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Reader Rides: Ken's Little Red Pony

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:21:43 +0000

This week's reader ride truly is a classic beauty. In addition to being the subject of much attention, this 1966 Mustang Sprint 200 has won numerous trophies and awards.

It's owner offers up some advice. "If you're going to buy any vintage Mustang, buy one that's already restored and ready to drive rather then working on it for years and years." No doubt, there is something to be said about instant gratification! Thanks for sharing this with us Ken. What a beauty!

Do you have a Mustang you'd like to have featured here? Tell us about it.

Photo Courtesy of kenwappler

FAQ: When did the Ford Mustang get side markers?

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:40:21 +0000

Someone recently asked me, "When did the Ford Mustang get side markers, and why?" They went on to add, "Those things really messed up the look of the car." Well, the Ford Mustang got side markers in the 1968 model year, and while some might think they "messed up the look" of our beloved Mustang, what they really did was make the Mustang safer for everyone out on the open road. Read more.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

Ford Certificates of Authenticity

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:31:22 +0000

This week, I received a Ford Certificate of Authenticity for my 2008 Bullitt Mustang. No doubt, very suitable for framing!

I ordered the certificate from Ford Show Parts. I was pretty eager to see what info Ford would offer up, and I wasn't disappointed. For instance, I discovered that my 2008 Highland Green Bullitt Mustang is one of only 511 featuring a built-in Navigation system. Even better, it's one of only 476 sold in the United States.

While I was at it, I ordered my original window sticker, as well as a pretty sharp looking Bullitt Mustang poster. Ford offers certificates of authenticity for a number of their more popular limited-edition Mustangs. This includes the Mustang GT/CS Certificate, GT500 Certificate, Cobra R Certificate, Mach 1 Certificate, Mustang SVO Certificate, and SVT Certificate, in addition to a few others.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

Rumor Mill: The 2015 Ford Mustang

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:03:48 +0000

Hard to believe, but we're fast approaching the launch of Ford's 2015 Mustang. Although no date has been set for an "official" reveal, there's been plenty of talk about what will, and will not, be.

It's been widely speculated that the new Mustang will have an Independent Rear Suspension. Two thumbs up to that. It's also been said that the retro look will be a thing of the past. Not so sure about that one. I really like the retro styling on the latest Mustangs, and of course, other auto makers have taken note as well, with retro looking late-model Camaro and Challengers out on the roads today. That said, I can understand Ford's need to move into the future. You can only hold on to the past for so long. No doubt, whatever happens, I'm excited to see what Ford has in store for us.

The following are a few 2015 Mustang rumors making headlines.

Car and Driver: 2015 Ford Mustang Getting Sprayed Down with a Can of Retro-Be-Gone

NBC News: Spy photos reveal details of 2015 Mustang

AutoEvolution: 2015 Saleen Mustang Rendering

Auto Evolution: 2015 Ford Mustang to Blend Updates and Tradition

Photo of Ford Evos Concept Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Reader Rides: Mustang 'Sally' 1968 Coupe

Thu, 09 May 2013 02:34:34 +0000

This week's reader ride is a custom 1968 Mustang Coupe. The car features an all-new tubular front suspension, some new chrome, and plenty of accessories! This owner's advice? "Lots of time, money, and dedication makes for a nice ride."

No doubt about it, you get what you put into it. Hard work and dedication does pay off in the end. This Mustang is a great example. Thanks for sharing it with us! Read more.

Photo Courtesy of t.m.fryhover

Revisiting the Mustang II

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:25:01 +0000

A few years ago, I wrote about the 1974 Mustang II, and how Edmunds Inside Line named it one of the top 100 worst cars of all time. When I read the piece, I found it a bit harsh, considering the 1990 Pontiac Le Mans didn't even make the list. It was surely deserving of being labeled one of the 100 worst cars ever! I should know. I had to drive one for a while. Mustang II or 1990 Le Mans? For the love of God, give me the Mustang! And here we are in 2013, and you know what? I still find it a bit harsh. I mean really, given the tough automotive landscape of 1974, the Mustang II was a survivor. Had it not been for those extreme model year measures, we might not have a Mustang today.

Needless to say, many of you out there agreed with me. For instance, reader John T. said, "[Ford] got a bad rap for not having a V8 the first year [and] they never lived it down." Gerald O. brought up a good point. "It filled a spot while the industry figured out what the feds were going to stick us with next." What do you think about the Mustang II? Do you think it was one of the top 100 worst cars of all time?

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

FAQ: The California Special Mustang

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:23:08 +0000

Recently a reader sent me a question regarding the GT/CS California Special Mustang. They read my review of the 2013 model a few weeks back and wanted to know more about the car's history. Specifically, they wanted to know if Ford has always offered a California Special Mustang package. While the GT/CS returned to the modern day Mustang line up in the 2007 model year, the original California Special Mustang, which featured characteristics of both a classic Shelby Mustang and a classic GT coupe, got its start in February of 1968. Read more.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

New Tread for the Mustang

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:17:03 +0000

This past weekend I purchased new tires for my 2008 Bullitt Mustang. I got quite a bit of mileage out of the original set, some BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS tires, but it was time for something new.

One of the perks of writing about cars is being invited to events where you can demo various automotive products. Numerous tire manufactures have invited me out to their facilities over the years. That said, I'm pretty familiar with the wide variety of tires on the market for the Ford Mustang. The Cooper Zeon RS3, for instance, is a pretty solid choice. Roush Performance uses these tires on their ROUSH Mustangs. The Continental ExtremeContact DW is another solid tire.

This time around I opted for a set of Pirelli P-Zero Nero all-season tires. Ford currently offers these tires on newer Mustangs. So far, so good. The tires grip better than my last set and the overall ride quality seems to have improved. How will they hold up in the long run? We'll have to wait and see.

Speaking of tires, what are your favorite tires for the Ford Mustang? Do you have any preferences? Comment below and let us know!

Coming Up: The Carroll Shelby Tribute and Car Show Celebration

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:30:32 +0000

Fans of Carroll Shelby, listen up. The Los Angeles Shelby American Automobile Club (LASAAC) has announced they will host a one day event celebrating the life of automotive legend Carroll Shelby on Saturday May 11, 2013. In typical Carroll Shelby fashion, the event will feature plenty of fast cars, an engine rev salute to Mr. Shelby himself, and a Texas style chili bar (oh yea!). There will also be special guest appearances by famous racers Don Prudhomme, John Morten, Alan Grant.

No doubt, it's shaping up to be a pretty good weekend here in Los Angeles. If you're in the area, or just looking to get away for a Carroll Shelby filled weekend, I strongly recommend coming out for some fun. Oh, and don't forget the camera! There's sure to be a wide variety of Shelby eye candy on display. Read more.

Photo Courtesy of the Carroll Shelby Foundation

Reader Rides: Custom 1968 Mustang Coupe

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:53:21 +0000

Our most recent reader ride was submitted to us by a Mustang owner down in Australia. Their custom 1968 Mustang Coupe is definitely a looker. The car features 18 x 8-inch front and 20 x 9-inch rear mag wheels, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission.

This owner's advice? "If you want a car that drives and handles like a new car, buy a new car. These cars are 40-50 years old and need to be treated with care and respect." I couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing!

Do you have a Mustang you'd like to see featured on the site? Tell us about it here.

Photo Courtesy of mbaceg