Nothing beats the look of a classic car, but the performance of these cars often leaves a lot to be desired. What was state of the art in the ’60s pales into comparison to even the most basic modern car. That is especially true of the stock suspensions on early cars, which is why Hotchkis Sport Suspension developed its line of Total Vehicle System suspension packages and one of the latest is for 1964.5 to 1973 Mustangs.

Hothckis Sport Suspensions constructed this gorgeous 1968 Mustang Fastback dubbed the HP427. This car is the testbed for the company’s latest TVS suspension packages for 1964.5-1973 Mustangs.

To prove out these systems, Hotchkis built a 1968 Fastback project car that will showcase the company’s full line at driving events across the country. This car made its debut at The SEMA Show in Las Vegas last week and it features a host of upgrades, including a Tremec TKO five-speed transmission, a Currie 9-inch, Wilwood Superlite 4R brakes and a 427ci Ford Performance crate engine topped by Hilborn injection.

“It is extremely important for us to have an in-house development vehicle,” John Hotchkis, of Hotchkis Sport Suspension, told us. “Customers always want to know, ‘Why should I buy your products?’ …We really strive to make the very best products. We can say that, but we have to get something out there that proves the point—a car that we can drive to autocrosses, track days and street cruises.”

Called the HP427 in deference to the cubes it packs underhood, this project Mustang is built to push the Hotchkis suspension components on the track. Developing on the track is important, but Hotchkis teaches its suspension street manners.

Hotchkis prides itself on the quality materials and construction of its suspension components. In the TVS kit, those include features tubular upper A-arms, tubular lower arms adjustable strut rods and 1.5 Street Performance shocks by Fox.

“…It is designed for the street but proven on the track. Nothing is better than getting out there on the track and proving what it will do, but we are all about comfort,” John said. “We are all about sport ride not race ride—like a new Mustang ride. We want the control, but we want the suppleness. We want it firm but comfortable. When you go into a corner the car will turn. If you go over a bump it will absorb that bump.”

The suspension in question is the Hotchkis Total Vehicle System, which is available for 1964.5-1973 Mustangs. It features lightweight tubular sway bars, tubular upper A-arms, tubular lower arms, Sport coil springs, Sport leaf springs, adjustable strut rods and 1.5 Street Performance shocks by Fox.

Also included in the TVS kits are Sport coil springs, Sport leaf springs, and tubular sway bars. The front coil springs offer a 1-inch drop, while the rear leafs drop the car by 1.4 inches.

“We have packages for anything that is fun to drive…,” John added. “But right now at The SEMA Show, we are concentrating on the Mustang suspension you see on this board. We do 4130 machined cross shafts. We do our upper arm for the Mustang in two different versions—’64-’66 (PN 80040-2; $3,920) and ’67-73 (PN 80041-2; $3,965). They feature TIG welding, zirc fittings, 4130 chrome-moly, Delrin bushings, billet spring-perch mounts, just great stuff.”

For more on the Hotchkis TVS systems, check out the company’s website here.