Mustang GTD Lookalike Banned from SEMA at Ford’s Urging

If you notice an empty spot at the SEMA show, it might be the one that was reserved for TJ Hunt’s wide-body Mustang. Built in about three months, the coupe was banned from the event shortly after reaching Las Vegas because Ford argued that it looks too much like the limited-edition, 815-horsepower GTD.

Hunt documented the build and the drive to SEMA in a 20-minute video posted on his YouTube channel, and it looks like a great deal of fabrication work went into the project. Starting with a new, current-generation Mustang coupe, his team removed several body panels, cut out part of the rear wheel arches, and fitted a wide-body kit designed in-house. Dark blue paint, a ducktail-like rear spoiler, and wide wheels add a finishing touch to the look, while 5.0-liter V-8 received a supercharger for good measure.

The rainy drive to Las Vegas went fine, but the trip took a turn for the worse on the morning of the show.

“And then I received an email from SEMA. I literally just got this email as we were getting into Vegas. It essentially says that the auto manufacturer sent a formal complaint to the board and that the Mustang is banned from being at SEMA this year,” Hunt explained in the video. “I’m pretty upset,” he added.

Ford has a point: The two cars look strikingly similar. Viewed from the side, Hunt’s Mustang (shown on the left above) has almost the same fender vents as the GTD, a similar air scoop behind the door, and a huge rear diffuser that pokes out beyond the bumper. There are quite a few similarities up front, too, though Hunt’s car features a smaller splitter, and at first glance it looks like the GTD is considerably wider.

Ford hasn’t publicly commented on Hunt’s Mustang or on its decision to get the car banned from SEMA.

Was it the right call? Either way, Hunt’s build is impressive.