LCMC Mustang & FORD News

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Ford Motor Co. will cease production of its 72-year-old Mercury brand by the end of 2010 after years of declining sales.
Mercury's death is the latest in a string of casualties as Detroit carmakers try to cut costs and invest more heavily in fewer offerings. By shedding a mid-range brand that was more and more irrelevant to buyers, the automaker can focus on accelerating sales of Ford and beefing up its luxury Lincoln brand.

Ford plans to expand its Lincoln lineup to make up for lost Mercury sales and support Lincoln-Mercury dealers who will suddenly be without a brand. Derrick Kuzak, Ford's product development chief, said Lincoln will have seven new or revamped vehicles in the next four years, including the brand's first compact car.

The automaker's board of directors approved ending the brand Wednesday morning, 06/02/10. Ford Americas President Mark Fields said the decision was made this spring as part of an annual business review. He said Mercury's sales make up such a small percentage of North American market share — less than 1 percent, compared with Ford brand's 16 percent — and that the profile of Ford and Mercury shoppers is so similar, it makes more sense to focus on Ford and Lincoln.

The move should help the Ford brand. Mercury was the No. 1 brand that was also considered by Ford buyers, said Aaron Bragman, an analyst for the consulting firm IHS Global Insight. Ford said 53 percent of Mercury shoppers consider Ford and Lincoln. Ford said it will offer discounts through the summer on Mercury vehicles to shed inventory.

Mercury got its start in 1935, when Henry Ford's son Edsel Ford began designing a more upscale car he planned to call the Ford Falcon. But he didn't think it fit with the brand's other offerings, so he created a new brand named for the winged Roman god. The first Mercury, the 1939 Mercury 8, went into production in 1938. It sold for $916 and boasted a 95-horsepower V-8 engine. More than 65,800 were sold the first year. For many years, Mercury remained the mid-range option between the no-frills Ford brand and the luxury Lincoln brand. But it struggled to find a niche. It tried importing some vehicles from Europe under the Merkur name in the late 1980s, but buyers weren't ready for the advanced design and higher prices. In recent decades, it has struggled to differentiate itself as Ford moved upmarket and the two brand's vehicles became almost indistinguishable. The company also failed to give Mercury new products or advertising support. There is no Mercury version of the hot-selling Ford Focus, for example, or the Ford Edge crossover. Mercury currently has four models: The Milan sedan and Mariner small SUV and their hybrid versions. The Ford brand has nine. Mercury's sales peaked in 1978 at more than 580,000 vehicles. Just over 92,000 Mercurys were sold last year. Even though some of its products such as the Milan have received strong reliability scores from Consumer Reports magazine and other outside groups, Mercury's sales have never come close to Ford's Fusion, which is nearly an identical car.

While Ford sold more than 75,000 Fusions and Fusion hybrids through April of this year, it sold just 11,800 Milans and Milan hybrids. But Mercury did have one thing in its favor: It consistently outsold the Lincoln brand, which has been struggling despite a relatively new lineup and high scores in dependability surveys. Mercury sold nearly 10,000 more vehicles than Lincoln last year, even though its sales fell 23 percent from the year before. Ford will have to invest serious dollars into Lincoln to make the plan work, but it should be able to do that because it has unloaded Aston Martin, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo in recent years, said Bragman of IHS Global Insight. He said the difference between Ford and Lincoln vehicles needs to be similar to the difference between Volkswagen and Audi or Toyota and Lexus. Kuzak and Fields said that with the end of Mercury, Lincoln will have the resources it needs, and Kuzak said the brand will get more exclusive technologies in the future to differentiate it

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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.

Low Country Mustang News
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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