Revology 1968 ‘Bullitt’ Mustang GT (US) review: a reborn classic, made better

What is it?

This is the Revology 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback, though it’s a ’68 in name only, as this is a new vehicle produced by Revology, makers of classic-style Modern Ford and Shelby Mustangs. In particular, this model is done up in the distinct Highland green of Bullitt fame, along with the black wheels and open grille bereft of badge and fog lamps.

So it’s another restomod, then?

Revology founder Tom Scarpello won’t thank you for that. As a matter of fact, he sort of bristles at the term. Tom was kind enough to give me a walk-around of his McQueen-ready Mustang and during our chat, my repeated use of it as a catch-all for the segment caused the steely-eyed Mustang man to pause in deep thought.

“I think it’s become such a derogatory term,” said Tom. “Who used to restore cars? It was generally body shops, yeah? So an owner - who loved cars - opens up a restoration shop, [customers] would send their cars and… three years later, it’s all back together. Hopefully.

“And then,” Tom continues, “[customers] start asking ‘Hey, can you add power steering? Can you add air conditioning?’ And sure, a couple of things is fine, but then it becomes… a different suspension, a different powertrain, etcetera. And that guy’s not an engineer… they just can’t execute it correctly.

“[In this hypothetical example,] people will buy a car, take it somewhere and try to fix all these little things, it’ll cost them $100,000 and they’ll have a terrible experience. I don’t want to be associated with that. That’s not what we do.” With that in mind, it’s easy to see why someone who has a hyper focus on quality details doesn’t want to be lumped in with any old “Johnny Resto shop”.

Alright, sounds fair. In that case, what should it be called?

‘Reproduction’ would be a more fitting term, carrying over the DNA of the original. A replica is certainly not what Revology is doing: they’re not making an exact recreation of a 1968 Mustang, they’re making it better.

Bold claim. What’s Revology doing different?

You might be shocked to hear this, but cars today are better built than they were 60 years ago, even if they’re coming from a comparatively small facility in Orlando, Florida rather than a major automotive plant. Still, Tom walked me through how his vehicles improve upon the original Mustang while staying true to the parts of it people hold dear.

In most ways, it's building that same 1960s Mustang with technology that wasn’t around then, and we’re not even talking about navigation or anything particularly fancy. We’re talking a polyurethane rear windshield properly bonded with the body, door latches from the present decade and other reinforcements that prevent the squeaks and rattles of the original. Tom calls these things the “unsexy” details, though they’re what adds up to deliver the level of craftsmanship he strives for.

Any other changes are concessions made in areas that would improve upon the original. The exterior, for example, is nearly identical to the 1968 classic, but some liberties were taken to give it a cleaner look, like the absence of an antenna mast.

There are of course other changes that are necessities stemming from the modernization of the powertrain. Contemporary brakes means riding on 17-inch wheels, rather than the 15s on the original. The exhaust system is bigger and more robust because it needs to complement the new 5.0-liter V8 fitted in the engine bay. It would take a real stickler to nitpick the differences between this Revology Mustang and a true 60s example.

So how does it drive?

From the moment you open the door, the “unsexy” stuff already makes a difference. And by the time you slide, buckle up, and start the engine, the Revology Mustang feels reassuring. It doesn’t come off as janky or give you a sense that you might break it by handling it indelicately, it’s solid and confident.

As mentioned, the Revology Mustang is powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 that generates 460hp and 420lb ft of torque. In this build, it's married to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, through which power is laid down through the rear. It rides on a double-wishbone front suspension and a Ford-sourced rear axle sporting a limited-slip diff. Modern parts, yes, though controlled the old-fashioned way: no digital safeties here, but you at least get a brake package from this century.

In step with the desire to de-clutter the exterior, the same goes for the interior, where space is at a premium. The cabin is dominated by an enlarged transmission tunnel, a three-spoke wood wheel, and wood veneer wherever it’s not chrome or leather. Tucked away beside the steering column is an electronic handbrake and push-button starter. Classic gauges have some integrated digital elements though it’s primarily classic dials throughout, with the full-on digital touchscreen standing out as the most anachronistic element. I'll happily overlook this for the sake of navigation and a back-up camera.

Fire it up, and the Borla-sourced exhaust sings a classic tune. The Mustang feels powerful, and the trembling at idle doesn’t expose any chattering bits. It takes a couple seconds to get used to the high bite of the clutch, but once you do, you feel like you’re the drummer in a jam session with a rock band. The Mustang feels as powerful underfoot as it looks, though it doesn’t threaten to jump out from under you. So long as you keep the horseplay to a minimum.

During the demo I didn’t encounter many curves, but based on this short drive I suspect the Revology Mustang retains the pony car’s aversion to anything sharp. I’m happy to give it another go, so long as there’s a generous run-off; the lack of airbags, near-$300k price tag and Tom’s unwavering gaze was enough to dissuade me from an impromptu Gone in 60 Seconds-style escapade. 

What’s the verdict?

Let’s take a minute to remember that the Mustang has been in constant production since the car this reproduction represents made its debut. In that time, Ford has been trying to recapture that lightning in a bottle, to varying degrees of success. 

That said, there’s a reason why Mustangs of this era are so desperately sought after, but what most collectors discover is how our collective memory of them smooths out the rough edges. Reproductions like the Revology Mustang lets us have our cake and eat it too, giving us something that feels close to the Mustang Ford wishes it could make; vintage style, modern amenities.

That level of quality doesn’t come cheap, though. Starting at $270,500, it’s a Mustang that costs as much as three brand-new Corvettes. Whether that jives or not will come down to the individual, though the usability and Revology’s claim of quality might be convincing, particularly if that quality persists many years down the line. Sorry Johnny, you might be out of the resto game.