LCMC , MUstang & FORD News

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Indy 500 Mustang Pace Cars
19641/2 Ford Mustang Convertible

Aside from the Corvette, no other automotive marque has paced the Indianapolis 500 as often as the Mustang. In its 40-year history, the Mustang has been at Indy three times:

1964 for the Mustang introduction, then 1979 and 1994 when the Mustang changed body styles. Three 1964 1/2 convertibles were built with the sole purpose of pacing the 1964 Indianapolis 500.
These three cars were sent directly from the factory to Holman & Moody in North Carolina to be specially modified for pace car duties. These modifications included extensive work to the 289cid engines, the installation of a Borg-Warner 4-speed transmission, and lowered suspension with differently valved shocks on each side of the car to accommodate the banked turns of the Indianapolis Speedway, and high-speed rated tires.
The cars were all painted Wimbledon White. On race day only 2 of these cars actually made the parade lap, as the third ran into mechanical difficulties.
In addition, thirty five convertibles were used as dignitary cars during the festivities of the Indy 500. Due to a shortage of Mustangs available from the factory, these 35 were pulled from dealer lots to fill the need. All of these cars were D-code cars (289 cid V8, 4-barrel, 210 hp) in Wimbledon White with either red, white or blue interiors.
After the race these cars were auctioned off to dealerships and absorbed into the general population, instead of being made available for sale as special edition cars

1979 Ford Mustang

In 1979 when the Mustang was beginning a new renaissance, the Indianapolis 500 invited Ford to pace the race with the all-new, Fox-body Mustang. To celebrate, Ford produced replicas to be sold to the public, just like 15 years earlier when Ford produced an estimated 190 white '64 1/2 Pace Car replica hardtops.
Ford was more aggressive with the Indy 500 Pace Car replicas in 1979. It built 10,471 to be distributed through a vast dealer network. Of the 10,471 units, 405 were shipped to Canadian Ford dealers. Most (5,970) were fitted with the 2.3L-2V Turbo four. Fewer (4,508) were equipped with the 5.0L-2V V-8 with either automatic or four-speed manual transmissions.
All of the '79 Indy Pace Car Mustangs were equipped with the TRX suspension, which included TRX metric wheels, stiffer springs and shocks, sway bars, and Michelin tires. The bodies were dressed in Pewter with black and burnt-orange appointments and Indy 500 Pace Car graphics. Groovy ground effects, fog lamps, and twin European exhaust tips adorned the rest of the body.

1994 Ford Mustang Cobra, 78th Indy 500, May 29, 1994

1994 saw a major redesign for the Ford Mustang, as well as Mustang's return to Indianapolis. The all-new 1994 Mustang Cobra convertible became the third Mustang to pace the Indy 500.
The 94 Mustang was powered by a modified version of Ford's 5.0L V-8 engine that produced 240 horsepower. 1963 Indy winner Parnelli Jones was chosen to drive the pace car.
1000 replicas of the red-and-tan convertible were produced, along with a replica of the Official Truck of the Indy 500, the Ford F-150 Lightning.


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3rd Generation - Fox Body 1979 - 1993

1979 Mustang
Compared to the earlier Mustang, the 1979 models were longer and taller. However, it was 200 pounds lighter than the Mustang II. Engine options included the 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, 2.8L V6, 2.3L engine turbo, 3.3L inline-6 and 5L V8. As the first model for the Fox platform, the 1979 Mustangs were visually more "European" and less traditional in terms of styling features.

1980 Mustang
With the next Mustang in the Fox platform, Ford dropped the 302 V8 engine and offered a 255-cubic inch V8 engine, which boasts up to 119 horsepower. The company wanted to offer an engine that was both economical and sporty. However, many Mustang fanatics found the new engine to be underpowered for racing. In addition, the 2.8L V6 engine was replaced by a 3.3L inline 6 engine.

1981 Mustang
Due to the new U.S. emissions & safety standards, the 1981 Mustang faced additional engine changes. The 2.3 L engine with turbo was dropped from the lineup, while the 255 cu in V8 engine was revamped to produced exactly 115 horsepower, instead of 119 hp it previously produced. Because of this, consumers noticed a decrease in power output on all Mustangs equipped with V8 engines.

1982 Mustang
For critics and Mustang fans, 1982 was the year Ford regained the Mustang appeal by bringing back its original power. Ford brought the Mustang GT back to the lineup, gave way to the return of the T-top option and offered the 5.0L V8 engine again. This time, the V8 engine was capable of producing up to 157 horsepower. The 1982 Mustang also featured an improved exhaust system, which made the 1982 models one of the fastest cars in the U.S. during its time.

