There’s no doubting that cars are only getting bigger and heavier. That may soon change in a few years though as major automakers seek to reduce weight to improve performance and fuel economy. This trend is affecting the automotive aftermarket too, as hot rodders and engine builders embrace the “less is more” philosophy and weight savings.

Pure Vision Design may be remembered as a vanguard of this movement thanks to their SEMA project, which they call the 1966 Martini T-5R. With an all-aluminum Indy engine, a race-prepped transmission, and fiberglass body panels, this race-ready Mustang takes weight savings to the next level.

At the heart of Pure Vision’s concept is a 300 cubic-inch, all-aluminum, four-cam Indy motor mounted to a NASCAR-prepared four-speed transmission. The combined weight of this setup is just 363 pounds, less than half the weight of the original drivetrain in a ‘66 Mustang. Throw in fiberglass body panels and plexiglass windows, and you’re talking about hundreds of pounds in weight savings on an already lightweight car.

Pure Vision’s Martini Mustang is about pure speed, which is why it includes a Shelby rollbar, big Wilwood brakes, a Detroit Speed suspension, and one-off wheels. This is a serious contender for the best classic race car at the SEMA Show, and we’ll be sure to bring you live pictures once we reach the convention floor. Do you see other aftermarket shops pursuing this level of weight reduction? Is this the next level of automotive modification, or just another fad?