50 Years of Mustang

Not many car models stay around for over 50 years. The Ford Mustang is the exception. Not only has it lasted for all this time, but has stayed very close to the original intent of the very first models introduced in the spring of 1964.
I was a teenager back then, and I can still remember when that exciting new car first hit the streets. It was different than almost anything else people were driving back then. It made an impression on me that has lasted over 50 years.
Over the years, I have owned many Mustangs, just about at least one of every different model they have produced. Some of them were high milage used cars, back when that's all I could afford to drive. And a few in recient times were new, top of the line, Shelby and Cobra models. They include a "96" Cobra, a 2003 "Terminator" Cobra, and a 2007 Shelby GT 500. All were driven and enjoyed, and some had performance upgrades to bring out even more power.
Last week we took delivery of a new 2015 Mustang GT. We had special ordered it back in February, so we could get the exact color and options we wanted. This new model is awesome. It is everything a performance coupe is supposed to be and more. The new styling will keep it fresh well into the future, for a whole new generation of Mustang enthusiasts to enjoy.
For more of my automotive history, check out my book at this link;  "Grab Some Gears" .

Our new 2015 Mustang GT.

Autumn Road Trip

In many parts of the country, autumn is a great time of the year for a road trip, in our favorite car, with our favorite travel partner. Even though many of the Northern areas have already seen snow, here in the American Southwest, we're getting into a very nice time of year. The air is a little cooler, and in many places, the fall colors are at their peek. I'm lucky enough to live in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and it doesn't take much prompting to get me out on the road anyway. Pack a light lunch, grab the camera and binoculars, and we're out the door. The spectacular Kolob Canyon, on the northwest corner of Zion National Park, is only about a 30 minute drive from our Southern Utah home. We had very nice weather, and had a very enjoyable time. Get out and see what adventures you can find in your area. Also, check out my book at;  Grab Some Gears

Our Mustang GT in Kolob Canyon.

Summer on the Road

I've spent a lot of time on the road this summer. I'm moving to a new home, and doing most of it, one trip at a time, in our cars. The Charger will haul a little larger items, but the Mustang is a little more fun to drive. They are both excellent road cars, and over the last few months, I have a whole new appreciation for that. I love these cars.
The Mustang has a little more noticable personnalized plate "FFFAAST' , and it has advertising for my book on the side back windows, so it gets more attention from car enthusiasts. The Charger looks like an un-marked police car, so it gets a different kind of attention from other motorists.
I've mentioned before in this blog that I love music, and especially when I'm driving. I've really used my Sirius satellite radio a lot, on every trip. If I'm in heavier traffic, I sometimes listen to a mix CD of my favorites, anyway the music never stops.
Even though it's been a lot of work, and a lot of driving, I have had an enjoyable summer - on the road.

Me and my Mustang, in Snow Canyon, in Southern Utah.

A Garage for Cars

Many car owners around the world don't have a garage, so parking out in the elements is the norm. Many people who have a garage just use it as a storage unit, so their car sets outdoors anyway. For me, I have had a garage at the last three homes I've owned, and I have been parking my cars indoors for the last 32 years. I wouldn't want it any other way.  If you live in a cold climate, it keeps your car out of the snow and ice. If you live in a hot climate, it keeps your car from baking in the sun. My garages have always been finished and painted inside, and decorated with memorabilia celebrating the performance cars, and drag racing, that have been such a big part of my life. They're a nice place to do mechanic work, or spend time enjoying my hobby, and pampering my cars. For more of the story, check out my book at; Grab-Some-Gears

The first "Darwin's Garage" from 27 years ago. Cobra-jet Ranchero and 5.0 Mustang.

Spring Cleaning

Spring is here, we're all anxious to get those performance cars back on the streets. If your car sets all winter, under a cover, the task may not take much work. But, If your car, like mine, is occasionally driven year around, it may take a little more effort to get it looking its best again. When the weather finally is nice enough, a good wash job, some detailed cleaning, and a fresh coat of polish, will have your pride-and-joy looking like it should. For me, a car should look its best all the time, but, I always put forth a little extra effort this time of the year. It just helps get me in the mood for some cruising the streets and highways in style.

My 2013 Mustang GT, ready for some action.

Need For Speed

The "Need For Speed" movie is out and playing everywhere. If you read the reviews, the critics will have your expectations pretty low, but, I just got back from seeing it, and it was spectacular. Maybe it's the old street racer in me, but I totally enjoyed this movie. I think most "car guys", and "car gals", who see it will agree that the cars are the true stars. Sure, the movie stunts, crashes, and over-the-top chase scenes are pure action movie fantasy, but the awesome on-board sounds of these top shelf performance cars are what dreams are made of. If you have ever been a racer, a muscle car fan, or just like high performance action, go see this movie. You won't be disappointed. Also, race fans, take a moment to check out my book; "Grab Some Gears - 40 Years of Street Racing" just follow this link; Grab-Some-Gears

The modified 2014 Shelby GT500 from the "Need For Speed" movie.

Steamboat Springs

We are celebrating 50 years of Ford Mustangs this year, and with that, we can expect many local car shows to feature Mustangs in the spotlight. There are special national celebrations for the Mustang in April on the 50th. anniversary of the iconic cars introduction. But, if making it to one of those special events is not something you can do, there are other, maybe lesser known, Mustang shows that may be just as good, or even better. One such event is the "Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup" in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This show is held in June every year, and is a spectacular Mustang show. I have attended several times and have never been disappointed. For anyone living in the Western U.S., it is a show well worth attending for any Ford or Mustang enthusiast.  Another great Mustang show is the one held in Sturgis, South Dakota. I haven't been to that one, but some of my family members have, and I hear good reports. Check out this link to the; "Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup" .

Photo from the "Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup" in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.