The Lasting Impression That The Ford Mustang Makes

Ever since I can remember the Ford Mustang hadbehind me due to the exhaust noise, to a few
a place in my heart. The first Mustang that stoodother reasons that I will not mention. That was
out for me was somewhere around 1971 when athe only time that I wished it did not get
neighbor has a New Red Mach 1 Mustang in theirattention. But it was still fun! This Mustang as with
driveway. I would drive my bicycle past it andthe 1967 both required quite a bit of work to get
wondered, how the words on the trunk lid werethem to the fine condition they ended up with. As
pronounced, Match 1, Mock 1, March 1, Mach Won,with the 1967 requiring lots of body work, this
etc. But no matter how it was pronounced, thestang only needed minor body work and paint.
long sloping roof, rear louvers, and wing (as IThe major work for this beast was under the
called it) was captivating. Five years later Ihood. Unfortunately the original engine did not last
purchased my very own pony car. Taking $300long with me, and one night it self destructed with
of my hard earned money from a part timeone hole as large as a coke can in the block. Being
stock boy job, I purchased a 1967 Mustangan optimist, this was an opportunity. At the local
Convertible from my boss. The only problem wasjunk yard, I was able to find a used 351 Cleveland
that I was 15 years old, and could not even get aand get my hands dirty once again. Nine months
learners permit for another year. That year waslater, and spending every cent I had from my
a great opportunity to get my hands greasy, andpart time job, this engine was completely rebuilt
learn about body work. Yes, this stangs floorinside and out with a flair for performance. A
boards were rotted in areas, as well as the rearCrane cam, Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley
quarters. This experience opened the door forcarburetor, Hooker Headers, and a few head and
my love of this special breed. Thirty years laterblock modifications boosted the power even
and having filled the stable at one time or anothermore. It not only looked like a power house from
with a 1970 Mach 1, 1989 GT, and now a 1969the outside, but when the hood was popped
Mach 1 and another 1970 Mach 1 my desire foropen, it showed it even more. The power from
this car has not waned. Each one of thesethis engine was brought to the road with a set of
Mustangs had something special.The 1967 MustangJetson Revenger 50 series tires in the back, and
with its power convertible roof was a gem in its70 series in the front providing that racing raked
own right. The Mustang badge in the grill waslook, as well as plenty of smoke when a burnout
what people seen coming towards them. As it gotwas desired.These experiences with the used
closer, they realized it was making an even bolderstangs made me want to purchase a new one. In
statement with the finned side scoops, the slight1989 a Mustang GT fully optioned was corralled. It
rumble of the 289 engine and when the roof waswas a great car, and was everything that Ford
down it could be even more captivating. This wasadvertised and more. The problem was, it was
not the power hungry, throaty loud exhaustoff the shelf, not personalized, and anyone with
version, but rather, a classic car that you wantedmoney could purchase one.Going full circle, the
to go slow where heads would turn. Fordsimpression that the 1970 Mustang made could not
creation was a masterpiece in its own right, andbe squelched. Twenty five years after my first
today it can draw a similar level of desire as aMach 1, I fell upon a 1969 Mach 1 that was
Picasso.The 1970 Mach 1 was in a class of itsunbelievable. It was a hidden gem that had the
own, and is still there even today. There were aoriginal paint, chrome, and interior, as well as
massive number of options that could be ordered28,000 miles. Yes, that is not a typeo, twenty
including engines, transmissions, rear ends, andeight thousand miles. This was like buying it new,
body accents, but the goal was a checklist forexcept a much greater price tag. Being in such
what level of performance you desired, or couldgreat condition, there was no way I could get my
afford. Do not get me wrong, even the smallesthands dirty, since there was nothing to do except
engine still roared with performance and turnedkeeping it shining. Six months later this 1969 Mach
heads. In many cases, before you seen this1 had a sibling, a 1970 Mach 1 in the stall next to
Mustang approaching you could hear it. The rumbleit. After 25 years since my first Mach 1, I was
of power, and that deep throaty exhaust mademaking up for lost time by having 2. Someone
people stand still to see what was coming.once told me that "You just can't have one" as
Without seeing the car, people anticipated athey referenced their 2 Camaros, and I now
Chevy, Mopar, or a Ford. As the car becamebelieve that. Checkout for pictures of these cars,
visible, the front chin spoiler and low groundand many others.Anthony Palmieri founded
clearance gave the appearance of a race car, andPalmieri Concepts after 20 years of creating
it was! This Mustang was white and optioned withcustom art work for his own pleasure and
shaker hood, and the large bold black stripe. Theenjoyment. This business grew out of a love for
shaker hood was the key feature for me. When Imotor vehicles and was started to share with
was at the lights I would rev the engine so peopleothers what started out as a hobby. After taking
could see it shake from side to side as if thehow his own pride and joys (yes this really
engine was so powerful that it was trying tostarted with family pictures and not cars) and
burst out. The other outstanding features werecombining them with creativity, it became obvious
the rear window louvers or slats, and the rearthat many others would like to showcase their
spoiler further adding to that racing car look. Thistrophies as he has done. He has also written
car was a head turner and an attention grabber,numerous articles on automotive art and collector
which in some cases was not a good thing. I recallcar photography.
a few times when the blue lights were flashing