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Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car

Editor — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:48:27 +0000

Hurst Performance Vehicles is a respected name in the racing industry, producing vehicles that have been known for their breathtaking performance, quality engineering and speed. They were founded in 1958, and have grown into an industry leader. The Larry H. Miller Dealership groups, founded in 1979, are leaders in their own right, as they are amongst the top ten dealerships in the United States. Together, these two powerhouses have made it possible for the 2010 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car to be donated to raise funds for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

The new 2010 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car will make its debut on 25 April 2010, at the Virginia International Raceway, during the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge. This special edition vehicle was built by Hurst Performance Vehicles, and many collectors will be waiting for the opportunity to place their bid for this magnificent Mustang. This unique pace car features a massive 550 horsepower engine that is complimented by a polished supercharger that provides the car with 542 lb-ft of torque. Other features include a specialized Ford Racing braking system, coil-over suspension, K&N filter and a stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. A one of a kind spray job completes this superior muscle car, and it is most definitely going to be a wanted vehicle. The interior will be fitted out with leather that will feature embroidered logos and contrast top-stitching, as well as floor mats and a rear deck spoiler. Before the pace car goes on auction in January 2011, Mustang and racing enthusiasts will be able to view the car at various Larry H. Miller Dealerships, as well as the Hot Rod Power Tour.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer will be benefitting from the auction, and the funds raised for them will assist the centre in much needed diagnosis research, as well as being able to treat many more children. The development of cures for various cancers is ongoing, and over and above treating children the facility also provides emotional assistance to family members and offers educational and developmental programs. The 2010 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car will bring hope to many families and health to numerous children.

Annual Mustang and Ford Car Show 2010

Editor — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:29:58 +0000

The 32nd Annual Mustang and Ford Car Show will be hosted by the Central South Carolina Mustang Club on 25 April 2010. Motoring enthusiasts with a passion for Ford vehicles are advised to make their way to Ben Satcher Ford, where more than thirty Mustangs and Ford models will be on display. Trophies will also be handed out to the top three vehicles of the day, with a DJ providing festive music and activities such as silent auctions, swap meet and door prizes being offered throughout the day.

There is no entry fee for visitors; however, any donation towards the Ronald McDonald House of Columbia will be greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Steve Webster at gtpuller0203@att.net or Steve Powell at Tbirdpow@aol.com.

Date: 25 April 2010
Venue: Ben Satcher Ford
City: Lexington SC
Country: United States of America

New Daytona 500 Pace Car

Editor — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:57:46 +0000

It is a big moment for the Daytona 500 as well as for Ford, as the 2010 event, which kicks off on 14 February, will unveil a new pace car for its racing season. It will be the first time in forty years that there will be a Ford pace car on the track, with the last Ford gracing the racing circuit being a Ford Torino GT Convertible in the year 1970. Not only will a Ford be making its way back into Daytona 500 history, but it is the iconic Ford Mustang GT that has been selected for the job. Ford and racing fans are extremely excited to see the new pace car in action.

Ford will produce exactly fifty of the limited edition Ford Mustang GT Pace cars, and along with the original pace car, they will be for sale to the public. The actual pace car will be the exception, as it will go on auction. Collectors interested in purchasing this rare part of Ford heritage will have the opportunity to bid on the vehicle at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction. Interested parties can also look forward to a few special features that will be added to the vehicle for this special occasion.

The Ford Mustang GT will be based on the 2011 Mustang GT, and one of its features is a new paint job, which will showcase a brand new design with a Daytona 500 theme. The car will also have an improved and upgraded strut tower brace and Ford Racing suspension. Mufflers have also been added to the specs, as well as painted wheels (customized 19 inches) to enhance the themed design. Branded plates will be a special limited edition feature and the interior will be getting a number of changes of its own. Under the hood, a powerful machine awaits future owners, with a 5.0 liter engine that generates a staggering 412 horsepower. Other features include vented disc brakes, integrated blind spot mirrors, message centre technology and MyKey programming. This magnificent V-8 collector’s item is a must have for motoring enthusiasts. It is going to be the pride of the Daytona 500 and the lucky members of the public who are able to get their hands on one!

Shelby American Collection’s 13th Anniversary Holiday Party

Editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:56:33 +0000

One of the most influential figures in American auto manufacturing history, and developer of the iconic Cobra, Mustang and GT-40 sports cars, Carroll Shelby, will make a rare public appearance in Boulder at the Shelby American Collection’s 13th Anniversary Holiday Party.

The Shelby American Collection’s 13th Anniversary party features a silent auction of Shelby American memorabilia and an autograph session with Carroll Shelby.

