During the first decade of the 21st century, the overarching theme for many car companies was “retro.” Perhaps no car better embodied that design philosophy than the 2005 Ford Mustang, which borrowed a lot of design langauge from the original pony car. The 2010 refresh kept the retro theme with items like sequential taillights, but it was decidedly more modern than the 2005-2009 Mustangs.

But that didn’t stop 23-year old John Herrmann from taking a brand-new Ford Mustang and, under the guidance of a master metal worker, began the transformation into something even more retro than the 2005-2009 Mustangs, reports Mustang Heaven.

Herrmann began the project before even making a single payment on the Mustang, and his plan is to graft ‘68 and ‘69 Mustang body panels to the 2012 Mustang body. So far he has done the nose, tail, and rear quarter-panels, giving the modern Mustang a much more retro look. But by far the biggest change was lengthening the hood 14 additional inches. That’s a lot more hood!

As far as performance modifications go, Herrmann, who is building this under the guidance of Doug Keilian of Auto Kraft and Paint in Lincoln, Nebraska, is keeping things simple. A carbon fiber engine cover, performance exhaust, custom tune, and long tube headers are the only real power adders. But we’re more looking forward to the finished product of this blending of modern and retro Mustang. Looks good so far, and we can’t wait to see what it looks like all done up at SEMA next week, where it will be on display.