‘Candy Red’ Hoonicorn Tribute Fires on All Cylinders

This classy restomod has us missing ken Block and warmer weather in equal measure.

We don’t like to use the word “iconic” here at The Mustang Source. In fact, we have an “Iconic Jar” at the office – it’s like a swear jar, except we have to toss in a quarter every time we (over)use the dreaded I-word. In this case, though, it’s more than warranted.

Ken Block was nothing short of an automotive icon, and he’s dearly missed to this day. Equally iconic are the wild cars from his Gymkhana videos, especially the infamous Hoonicorn Mustang. As such, we’re frankly shocked that it took someone so long to build an appropriate tribute.

In this video from Autopia LA, we are introduced to Vince Hernandez of RestomodMustangs.com and their newest build, a twin turbo 1965 Mustang coupe. One look at this gorgeous candy apple red coupe and the Hoonicorn inspiration is clear. The extra-wide Fifteen52 wheels, beefy fender flares, and twin turbocharged Windsor sticking through the hood all evoke our favorite Ken Block hoon-mobile.

Made to Order

Hernandez takes an interesting approach to his work. He allows clients to select options, much like a “Build & Price” tool on a new-car manufacturer website. From that rough outline, he works with his customers to make their dreams a reality. That’s how this particular ‘65 Mustang came to be. The owner was inspired to commission this tribute after Block’s passing, but wanted a car that he could drive and enjoy as well.

The Windsor V8 under the hood was bored and stroked to 401 cubic inches. Breathing through a pair of 72mm T4 turbochargers, it’s capable of spinning tire on the dyno at just 5 lbs. of boost while producing around 600 horsepower to the wheels. Thankfully, the suspension and brakes have been comprehensively upgraded to handle all of that power. Of course, the mega-wide meats help put that power to the pavement as well.

Shifting duties are handled by a T56 Magnum transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels via a Ford 9” equipped with an Alston four-link setup. Hernandez estimates the weight at a sprightly 3200 pounds, making this car an absolute rocketship. We certainly envy the lucky owner of this beautiful machine.

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Cameron Vanderhorst

Cam VanDerHorst has been a contributor to Internet Brands' Auto Group sites for over three years, with his byline appearing on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Corvette Forum, JK Forum, and Harley-Davidson Forums, among others. In that time, he's also contributed to Autoweek, The Drive, and Scale Auto Magazine.
He bought his first car at age 14 -- a 1978 Ford Mustang II -- and since then he’s amassed an impressive and diverse collection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, including a 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Mystic Cobra (#683) and a classic air-cooled Porsche 911.
In addition to writing about cars and wrenching on them in his spare time, he enjoys playing music (drums and ukulele), building model cars, and tending to his chickens.
You can follow Cam, his cars, his bikes, and his chickens at @camvanderhorst on Instagram.

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