T-Pain’s One-Off 1,000HP Convertible RTR Mustang Earns Battle Scars At First Event
While many of you might not have heard much of T-Pain since his ‘Buy U A Drank’ days, he’s officially fallen ‘N Luv’ with drifting (rather than strippers) now, and who can blame him?
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
If you’re like us and spend far too much time enjoying drifting content on YouTube, brace yourself for a whole lotta T-Pain in your feed, given his recent adventures.
After teaming up with Hert from Hoonigan to create the “Nappy Boy Automotive” YouTube channel, he hasn’t been shy when it comes to firing out videos of his ever-growing collection of drift cars.
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
Alongside the ‘Pickle Rick’ Nissan Silvia S14 240SX, (with a Rick and Morty-inspired livery and Rocket Bunny Boss Kit), and a mint Mazda RX-7 FC, he’s just revealed his latest brand-new one-off addition to the collection, and it’s pretty damn special.
In the opener, T-Pain’s jaw drops as Vaughn Gittin Jr unveils his 2025 Mustang RTR Spec 5-D convertible – RTR Vehicles’ first-ever convertible drift car, created as a one-off collaboration with the Grammy Award-winning artist.
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
The one-off Mustang features a 5.0L Gen 4 Ford Performance Aluminator crate engine, accompanied by a Gen 5 3.0L Whipple Supercharger System, capable of producing 1,000 horsepower.
It rides on the same chassis and suspension setup as James Deane’s championship-winning Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD Formula DRIFT car.
Nearly every body panel is crafted from carbon fiber, with only the front and rear (what’s left of the) rear bumper being the exceptions.
Each one features a unique carbon fiber weave pattern, while custom-made carbon fiber ducted speedster humps function as cooling ducts for the rear-mounted radiator and Whipple supercharger heat exchanger.
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
“This is the most car I’m willing to throw at the wall,” T-Pain says, laughing, before admitting he’s super nervous about getting behind the wheel.
After already being star-struck to meet James Deane, he can’t deal with the pressure and insists Deane’s “gotta leave!” before he heads out for the first test.
Thankfully, Deane’s RTR teammate, Ben Hobson, is also there, and couldn’t resist hopping into the one-off build for the first drive, followed by a passenger ride with T-Pain behind the wheel shortly after.
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
After some practice laps with coaching from the pros, T-Pain went from scared to sending it by pulling off some of his fastest-ever laps at HyperFest. He soon realizes just how insanely fast the car is and how 1,000 horsepower feels in a lightweight chassis.
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
Once he gets to grips with the power, though, Vaughn Gittin Jr proclaims, “he is crushing it!”
Meanwhile, Hert was out there doing his thing too, getting some seat time and showing off his skills. Despite some gearbox trouble, the whole crew was having an absolute blast.
Image credit: T-Pain’s FIRST TIME Driving his Formula Drift PRO Level Mustang RTR
In true drifting fashion, the brand-new Mustang didn’t manage to get through the event completely unscathed, either, with a noticeable chunk missing out of the carbon fiber rear quarter and the bumper hanging off right at the end.
It’s great to see the one-off build being driven properly, though, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
You can learn more about Bill’s story here or follow his socials on X (formerly Twitter), Flickr, Facebook, and Instagram.
