Now that Fox Body Mustangs have officially crossed into “classic” territory—and, as much as it pains some of us to admit it, even antique status in certain circles—it’s becoming harder to find examples that are still being driven the way they were meant to be.
Many have been meticulously restored, carefully preserved, and tucked away in climate-controlled garages, only emerging for the occasional car show, Cars & Coffee, or weekend cruise-in.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with preservation—but every once in a while, you come across a Fox that refuses to live a quiet life.
With many years in the hobby and involvement in countless Mustang and Fox Body communities, I’ve been fortunate enough to see some truly incredible builds. When it comes to doing features, my approach has always been simple: find the true enthusiasts. The ones who turn their own wrenches, drive their cars hard, and build with intention rather than trends.
That mindset is exactly what led me to Justin Hewitt and his 1989 Mustang GT.
Hailing from Paw Paw, Michigan, Justin’s relationship with his teal metallic Fox Body spans nearly two decades—but the story begins in Florida. Back in 2008, while living in Brandon, Florida, Justin purchased the car in Spring Hill with a failed AOD automatic transmission, despite originally being a five-speed car. The Mustang had to be trailered home, and as if that wasn’t enough drama for day one, Justin’s tow rig broke down on the return trip—an early reminder that this Fox wasn’t going to be an easy ride.
Like so many Fox Body stories, this one began with accessibility. Justin always wanted a Mustang, and at the time, Foxes were affordable—attainable dream cars for young enthusiasts. What started as a budget entry into Mustang ownership evolved into a long-term commitment built on persistence, learning, and hands-on experience.
Today, the car shows just over 120,000 miles on the chassis, with roughly 10,000 miles on the current drivetrain—and none of them wasted.
And driven it is. Hard.
Justin’s best friend jokes that he drives the car “like a high-schooler,” a label Justin proudly accepts. This isn’t a trailer queen or a once-a-year showpiece—it’s a Mustang that gets used, pushed, and respected every time it’s fired up.
At the heart of Justin’s Mustang is a combination that reflects both restraint and ambition. Rather than relying on exotic aftermarket blocks, the foundation remains a stock Ford block, stroked to a formidable 408 cubic inches. A Trick Flow top-end kit, anchored by 205/11R cylinder heads, allows the Windsor to breathe efficiently while maintaining street manners.
Fuel and spark are controlled by Holley HP EFI, paired with a coil-near-plug ignition conversion, while an Induction Solutions dry nitrous system stands ready when Justin wants to push the car beyond its already aggressive baseline. Long-tube headers feed into a full 3-inch exhaust, delivering the unmistakable sound that defines a serious Fox Body.
A Fore Innovations fuel system and BBRC custom aluminum fuel tank ensure consistent delivery whether cruising, racing, or lining up at the strip.
Backing the stroker Windsor is a drivetrain built with driver engagement in mind. A Tremec TKO 600 handles gear changes through a Spec aluminum flywheel and Spec twin-disc clutch, with shifts delivered via a precise MGW shifter. Power is sent rearward through a Ford Racing aluminum driveshaft to a fortified 8.8-inch rear end, equipped with an Eaton Truetrac differential and Moser 31-spline five-lug axles.
Electronics are where Justin’s build truly separates itself. The custom Holley 7-inch digital dash, flanked by Holley analog gauges, blends modern data with classic presentation. It’s functional, unique, and unmistakably personal.
The suspension setup reads like a blueprint for how a Fox Body should be built: QA1 caster/camber plates, QA1 double-adjustable coilovers up front, QA1 double-adjustable rear shocks, Eibach sway bars, and a full suite of Maximum Motorsports components, including K-member, control arms, subframe connectors, bump-steer kit, panhard bar, and adjustable upper and lower control arms.
Braking is handled by a serious four-wheel disc conversion, highlighted by 14-inch front rotors sourced from a 2012 GT500, clamped by four-piston Brembos, with 12-inch Cobra vented rear rotors handling stopping duties out back.
Rolling stock consists of 18-inch Cosmis XT005R wheels, wrapped in Yokohama Advan A052 tires—255/35/18 up front and 275/40/18 in the rear—delivering modern grip without sacrificing Fox Body proportions.
Inside, the car retains a clean OE black interior, enhanced with TMI bucket seats, a Sparco steering wheel with NRG quick-release hub, and a Corbeau harness bar with four-point harnesses.
Outside, the Mustang wears teal metallic paint sprayed by Dyer Auto Body, complemented by a Cervini’s Cobra R hood, Cobra front bumper insert, Cobra rear spoiler, SVO taillights, and a Carter’s Customs front splitter—aggressive without crossing into excess.
Justin’s Mustang hasn’t just been admired—it’s been proven. Locally, the car has earned first-place finishes at every Mustang show it’s entered throughout Michigan.
On the national stage, the Fox Body has risen to the top. In 2024, at the NMRA vs. NMCA event, the car captured both Best Ford Muscle and Best Ford in Show. The following year marked Justin’s biggest achievement to date: Grand Champion, Vintage Class at the 2025 Holley Ford Festival in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
These awards aren’t the result of shortcuts or checkbook builds—they’re the product of nearly two decades of dedication and a car that continues to be driven rather than hidden away.
In a world where many Fox Body Mustangs are preserved, parked, and protected, Justin Hewitt’s 1989 Mustang GT continues to live the life it was built for—raw, mechanical, and unapologetically driven.
Justin credits everything to his late father, Tim Hewitt, who introduced him to cars at a young age and unknowingly sparked a lifelong passion that helped shape who he is today. His influence is still felt every time a wrench is turned. Endless thanks also go to Justin’s wife, Jill, whose unwavering support, patience, and belief make it all possible, and to his two children, Reid and Jett—his greatest motivation and the reason he continues to push forward.
Some cars are finished.
This one is still being driven—just like a high-schooler.