1983 Mustang
Since 1970s, Ford has not been producing Mustang convertibles. This changed in 1983 when the Mustang was made available in convertible option. In addition, the mustang GT V8 engine increased in power, producing up to 175 horsepower. In fact, the 1983 model was so admired that the California Highway Patrol bought 400 units, which were used in high-speed pursuits.

1984 Mustang
In 1984, Ford introduced the special edition Mustang SVO, assembling only 4,508 units. It featured a turbocharged 2.3L inline 4-cycline engine, which was capable of producing 210 lb-ft of torque and up to 175 horsepower. Although the Mustang SVO was a powerful model, not many consumers were able to afford its $15,970 tag price. However, Ford also released its 20th anniversary Mustang made as a GT model that featured a V8 engine with Canyon red interior and Oxford white exterior.

1985 Mustang
1985 was the year the 5.0 High Output (HO) motor was introduced as an effort to improve its engine lineup. It was capable of producing 210 horsepower even with a manual transmission. Since the Mustang SVO was still offered, a total of 1,515 units were produced. During the late 1985, Ford revamped the SVO and released 439 units. These models were able to output up to 205 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, making them a popular car admired by Mustang enthusiasts.

1986 Mustang
Ford dropped the carburetor and introduced the first 302 cu in sequential multi-port fuel injection V8 engine, which can produce 225 horsepower. 1986 was the last year Ford produced Mustang SVOs - an estimated of 3,382 units were manufactured. Only minor changes, such as horsepower reduction from 205 to 200 hp and addition of a third-brake light were made to the SVO.

1987 Mustang
Ford completely revamped the 1987 Mustang to become aerodynamic in design. Being its first major redesign since 1979, the Mustang experience a heavily restyled interior and exterior. The new 5.0L V8 engine can now produce up to 225 horsepower. Since Ford dropped the V6 engine for 1987, engine options for the Mustang was the V8 engine and the 2.3L 4-cyliner fuel-injected motor. Ford also stopped production for the Mustang SVO, but produced a new special edition SVT Cobra (Special Vehicle Team), which was equipped with a 302 cu in V8 engine that can produce 280 lb-ft of torque and 235 horsepower.

1988 Mustang
For 1988, the Mustang GT became one of the most popular Mustangs ever produced with over 68,000 units produced for 1988 alone. The production of T-tops was discontinued early in 1988.

1989 Mustang
Ford produced all 1989 Mustangs with a new mass air system. Celebrating its 25th year, the Mustang was produced with a Mustang Pony inscription with the words "25 Years" placed on the dash. These special edition Mustangs were manufactured from April 17, 1989 to April 17, 1990.

1990 & 1991 Mustang
The 25th Mustang Anniversary was extended up to 1990, releasing 2,000 limited edition jet-black Mustangs. Ford also introduced the first airbag for driver's side as standard equipment. In 1991, Ford increased the horsepower of all base Mustangs by equipping the vehicle with 105 hp twin-plug 4-cylinder engine. Plus, Ford features all V8 units with 5-spoke 16x7-inch cast aluminum wheels.

1992 Mustang
A limited edition Mustang was released in the late 1992 production year in an effort to boost consumer enthusiasm because the sales were decreasing. However, only a few red convertible (with special rear spoiler) limited editions were released. In 1992, the Mustang LX that featured 5.0L V8 engine with a scaled down body outsold all other Ford models combined.

1993 Mustang
In 1993, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) produced another limited edition SVT - the SVT Mustang Cobra and the A Cobra R version that used the same Cobra engine, which was developed as a complete racing engine. Even though the 1993 models were without a stereo and air conditioning, it was sold out completely before production.

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SHELBY TERLINGUA
The Terlingua Racing Team story is the stuff of legend. Its roots began when Ford Motor Company asked Carroll Shelby to turn its Mustang into a race winner. His team succeeded with a competition version of the Shelby GT350. About that time, Shelby and a few friends were enjoying "the Rat Pack" lifestyle in the Texas ghost town of Terlingua.
To symbolize their philosophy, legendary Terlingua Team member # 2 Bill Neale designed "Lucifer", the black and yellow a logo with a rabbit holding his paw in the air.
Ken Miles was the first to put the 'prancing rabbit' in the winner's circle with a victory at Green Valley Raceway in 1965.
When the logo became a "Gawdawful Yellow" livery for the 1967 Shelby Trans Am car, the philosophy really caught fire. When Shelby ceased production in 1970, drivers put the heraldry on other vehicles.
In April of 2007, Shelby Automobiles and Bill Neale returned the Terlingua Racing Team to the spotlight. Today the Terlingua team announced a series of vehicles and products for the grassroots racing community that live up to the Terlingua Racing legend. Ranging from a high performance package for Ford Mustangs to special edition Shelby Cobra, the program was introduced during a press conference at the 2007 SEMA show. The Terlingua Racing Team package for the V6 Ford Mustang includes serious performance enhancements and striking visual cues.
The hot rod features significant improvements to the handling and braking capabilities that were developed with partners like Ford Racing; an optional supercharger will crank out 375 horsepower. The coupe sports a deep draw hood, 20" anthracite "Razor" wheels and a host styling changes including the famous Terlingua rabbit. The package will be applied, with a Shelby serial number, by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas or one of our official factory mod shops.
For the first time in 40 years, Shelby Automobiles proudly offers the Shelby Terlingua. This Paxton supercharger 4.0L V-6 generates 375 hp and will make you forget it's not a V8! Visit shelbyautos.com for more information.

