Yes, you’re thinking, very good – another take on the modified Mustang. We’ve seen this all before. The Steeda Q767 Mach 1 and Q500 Enforcer are rather different, however, because these aren’t Fords. In a process that’s taken a decade (and presumably a few headaches along the way), they are homologated in Europe and the UK as Steeda Mustangs. It’s been achieved in conjunction with Ford in Europe, too, so this isn’t some underhand certification. But it does mean that, as well as being the first non-Ford Mustangs ever in Europe, Steeda can really let loose on creating some of the very best S550 Mustangs around before the new S560 is here. And they sound really, really good.

The Mach 1-based Q767 doesn’t have 767hp, but that’s not the point of a Steeda Mustang. Instead, the focus has been ‘entirely on the idea of grip and handling performance to cast the Mustang as a true sports car’, to create something apparently fit to take on cars like the BMW M4 Competition. Upgrades include Steeda’s dual-rate springs matched to the Magneride dampers (taking the ride height down 19mm), thicker (and adjustable) anti-roll bars with solid billet mounts, additional bracing and better bushes, all developed on Steeda’s home test track in Georgia as well as Sebring and Homestead Miami. The modifications even go as far as new camber plates to allow anything up to a properly aggressive -2.8 degrees on the front axle, plus jacking rails to make switching tyres over simpler and reducing the risk of underside damage. That’s the kind of buyer the Q767 is aimed at. Steeda reckons drivers ‘will be stunned at the difference compared to a stock car’. And that’s hugely promising, given the entertainment on offer in a standard Mach 1, and the frustration of some customers here at not being offered the US market track pack.

As for the GT-derived Q500, it gets a power upgrade to 480hp, uprated brakes – slotted discs, braided lines, better pads – and suspension improvements that can work whether the donor car has Mageride or not. Lightweight Velgen wheels finish off both Steeda packages, with the really committed offered Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres if desired. Steeda does promises ‘a truly gripping sports car’, after all.

Those that want a Q500 or Q767 can base their build on either one of the few unregistered S550 Mustangs still for sale, or use an already registered car. “We have long pushed for this day, and I am incredibly proud and excited by the result,” said Steeda Europe’s director Robbie Kazandjian. “Although all the challenges and problems caused by Covid have delayed the launch of this Q767 significantly, we think it is a game changer in Europe. Not only is it an incredible driver’s car, but also an extremely collectible and historic first non-Ford registered Mustang available in Europe.” There are no price details available yet, but there are certainly a few cars – this 120-mile, Grabber Blue Mach 1 looks ideal for a Steeda transformation.