A Celebrity Restomod: Robert Downey Jr's Boss 302 Mustang
Robert Downey Jr. is a man of many talents. Whether keeping audiences spellbound as Iron Man or creating music, his talents are prodigious. What’s probably less well known is his excellent taste in cars. His expensive and expansive collection includes several Audi R8s, a Corvette Stingray, and a Mercedes-Benz Pagoda. It also includes this wonder: a restomodded 1970 Boss 302 Mustang. Built by SpeedKore Performance Group of Grafton, Wisconsin, the Mustang maintains its classic Boss cool while also being forged into a lethally modern and fast machine.
As you’d expect, the engine was the first thing to go. The old 302 was removed and replaced with a 5-liter supercharged Ford Performance Aluminator V8 producing 667 horsepower. This is linked to a Bowler T56 transmission and a 9-inch rear differential by Detroit Speed, while exhaust flows through a custom Speedkore set up. The Mustang’s handling has been tightened with a new Detroit Speed frame, Quadralink suspension, and reinforced subframe.
Both the exterior and interior have seen a fair bit of modernization. Carbon fiber has been used for the hood, fenders, bumpers, and more, and it’s been finished in Tuscany, a PPG Khaki blend. The Mustang’s wheels are completely custom, designed by HRE wheels and RDJ himself, with the classic Panasport wheel serving as inspiration. This bespoke approach to design continues inside. The seats are coated in brown leather, and analog dials and a three-spoke steering wheel complete the car’s retro look, with Vintage Air also fitted. The interior work was handled by Gabe’s Custom Interiors of San Bernadino, California.
