A classic Ford Mustang has taken an unexpected turn into the off-road world. One example of the iconic American muscle car was radically reworked in the spirit of the Dakar rally, emerging as a striking safari-style machine built for rough terrain and long-distance journeys.

The project is based on a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. It now rides higher, with reinforced suspension and off-road tires sporting an aggressive tread. A roof rack, auxiliary LED lamps, and protective elements complete the look, underscoring the car’s desert-ready character. The result nods to the legendary Porsche 911 Safari builds, but with unmistakably American swagger.

Under the skin, the car retains its naturally aspirated V8, refined for greater durability and confident pull away from the tarmac. Crucially, the build remains fully road-legal, making it more than a showpiece—this is a car meant to be driven and explored.

The price is another hook. This Mustang sold for about €27,500—several times cheaper than Porsche 911s in a similar Dakar-inspired guise, which today are valued in the hundreds of thousands of euros. At the same time, the American coupe offers more space and everyday usefulness, including a proper trunk, which only strengthens its appeal.

All told, the project shows how the Dakar aesthetic is breaking out beyond premium brands, and how icons like the Mustang can earn a second life in an unexpected yet very compelling format.