Featured Build Interview: Podcast Host Matt D’Andria’s Carbon Fiber 2021 Mach 1 Mustang

Automotive podcast host Matt D’Andria (Ig: @motorator) recently took some time to chat with us about his downright epic 2021 Mach 1 Ford Mustang that he collaborated with Anderson Composites on. The result is a beauty of a pony car that features modern carbon fiber panels (including a custom hood scoop reminiscent of the original ’69 Mach 1) from Anderson Composites and satin bronze HRE wheels, as well as a fully emissions tested twin-turbo system that pairs perfectly with its top-of-the-line MagnaFlow xMOD Series performance exhaust system. Check out the full interview below!

Introduce yourself and tell us what you do!

My name is Matt D’Andria. I own Bravago Bold Seltzer and host the CarCast and Shift & Steer podcasts. 

What started your passion for cars?

I think like most car enthusiasts, we get the bug at a young age. For me, it was working on Fox Body Mustangs with my brother before I was old enough to drive. 

Why did you go with a Mustang Mach 1 for this build?

The Mach 1 was the perfect recipe for me. It had the best equipment from the Shelby GT500, GT350 and Bullitt Mustangs and was offered with a Tremec manual transmission. 

Tell us about the distinctive vehicle hood on the Mach 1 . . .

I spoke to Anderson Composites a few times about possibly making some parts around the Mach 1 theme. This, of course, was the idea behind the hood with the functional scoop. The hood is a modern interpretation of the 1969 Mach 1 shaker scoop but attached to the hood rather than the engine. The shape of the scoop is a bit longer than the original and the shape mimics the roof instead of being ribbed. It turned out amazing and the quality of their parts is fantastic. Everything fits perfectly. 

Tell us a little bit about your history of working with MagnaFlow!

I’ve been a MagnaFlow customer for about 25 years and a partner for about 10. Their attention to detail and quality is what won me over. MagnaFlow has helped me with some custom SEMA builds that definitely presented some complications, but they were always able to find a solution and knock it out of the park. Every car I own has a MagnaFlow exhaust on it now. 

What do you like the most about the MagnaFlow xMOD Series Performance Exhaust System?

I’ve always been very particular about the sound of my vehicles. It’s not just about volume but getting the right tone. The xMOD system allowed me to dial in the sound that I wanted, and their electronic valves still allow me to control the active exhaust system. 

What were some challenges you had to overcome with a hidden twin turbo system, and how did it work with the MagnaFlow exhaust?

I was able to work with John Urist at Hellion Turbo to create the first emissions-tested twin turbo kit for the Mach 1. John and his team did an amazing job. The kit places the turbos right off the exhaust manifolds near the bellhousing. Then they attach directly to the exhaust system without moving the cats or altering the exhaust at all. The MagnaFlow xMod system bolts right up while still offering me full active tuning. The turbo kit requires a Steeda tubular K-Member, which comes with the kit. Hellion did such a great job designing this system that we really didn’t run into any issues installing it. The sound and performance are incredible and different than all the supercharged cars. 

Any future plans for this build or others?

The car got a new set of HRE wheels finished in satin bronze and a custom audio system by Focal before debuting at the 2022 SEMA Show in the Anderson Composites booth. I think the car is pretty much done for now. I’m just trying to get more seat time in it and enjoy it. I have a 1995 Ford Lightning and a 1993 Mustang Cobra in the works as well. Both are getting some pretty unique modifications. Technology today, like 3D printing, allows me to execute on some ideas that I could have never done just a few years ago. 

For more footage of this awesome ‘Stang check out our Instagram highlight from HRE Wheel’s recent open house event. Want to upgrade your Mustang with the same xMOD system featured on this carbon fiber pony car? Shop for it here. Be sure to follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok  for more fascinating featured builds and highlights.

2021 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1

Owned by Matt D'Andria, @motorator

• Type-SK Double-Sided Carbon Fiber Hood
• Carbon Fiber Upper Grille
• Carbon Fiber Air Duct Bezels
• Type-OE Carbon Fiber Front Chin Spoiler
• Type-HP Carbon Fiber Front Chin Splitter
• Carbon Fiber Front Fender Extension
• Type-OE Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler
• Carbon Fiber Gurney Flap
• Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Carbon Fiber Rear Splash Guards
• Type-OE Carbon Fiber Side Rocker Panel Splitter

• MagnaFlow 2018-2023 Ford Mustang XMOD Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System

• Emissions Tested Sleeper Twin-Turbo System

• Boost Actuators

• MagneRide Dual Rate Ultimate Handling Lowering Springs
• Camber Plates
• IRS Subframe Bushing Support System
• Billet Aluminum Vertical Links Adjustable Rear Toe Links
• Rear IRS Subframe Support Braces
• IRS Subframe Alignment Kit
• Low Profile Jacking Rails

• K2 Power 6.5" 3-Way Component Speakers, Front
• K2 Power 6.5" 2-Way Coaxial Speakers, Rear Flax P 25 FSE 10" Shallow Subwoofers
• FPX 5.1200 Amplifiers

• DSP 8T012 Aerospace Custom Designed by Soundstations, Valencia, California

• Forged Monoblok RS200M, Satin Bronze
• 19x10.5 Front. 19x11 Rear

• Pilotv Sport 4 S 305/30ZR19 Front, 315/30ZR19 Rear

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