Carroll and the Shelby American Team achieved success after success with the 289 and 427 Cobras, the Cobra Daytona and the Shelby Mustangs and the GT40’s. Victories piled up rapidly and in 1965, Shelby American won the F.I.A. World Manufacturers GT Championship, the only U.S. car company to do so.

Tickets are $125 per person and is limited to 350 guests. Ticket deadline is November 26th. Register by mail or fax using the form found at www.shelbyamericancollection.org. For more ticket information call: 303-516-9565.

Date: 5 December 2009
Venue: Shelby American Collection, 5020 Chaparral Court
City: Boulder, Colorado
Country: United States of America

Daytona Turkey Run 2009

Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:22:45 +0000

From 26 – 29 November 2009, the Daytona International Speedway will be overrun by thousands of show quality vehicles, which include Mustangs, Rods, Muscle Cars, antique vehicles and custom designed cars, all in pristine condition. The day time fun continues into the evenings, with entertaining events such as the Slowest Drag Racer and Tricycle Races! This is most definitely an event that should not be missed.

For more information in regard to ticket prices, show times and events, visit the official website at http://www.turkeyrun.com/Turkey_Run_Home.html.

Date: 26 – 29 November 2009
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
City: Daytona Beach, Florida
Country: United States of America

Tampa Mustang and Ford Show 2009

Editor — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:49:59 +0000

The Mustang Club of Tampa will be hosting the 28th Mustang, Shelby and Ford Roundup on the 24th of October 2009 at the Museum of Science and Industry. Spectators and motoring enthusiasts can attend the show and marvel at the cars free of charge, while vehicle owners wanting to register their vehicles for judging will be charges a small fee, of which a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to an educational program run by the museum. The first 100 vehicles to pre-register will also receive an anniversary t-shirt.

All Mustangs, Fords and Shelby trucks and cars are welcome and more information is available on the club website at www.mustangcluboftampa.com, or contact organizers at info@mustangcluboftampa.com. The show will start at 8 am until 4 pm.

Date: 24 October 2009
Venue: Museum of Science & Industry
City: Tampa, Florida
Country: United States of America

Ford Mustang Boss 302

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

The very first Ford Mustang came off the assembly line in Michigan, in 1964. The public that attended the New York World Fair, caught their first glimpse of the Mustang, and it was viewed on television networks on 19 April 1964. The automotive industry would never see another product launch like this. Within the first 18 months, over a million Mustangs had been sold, and after revisions over the years, the Mustang is still in production today.

The years 1969 and 1970, saw the birth of the Ford Mustang Boss 302. Ford had attempted to combine the brute power of muscle cars, with the comfortable handling capabilities of a sports car. The press loved the Boss 302 Mustang, and even said that this car was everything that the GT-350 should have been. The Ford Mustang Boss 302 featured a 5.0 L V8 engine and cylinder heads that were used on 5.8 L engines. The combination of these parts, together with its manual four-speed gearbox,elevated the Boss 302 Mustang 290 hp into a class of its own. The Boss 302 Mustang was originally going to be named Trans Am, but that already applied to the Firebird by Pontiac.

Ford’s most competitive rival against their Mustang, was the Chevrolet Camaro. Ford had the lead in the “pony car” division, which was largely created by Ford, when they first introduced their Mustang in 1964. Unfortunately, the Mustang could not compete with the Camaro with regard to performance, which led to the development of the 428 Cobra Jet in 1968, and the design and production of the Boss 302 Ford.

The Boss 302 Mustang is also well known at drag racing venues. Ford made a Drag Pack option available, which was free of charge. All that was needed was to order the 4.3:1 rear axle ratio car. The conversion can be seen under the hood, with an oil cooler mounted in front of the vehicle’s radiator.

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 is still very popular with the reproduction of muscle cars, and can be seen in the diecast model toys available in the Matchbox, ERTL American Muscle and Hot Wheels ranges. The “hockey” side stripe on the car, the chin spoiler and the rear louvers distinguish this muscle car which is still popular and much loved.

Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Car

Editor — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:47:10 +0000

The Ford Mustang has always been a dream car to many. With popular models such as the FR500C, the FR500GT and the FR500S, it is hard to imagine that these models can be improved on. But on the fortieth anniversary of the Cobra Jet, Ford has produced a new FR500CJ drag racer, which will have every Mustang fan wishing they had one. The Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Car was created to be one of the most breathtaking factory built drag cars on the market. Attention to detail and creating raw power doesn’t just make the Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Car great, it makes it spectacular.

The Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Car was created to make a statement, and Ford is exceptionally proud of their latest member of the Mustang range. The Cobra Jet will have a six speed manual gearbox fitted, however a three speed automatic gearbox can be fitted on request, and will be powered by a 5.4L V-8 engine. A few features were changed from the previous models to enhance the performance of the Cobra Jet, such as an adjusted wheel and tire combination, so that the Cobra Jet will be better suited to drag racing.

