When it comes to unique car builds, few projects stand out as much as this custom four-eye Fox Body Mustang, which started life as a 1980 Mercury Zephyr wagon. Built by Shepard, an enthusiast with a passion for wagons, this project was born from a simple yet intriguing question: could Mustang parts seamlessly bolt onto a Zephyr? The answer was a surprising and resounding yes—at least for the most part.
A Fox Body Transformation
The Mercury Zephyr, a somewhat forgotten station wagon, was given a radical new identity with the front-end swap from a first-generation Fox Body Mustang. This modification alone drastically changed the car’s aesthetic, making it instantly recognizable as part of the Mustang lineage. But Shepard didn’t stop there.
To match the aggressive styling of the Mustang front end, flared arches were added to accommodate the wide wheels. The final touch? A pristine white paint job that contrasts beautifully with the gold Rotiform wheels and a striking red Mustang interior.
Power and Performance: The Coyote Upgrade
The real heart of this transformation lies under the hood. Gone is the original underwhelming inline engine, replaced with a monstrous Gen 3 5.0-liter Coyote V8. This powerhouse cranks out 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, ensuring that the once-humble wagon now packs a serious punch.
Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the Coyote engine delivers a truly engaging driving experience, bringing muscle car performance to a platform that was never intended to handle such power.
Chassis and Suspension Reinforcements
With such a dramatic increase in power, structural and suspension upgrades were a necessity. A tubular K-member was installed, not only reducing weight but also making room for the Coyote’s long-tube headers. The suspension received a significant upgrade with adjustable coilovers, allowing for fine-tuned handling dynamics.
In the rear, a Mustang Cobra independent suspension setup was added, vastly improving the ride quality and road-holding capabilities. Additionally, tubular A-arms further enhance the handling, making the car more responsive in the corners.
Braking Power to Match the Performance
With 460 horsepower under the hood, stopping power was just as important as acceleration. To address this, the front brakes were swapped for high-performance 14-inch Wilwood rotors with six-piston calipers, ensuring that this custom-built wagon can come to a halt just as quickly as it can take off.
A One-of-a-Kind Build
What started as a curiosity-driven project has become one of the most impressive Fox Body-based creations to date. By blending the practicality of a station wagon with the power and aggression of a Mustang, Shepard has crafted a truly unique machine.
This Mercury Zephyr is no longer just a forgotten relic of the past—it’s now a high-performance muscle wagon that turns heads wherever it goes. Whether on the streets or the track, this build proves that with creativity, skill, and a little bit of madness, anything is possible in the world of custom cars.
