Though it has been almost a year since Pure Vision unveiled their highly-anticipated Martini T-5R Mustang, this modern take on a retro racer is a genuinely unique variation on the classic Ford ponycar. Rather than opt for the usual big-block V8 or shoehorn a contemporary mod motor into the classic Mustang’s engine bay, the Martini T-5R is powered by a Ford IndyCar V8, really helping set it apart from its peers.

That is likely a big reason why Ford decided to take a look at the Martini T-5R Mustang in their weekly entry of videos as part of the Mustang Countdown.

We’ve already covered the Martini T-5R Mustang at length before. But to rehash, the heart of this car is a 1966 4-cam Ford IndyCar V8, tuned to deliver 426 hp from the 291 cubic-inches of displacement, along with 362 ft-lbs of torque. The engine actually had to be detuned to make it more drivable for the street.

That isn’t even touching on the various fiberglass body parts, or the completely remade suspension from Detroit Speed Inc. designed to handle rally, road, or even drag racing. Backing the Indy motor is a beefy 4-speed manual transmission from C&R performance, a gearbox so effective it was even banned from NASCAR.

The Martini Mustang is a European take on Ford’s top-selling pony car, with Pure Vision Design owner Steve Strope inventing an elaborate (but fictitious) backstory that included a combination of the Shelby GT350 and European rally cars of the 1960s. It’s no wonder Strope’s unique take on the Mustang won SEMA’s best-of-show award, earning him a spot in the archives of Ford history with this video as well. We can’t wait to see what Strope comes up with for SEMA 2013.