Other features include a nine inch rear axle, larger throttle body, single hoop driveshaft loop with a one piece driveshaft, crankshaft dampener, long tube stainless steel headers, an anti-roll bar, cold air intake, drag race spring kit and specially designed rear control arms. The new Cobra Jet will produce four hundred horsepower and will comfortably fall within the ten second ranges.

Unfortunately, there is no hope of running off to purchase one, as only fifty Cobra Jet Mustang Drag Cars will be manufactured, of which all fifty have already been bought and will be dropped off at the respective dealerships for their new owners to collect. Even though Ford has said that there might be a chance of them manufacturing more Cobra Jets in the future, no definite plans have been made yet. There is still some light at the end of the tunnel, as the Cobra Jet will be manufactured from Ford performance parts that the public will be able to purchase. So with a little saving and patience, Mustang enthusiasts will be able to build their own Cobra Jet. Ford Racing Technology Director, Brian Wolfe, was quoted saying: “The 2008 CJ will get us more involved with the sportsmen racers in drag racing. Those Ford racers are among the most loyal Ford supporters and customers we have. The CJ makes a statement for our company that even in times as tough as these, we can introduce something as special as the Cobra Jet. As a guy who has tracked Ford history from the beginning and understands the significance of the CJ, this is by far the best factory drag car that we have produced.”

Auto Racing – The Return of Retro

Editor — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 09:53:34 +0000

Car styling through the years has gravitated between racing influences and tributes to the great automobiles of the past. Sometimes it’s both, a case in point being the 1990s Chrysler Concorde with its wide oval grill reminiscent of early 1960s Ferraris. The Prancing Horse has been evoked by other makes as well, such as the 1955 Chevrolet and its Ferrari-inspired grill. The current styling theme seems to be retro – with a vengeance. Some examples of the trend include the Chrysler PT Cruiser that recalls the 1930s, the Chevrolet HHR with its 1940s look and the new Ford Mustang that pays homage to the Mustangs of the late 1960s.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that the big American automakers have embraced the retro theme. Note that very few, if any, overseas carmakers have done the same (BMW, with its line of roadsters may be an exception). Could it be that domestic manufacturers long for the days when they ruled the automotive roost? It’s debatable whether car buyers share this nostalgia for the past, but then again nostalgia is a prime motivator when middle-aged buyers make costly purchases. Ford cleverly played the “mid-life crisis” card with their latest version of the Thunderbird. The car was styled with one eye on the classic two-seat T-Birds of the 1950s. It didn’t handle especially well, nor did its engine provide much power or excitement, but the Thunderbird wasn’t designed to be a seat-of-the-pants performer – it was aimed straight for the heart.

The Ford Mustang, on the other hand, was purposely planned to hit the emotional and physical targets. It could be optioned with Cobra style stripes and other “go fast” accessories, plus the under hood pieces to enable it to keep its promises. The Mustang has been an unqualified success, and everyone has noticed. Chrysler is planning to release an updated Dodge Challenger in 2007 that bears more than a passing resemblance to its early 1970s namesake, down to the “Plum Crazy” paint job.

Even GM, troubled giant though it may be, has announced plans to reissue the Chevrolet Camarro. The Camarro also promises to feature retro styling, this time based on the memorable 1969 edition. It goes to show you: in the world of automobiles, everything old is new again!

Discover Muscle Cars at Auto Racing

Editor — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 16:48:05 +0000

Between 1960 and 1972 Detroit created a class of amazing performance machines by placing large engines in smaller cars. The American Muscle Car was born and was celebrated in popular youth culture, inspiring Top 40 hits like The Beach Boys “409″, Jan & Dean’s “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” and The Ripcords’ “GTO”.

Pontiac’s GTO was one of the earliest examples of the muscle car. The roaring success of the GTO led auto manufacturers to quickly introduce their own muscle cars, such as the Olds Cutlass 442, the Plymouth Roadrunner and the Ford Mustang Boss 302. Carmakers then added extra performance to their full-size vehicles, expanding the depth of the muscle car genre to include the Chevrolet Impala SS 427, the Ford Torino 428 Cobra Jet, and the Dodge Hemi-Charger R/T.

Chrysler’s Hemi engine is legendary in muscle car circles for its prodigious power and distinctive throaty exhaust note. A hemi-powered car commands a significant premium when sold or auctioned to muscle car collectors.

Today, classic muscle cars can be purchased from dealers who specialize in restoring them to original condition. Muscle cars are also sold by private individuals, often on the Internet. Live auctions are also a popular way for collectors to acquire the muscle car of their dreams, and the bidding for these American icons often skyrockets to many times their original selling price.