Car of the Month November 2008

Craig Bauer’s 1967 Mustang Convertible

This Mustang saga started off in the wrong direction. In spite of having owned three Mustangs in the past, I went temporarily brain-dead and convinced myself I wanted an "I Love Me" car based on a Corvette and I went through two Vettes before I came to my senses. The first was a 1975 Stingray, which I put aside when I realized I'd gotten big enough around the middle that getting into it was like putting on a wetsuit. The second, a 1982 Corvette, was a fun ride but again, not quite the fit I had in mind.

Once I regained a grasp on reality and knew I really wanted a Mustang, I further realized not just any old 'Stang would do - it would have to be a 1967 convertible. So the search was on and for the better part of a year I scoured the web, poured over eBay, craigslist and Hemmings, plus generally made a pest of myself at Mustang Fever and the Mustang Ranch. In the midst of this, thanks to the Mercury News, I was delighted to discover the VMOA.

Ultimately, it was Rod Creger at the Mustang Ranch who introduced me to someone interested in selling a 1967 convertible that had not been driven since 1989. The car was pretty much an unsightly mess, but it was a one-owner "C" code, automatic, built in San Jose, cancer free and pretty straight - notwithstanding a few bollard hits from around the country club. It took several visits with the owner to assuage her fears that I was only trying to turn a quick profit on her beloved Mustang, but we finally closed the deal in February 2006.

Fast forward many months (and many $$$$) and this restomod is nearly completed. The original 289 was pretty much worn out which provide a suitable excuse for installing the 351 Windsor that now powers this horse. I had the Shelby mod done to the control arms to improve handling, upgraded to front disc brakes, installed a body stiffener along with torsion and traction bars, and had the rear end and the C4 rebuilt. The exterior paint, top and upholstery, including a padded custom cover for the back seat, were all done with an eye toward using the car for parade duty.

The 1967 Mustang represents much symbolism for me. 1967 is the year I joined the Marine Corps where I served as both an enlisted man and an officer for over 20 years. In the parlance of the naval services, an officer promoted from the enlisted ranks is known as a “mustang officer” - one of mixed or wild breed. The term “mustang” as used to define our familiar wild plains horse is derived from the Spanish word mestengo, ergo my MSTENGO vanity plates. In keeping with my intent for a Marine Corps themed car to use in parades, the body color is now Night Mist Blue, with a custom Killer White top and interior, which are meant to depict colors from the Marine Corps Dress Blue uniform. Soon, Marine Corps graphics will be added and I hope to show the colors at VMOA events and in parades for many years to come.

Craig Bauer