin mount breaking months or years down the road after continuous driving. Which the 1st owners likely won't do. Then listen to all the structural reinforcement work put in to this car. You know the owner didn't ask for all that fabrication work. But it was done to make it right. And not a wet noodle if actually driven really hard on a course, wicked canyon\back road, etc. Nobody driving 7\10ths would notice if all that support wasn't there.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Chris and his team don’t miss. Every detail actually matters to them and more builders should take note of what they’re doing imo

[@chrisashton7133]

I drive and maintain my own cars so I know the frustrations when something doesn't work properly. Every Ruffian build is owner oriented. Thanks for noticing and for the kind words!

[@1valg]

Well, I´ll just make it a habit to press like whenever it says Ruffian in the headline. Another masterpiece. Damn, this guy can build cars!

[@jonathanjones1814]

This guy have a brilliant mind when it comes to building a proper car.