Ford has revealed a one-off Mustang converted into a two-door pickup after the unusual project spent years inside the automaker’s Experimental Vehicles Building in Dearborn, Michigan.

The Mustang Ute Concept was brought to public attention by Matt Korczyk, manager of Ford’s U.S. Heritage Fleet, who shared photographs of the vehicle on Instagram. Ford had not previously publicized the existence of the factory-built project.

A Mustang transformed into a pickup

The concept is based on the S550-generation Mustang, which was produced from 2015 through 2023. Its rear roof section was removed and replaced with a usable cargo bed and tailgate, creating a two-door ute-style layout.

Custom metalwork includes a bulkhead behind the cabin with an integrated spoiler and a vertical rear window modeled similarly to the glass used on the Ford Ranger. The vehicle also wears bodywork derived from the pre-facelift Shelby GT350, including its aggressive front bumper intakes, vented hood, side gills and rear diffuser.

Quad exhaust outlets remain part of the design, while the Shelby Cobra, Ford and Mustang badges have been removed. The concept does not use a large carbon-fiber rear wing, which would have reduced the pickup’s practicality.

The exterior appears to be finished in Twister Orange Metallic, paired with black ten-spoke alloy wheels. Dark window tint conceals the two-seat interior, while a sticker on the front windshield identifies the vehicle as an experimental build.

Built as an apprentice training project

Korczyk said the Mustang was created by Ford’s EVB Metal Shop as a training exercise for apprentices. The project gave them hands-on experience constructing a concept vehicle and reportedly required hundreds of hours to complete.

Although the Mustang Ute remained inside Ford’s facilities for years, Korczyk’s social-media post eventually brought the project wider attention. Rather than being dismantled, the one-off has joined Ford’s Heritage Fleet, where it will be preserved.

Korczyk described the vehicle as an example of the importance of skilled trades within the company and a demonstration of the abilities developed by the apprentices and the people who trained them.

A production Mustang ute remains uncertain

The unusual concept has also renewed interest in the idea of a modern Ford ute, particularly among fans of the discontinued Falcon Ute sold in Australia. Ford CEO Jim Farley has recently reopened the possibility of a revived Falcon Ute, although the source does not establish that a production vehicle has been approved.

A future Mustang-based ute would reportedly need a hybrid powertrain rather than a non-electrified V8 to meet emissions requirements. It would also need to be sold in multiple markets to help justify its development costs.

Separately, Ford is reportedly working on a four-door hybrid V8-powered Mustang derivative known as the Mach 4. The source says prototypes have been shown to U.S. dealers and that the model could arrive before the end of the decade with a starting price below $40,000, but neither the timing nor production has been confirmed.