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JACK ROUSH UNVEILS FIFTH GENERATION MUSTANG BEARING HIS NAME

LIVONIA, Mich. (March 18, 2009) - Before a crowd of enthusiastic fans holding their breath, and media with cameras focused and ready, Jack Roush unveiled the new ROUSH(r) 2010 Mustang, the fifth generation high-performance pony car to bear his name. The debut took place at the Livonia, Mich., vehicle assembly plant, just yards away from where the new ROUSH 2010 Mustangs will be built when production begins in early April.

"This is a very exciting day for me and for ROUSH Performance," Jack Roush said. "The very first ROUSH Mustang was built in 1994 and we have come a long way since that day in terms of performance, styling, and handling. And, this ROUSH 2010 Mustang is a prime example of our results-oriented program team working together under a tight deadline to be as close to the Ford factory Job One launch as possible." In addition to the car, ROUSH now has more than 150 different parts which fit the 2010 Ford Mustang and allow owners to personalize their own vehicle.

More than 200 ROUSH employees had a hand in making the ROUSH 2010 Mustang a reality. Much of the work on the vehicle was done internally, including the design, prototyping, tooling, chassis and engine development, manufacturing, and of course, assembly. This means approximately 10 percent of the total ROUSH workforce was directly involved in the Mustang project. Once the ROUSH 2010 Mustang goes into production, this number of employees is expected to double. At launch, there will be three versions of the ROUSH 2010 Mustang available for sale.

The ROUSH 2010 Stage 1 Mustang will include an appearance package which is comprised of several components such as a new front fascia and front splitter, rear fascia, side splitters, and a three-piece rear wing. This is the most economically priced ROUSH Mustang with a suggested retail price starting at $34,847. The new rear fascia is a one-piece design which improves the fit and finish; the part is injection-molded by ROUSH Manufacturing in an OEM-level TPO plastic which, in the black color with decorative grain, will help reduce rock chips. Like its predecessors, the ROUSH 2010 Stage 2(tm) Mustang includes the same appearance upgrades, but also receives an all-new suspension package to greatly enhance the handling of the vehicle and turn that daily commute into a slalom course. The ROUSH chassis engineering team has driven tens of thousands of miles on the streets and tracks to create the best blend of comfort and handling, and claim that this is the best suspension package they have come up with yet for the Mustang. A ROUSH wheel hop reduction kit will be included with all vehicles that have the upgraded ROUSH suspension package installed at the factory.

The ROUSH 2010 Stage 2 Mustang will retail starting at $36,221. The ROUSH 2010 427R(tm) Mustang will be the first in the lineup to have a ROUSHcharger(r) installed which boosts the horsepower to 435 and offers 400 lb.-ft. of torque. This is the first time that ROUSH has been able to offer a supercharged vehicle at the launch of a new body style.

The ROUSH 2010 427R has an MSRP which will open at $43,051. Under the hood customers will see many differences in the ROUSH 2010 427R Mustang compared to previous years. One of the biggest changes is that the long air induction tube that wrapped around the engine was eliminated making a much cleaner appearance under the hood. The intercooler reservoir has more than twice the volume of previous generations, and the intercooler itself is a single core cross-flow radiator which means more efficient cooling. It is substantially larger than on prior model years, and is now raised higher off the ground which should offer much less potential for road debris damage. Even the hoses on the ROUSH 2010 427R have seen an upgrade; they are all now 100 percent molded rubber with abrasion resistance and have imprinted markings for things like the clamp locations. This makes for even more of a true OEM appearance under the hood, and ROUSH has taken this factory appearance to the degree of matching the Ford grain on the OEM radiator reservoir and duplicated it on the one used by the intercooler. Although much of the 4.6L, 3V powertrain components are a carryover from that used on the 2005-2009 ROUSH Mustangs, customers will notice much more refinement and OEM-level quality materials and appearance on the new ROUSHcharged(tm) engines.

