A Sacramento auto parts shop owner has transformed a 1966 Ford Mustang into a fully electric vehicle powered by Tesla components, including the Model 3 dual-motor system and the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, marking the first known use of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance technology on a non-Tesla car.
- 1966 Mustang retrofitted with Tesla Model 3 drivetrain and battery
- First known non-Tesla to run Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
- Project cost $40,000 and took two years to complete
What happened
Yaro Shcherbanyuk, owner of Calimotive Auto Recycling in Rancho Cordova, California, purchased a 1966 Ford Mustang in 2022 and undertook a ambitious conversion project using Tesla parts. By integrating the Model 3's dual-motor drivetrain, 2024 battery pack, and 15-inch touchscreen, the Mustang was transformed into a fully electric vehicle capable of maintaining the classic exterior dimensions while gaining advanced EV performance.
Notably, the team retrofitted Tesla’s camera array and software systems allowing the Mustang to operate Tesla’s Autopilot, Sentry Mode, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) in supervised mode. This marks the first known instance of FSD running on a non-Tesla vehicle. The conversion delivered roughly 400 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, matching the energy efficiency of a Model 3 despite the Mustang’s less aerodynamic design.
Why it matters
This build demonstrates that Tesla’s electric drivetrain and software systems have potential beyond Tesla’s own vehicles, challenging current licensing hesitations by other automakers. While industry leaders like Ford have dismissed the idea of adopting Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology, independent projects show it can be integrated into legacy vehicles with reasonable costs and expertise.
Moreover, the project underscores the growing vehicle conversion market, valued at $5.9 billion in 2024 with projected growth of 9% annually through 2034. Tesla drivetrains are becoming a preferred choice for classic car EV conversions due to their performance, efficiency, and technology stack. This conversion exemplifies how small shops can innovate in EV conversions, making advanced electric and semi-autonomous technology accessible outside mainstream manufacturers.
What to watch next
The success of this conversion could inspire further interest in licensing Tesla’s FSD software or encourage more independent shops to pursue similar projects, potentially accelerating the adoption of EV and autonomous tech in vintage and custom vehicles. Watching how automakers respond to these aftermarket innovations could provide insights into the future of vehicle autonomy and electrification collaborations.
Additionally, the broader EV conversion market is poised to expand rapidly, and advancements in retrofitting capabilities may lower barriers for enthusiasts and smaller players. Monitoring developments in how Tesla’s software adapts to third-party hardware and vehicles will be crucial, especially if more projects demonstrate safe and effective integration of cutting-edge driver assistance systems into classic cars.