As you read this I am likely on my way down to Long Beach to meet up with Larry and Linhbergh for another weekend of madness at the LBGP. Before moving on to the Grand Prix, here's my final selection of photo's from Fabulous Fords Forever.
When it comes to Fords, there's nothing more iconic that Parnelli Jones' Boss 302 Trans Am racer. It was taking some prime real estate in the Ford dealer display alongside the modern version of the Boss 302.
While on the subject of Parnelli, there's his Big Oly Bronco which was on hand for the anniversary celebration. He's certainly done his fair share of driving behind the wheel of Ford products.
Here's another great Ford and one of the best factory sleepers of all time – the first generation Taurus SHO.
I always get a kick out of the intake manifold design on the SHO's Yamaha V6. The twin cam motor cranked out 220hp, which were serious numbers back in the late '80s.
How cool is it to see a genuine Shelby GT350H "rent a racer" in full drag trim?
Very cool lowered Ranchero here.
This Cougar Eliminator was out there representing for the now-defunct Mercury brand. I always had ideas about a cool modern version of the Cougar but it looks like it will never be now that Ford did away with the brand.
Some more lowdown custom goodness.
Here's a Merkur XR4Ti, the American market version of the Ford Sierra. The engine is the same 2.3 turbo found in the Mustang SVO from yesterday's post.
Check out the front end work on this "Boss" Maverick. I wonder what people would have thought if Spectre brought out the 2JZ-powered Mav?
While maybe not as legendary as the early Shelby Mustangs, the later ones are still plenty cool. Here's a pristine '70 GT500 with its unique front end design.
Now this is kind of neat, a "what if" version of '69-'70 Bullitt Mustang.
Our Australian readers should be able to recognize this Ute. You guys might find it funny how much attention these imported machines get over here in the US!
Last one to the Outback Steakhouse has to buy Bloomin' Onions for everyone! Yes, I know it's an American restaurant, but c'mon.
Sometimes you find yourself humbled to be in the presence of a car. That was the case with this genuine '65 427 Competition Cobra.
I am not worthy.
The '93 Mustang Cobra is a pretty rare bird, or is that rare pony? Either way, it was pretty cool to see so many of them gathered together in one spot.
The '93 Cobra was the first Mustang that SVT worked on. They took the already potent 5.0 Mustang and added some go fast goodies to the engine, stiffened the suspension, added better brakes, and unique styling. It's considered by many to be the finest of the Fox Body Mustangs as it was produced in the final year before the SN-95 debuted.
The '71-'73 Fastback is one of my favorite Mustang body styles. It was also the star of the original Gone in 60 Seconds film from 1973. If for some reason you haven't seen it, please do. It's a million times better than the Nick Cage remake.
This Holman Moody Galaxie is another example of kick ass vintage NASCAR style.
The interior however looks like it stands up to modern safety standards.
Parked alongside the Galaxie was this track-spec GT350. By now I think you can see just how great this show was.
Here's a very authentic replica of another one of Dearborn's legendary machines – the '64 Fairlane Thunderbolt.
The Thunderbolt started off as basic Fairlane sedan but was transformed into a full-on quarter miler. With fiberglass body panels, aluminum bumpers and a lack of creature comforts – the Thunderbolt was a serious competition vehicle.
Power came from a 427 high-riser that needed a special fiberglass hood for clearance. The monster motor was rated at very conservative 425 horsepower.
I'll wrap up my coverage with a shot of a Boss 302 coated in in Ford's "Medium Lime Metallic". Such a sexy name for a color isn't it?
If you are a Ford fan in the least, you NEED to make plans to be in Orange County next April. You will not regret it.
-Mike Garrett