Tickford Trans-Am Mustang 2019 Review

It’s only been a few months since Tickford announced a 400kW upgrade for the Ford Mustang GT; and it’s fair to say the $2000 tuner pack has been popular with Aussie Mustang customers from the get-go.

The additional 61kW/76Nm gives the 5.0-litre Ford V8 a chance to run like a thoroughbred all the way to its 7500rpm redline, and with a sports exhaust available as part of the deal provides a soundtrack muscle car enthusiast will be salivating over (I know I did).

So, when you combine that throbbing engine with a nod to the 1969 BOSS 302 Trans-Am raced by Allan Moffat at Bathurst, the result is one that’s certain to be a hit – at least for the 99 people who’ll get to buy one.

This limited-edition Tickford Trans-Am Mustang is engineered under Allan Moffat’s guidance, and is created to provide what Tickford says is an “opportunity to own a piece of history recreated for the modern era”.

For many Aussie motorsport fans, Allan Moffat’s ‘69 BOSS 302 Trans-Am needs little introduction.

Developed in the US by Ford Racing’s Kar Kraft division, the Mustang is an iconic part of Touring Car history Down Under. It graced Australian circuits from 1969-74 and amassed an astounding 101 wins from 151 starts.

The 2019 Tickford Trans-Am is available in two variations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Performance Edition ($32,995) and Performance Plus Edition ($52,995) variants require customers to secure, purchase and register a Race Red Mustang GT (auto or manual) and to arrange delivery to Tickford’s workshop in Epping, Victoria.

From here, the Tickford team works its magic on the car, replicating the livery of the 1969 BOSS 302 Trans-Am, adding a rear wing and Tickford-engineered grille and (LED DRL) light assembly, and proving its unique 400kW (536hp) and 620Nm ECU tune.

An autographed front strut brace is added, as are bespoke 20-inch eight-spoke Minilite-styled alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

Wilwood brakes, lowered suspension and a red leather interior are also standard fare.

After (im)patiently enduring Melbourne’s bumper to bumper traffic, a run through the hills north of the city quickly proved the Tickford Trans-Am Mustang means business.

A batch of cheap fuel made the engine’s low-speed response sluggish, occasionally pinging as it struggled to build revs. But after burning through what remained in the tank and replenishing it with 98 RON premium, the Coyote V8 soon found its stride.

Above 5500rpm the 5.0-litre mill pulls strongly to its redline and the twist of the unit tugging at its mounts is an apt, if perhaps unintentional, nod to the BOSS 302 of old.

Despite the urgency through the driveline the six-speed manual remains faithfully smooth, easily shifting between its cogs as all 620Nm is channelled through to the rear wheels.

It’s perhaps surprising that despite sticky 20-inch rubber the Tickford Trans-Am is still easily capable of breaking traction. That said, it’s a predictable, playful kind of looseness that is enjoyable to exploit and never there to catch you out.

The Aussie-tuned suspension is tied-down, but not overtly firm, and on all but the worst country back-roads feels as smooth and settled as the donor car.

Without a drag strip or racetrack at our disposal our day with the Tickford Trans-Am Mustang was limited to ‘sane’ speeds. The upside here is that we spent as much time hunting corners as we did exploiting the loud pedal, and pleasingly the car complied.

It hangs on to bends with a tenacity Allan Moffat’s Mustang would have only dreamt of, and hauls to rest so effortlessly that you take each opportunity to brake later, and later again.

The newness of the 15-inch Wilwood slotted rotors and six-piston callipers made the brake pedal a little sensitive. Personally, I prefer a little extra pedal stoke in road driving, though I dare say the confidence the brakes inspire would be heaven-sent on the racetrack.

The brake pads dirty those custom alloys quickly, but the trade-off is more than worth it. They’re a damn good-looking wheel that really suit the car, and in my estimation will be a highly sought-after item by regular Mustang GT owners.

Staying on a personal note, I have to say I’m not a fan on the bright red leather. It’s a little OTT and probably won’t age as well as the factory trim.

Sure, it’s well stitched together, but aesthetically it’s just not my cup of tea – even if the black racing stripe is another solid nod to Allan’s original ‘Stang.

A few hours in the hot seat of the Tickford Trans-Am Mustang isn’t nearly enough. The devilish soundtrack, extra shot of horsepower and Clingwrap-tight cornering give it an addictive personality that’s difficult to part with.

The livery mightn’t be to everyone’s taste and the interior certainly isn’t to mine, but as a package the car acknowledges an amazing era in Australian motorsport that deserves to be celebrated – even if it does make some of us feel a little old!

How much does the 2019 Tickford Trans-Am Mustang cost?
Price: $32,995 (Performance Edition); $52,995 (Performance Plus Edition)
Engine: 5.0-litre eight-cylinder petrol
Output: 400kW/620Nm (manual)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 16.1L/100km (as tested)
CO2: N/A
Safety rating: Three-star ANCAP (2017)