Each of the three models of ROUSH 2010 Mustangs will ride on 18-inch cast chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper Zeon tires. A new 20-inch cast chrome wheel is an available option. All the ROUSH 2010 Mustangs will be covered by a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. "I've driven every generation of ROUSH Mustangs and there is no question that these cars keep improving over the years. Our engineering teams never sit back and say,'That's it. We are done working on this now.' They continually refine the components, whether it is in the engine, suspension, or any other part of the car. They are always thinking and testing and improving and creating the ultimate Mustang for the muscle car enthusiast. I think that there is no doubt that the ROUSH 2010 Mustang is our finest effort yet," Roush stated, adding that he will shortly be using one as his personal vehicles while traveling the NASCAR circuit. Based in Livonia, Mich., "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes place at ROUSH Performance.

Low Country Mustang News
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Ford Recall for 2005 - 2008 Mustangs

Ford is recalling 470,000 Mustang vehicles for failing to comply with one of the neck injury requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," for an unbelted 5th percentile female sitting in the passenger seat while it is in the full forward position.
During an airbag deployment, if a child or small adult in the front passenger seat is not wearing the safety belt, and has the seat in the full forward position, there may be an increased potential for a neck injury.

Dealers will reprogram the restraint control module free of charge. Ford will contact owners by mail in March 2008 to schedule the service.

The recall is expected to begin on or about February 28, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or through email to www.ownerconnection.com.

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The Low Country Mustang Club is absolutely amazing! What a nice thing to do. Last year, I got my church, my daughter and friends to also give to the camp because I was worried we'd not have enough funds to cover the camp expenses. We were also really frugal, so we ended up ok. But y'all have made us get off to a good start. I should be able to be less stressed this year! Thank you so much.
I am attaching a copy of a letter that Rachel, a camper, wrote a few months ago. I thought you'd enjoy it. Sally

2006 Camp Puff N Stuff

2006 Camp Puff N Stuff

Camp Puff N Stuff will be held at the College of Charleston from June 18–23. It is for children born between 1995 and 1999 who are on daily medications for asthma and who live in coastal South Carolina. Education is held each morning on how asthma affects the airways, how asthma medications work, why it is important to take them correctly. The children go on field trips in the afternoons and then return to the college to practice breathing exercises. The children learn how to recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack so they can take the appropriate management steps to lessen or prevent an attack. With this knowledge, they feel more confident about taking care of their asthma.
Sponsors of the camp are The American Lung Association-Southeast Region, Roper St. Francis Heathcare and the Charleston Police Department. Major contributors besides The Low Country Mustang Club are The Exchange Club of Charleston, Coastal Community Foundation’s Webb/Croft Fund Sepracor, The Charleston County Medical Society, First Federal and Charleston Outdoor Catering.

2005 Camp Puff N Stuff

Ford News

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6/22/07 Shelby GT Convertible

Formally introduced at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet in Tulsa Oklahoma, the Shelby GT Convertible will only be produced in limited quantity to assure it's collector appeal. Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built, available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007. Last year Ford produced just under 6,000 Shelby GTs which were available in only Performance White or Black. However in 2008 the Shelby GT will also be available in Vista blue with Silver stripes. (pictured above)

“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don’t will be left behind staring at its tailpipes.”

The 2008 Shelby GT will sport a 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque 4.6L V8 which is the same engine included in the Ford Mustang GT with the addition of a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure.

The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness and the Shelby team will add a stylish light bar.

4/26/07 Shelby GT 500 Goes RED

Can a unique vehicle be made more unique? Ford thinks so and has proved the point with the release of the Shelby GT500 Red Stripe Appearance Package.
Enthusiasts can choose the new package on a limited number of 2007 Shelby GT500 models to be produced for approximately five weeks between early May and the end of the 2007 model year production in late June.

"The Red package is all about exclusivity," said Dan Geist, Mustang marketing manager. "The Shelby GT500 is an enthusiasts' car. We're limiting our production of this package and that fact along with the Shelby heritage makes the Red Appearance Package a dream for collectors."

Inside, the locations of the speedometer and the tachometer are swapped to provide performance-oriented drivers with a better view of shift points while changing gears. Front seats have received additional lateral support to help keep the driver optimally positioned during cornering.

"The GT500 combines the great heritage of both Carroll Shelby and Mustang," Geist said. "A model like the Red Appearance Package only adds to the luster for drivers who love classic cars."

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