The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association’s annual show in Las Vegas is a celebration of everything aftermarket. From lifted trucks so big they could flatten an entire school to restomods, wheels and tires, it’s a car modder’s paradise. If you were hoping to find a body kit that would make your regular Mustang look like the race-inspired Mustang GTD, though, you’ll be out of luck. Streethunter Designs tried to bring one, but Ford blocked its display, CarBuzz reports.
Considering how cool the Mustang GTD is, it’s understandable why people would want to copy the look. The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 makes about 800 horsepower, the body panels are carbon fiber, you get a semi-active inboard-mounted rear suspension and it can even be ordered with active aero. Basically, it’s a street-legal GT3 car but better because it makes more power. It will also cost about $300,000, which is many more dollars than most people have to spend. So why wouldn’t fans who can’t afford it want a body kit that gives them the same look for less?
And yet, legally, Ford probably has a point. I’m obviously not a lawyer, but unless you could see this car next to the actual Mustang GTD, it’s unlikely that you’d be able to spot the minor differences. They essentially look identical and one could easily be confused for the other. As a Ford spokesperson put it when asked for comment, “Ford takes its intellectual property rights very seriously. We have invested significant resources in design and engineering this highly sought after Mustang. Therefore, we must take appropriate action to protect the value and exclusivity for our Mustang GTD customers and to Ford.”
You can certainly argue that Ford shouldn’t have picked this particular fight, but lawyers also have an obligation to protect their company’s intellectual property. It also sucks for everyone involved with designing the Streethunter Mustang and body kit, but I’d like to think they can regroup and return next year with an alternative that’s similar but less of a legal risk.
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