Ford’s top-secret Mustang Ute concept emerges from the shadows
Words: Andrew Sluys
A Mustang ute concept built by Ford has been unveiled to the public, via a social media post from the brand’s heritage fleet manager.
Though this concept might have been popular in our part of the world, it was never intended to be driven, or even shown to the world.
Instead, it came to be from a challenge set to Ford employees, where they had to create a Mustang-based concept unlike nothing else.
Matt Korczyk, the heritage fleet manager explained the situation in his post to Instagram:
“The latest addition to the Ford Heritage Fleet, this Mustang ‘Ute’ Concept,” Korczyk wrote as he posted shots of the car in a roped-off area, finished in a striking Cyber Orange paint job with what appears to be a short tray grafted onto the rear.
“This concept was built by the team in the Ford EVB [Experimental Vehicles Building] Metal Shop, as a way to train apprentices by allowing them to get real world, hands on experience by way of building a concept car.
“The team took a normal Mustang, and turned it into a hand crafted, one-off concept “Ute”. Hundreds of hours went into this build and it serves as a great reminder of how skilled trades of all kinds are integral to the Company.
“It also showcases the raw talent and skill of not only the apprentices who honed their craft on this vehicle, but also the talent of those who helped teach them. Until now, this concept has never been shown outside the walls of Ford EVB!!”
The result is an interesting mash-up of Ford parts, starting with a S550 base car, with a Shelby-sourced front end, and wider fenders.
It’s unclear as to whether or not it’s got an engine at all, as the height of the front end hints at an empty bay.
While this is one of the more wild Mustang concepts that has seen the light of day, Ford is reportedly working on an off-road ‘Baja’ version of its iconic coupe.
