Iacocca Puts Stamp on Anniversary Mustang

http://www.stuff.co.nz

After 45 years of Mustangs, the man responsible for the original has launched a commemorative version of which only 45 examples will be made.

Ford Mustangs, despite many having to have their steering wheels switched to the right at much expense, are almost as popular in New Zealand as they are in the United States.

Every day I see examples from just about every decade of their existence on my daily drive - yes, even versions of the awful Mustang IIs of Charlie's Angels fame.

Now, 45 years on from the launch of the original by Lee Iacocca at the New York World's Fair, the man himself - Mr Mustang to many - has announced a new version of the famous car with his name on it. It looks like the kind of car an inveterate Mustang collector would desire above all others.

The Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang uses latest Ford performance technology with a strikingly simplified Mustang fastback design. Only 45 so-called "2009 1/2" Iacocca Silver Edition Mustangs will be built, all finished in a special silver chosen by Iacocca.

Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, a coachbuilding and design company in California.

The new business venture is called I Legacy, and it will work in concert with the Galpin Ford dealership in offering the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to the public.

The car begins life as a 2009 Mustang platform, which is then modified and coachbuilt. While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle.

Two power plant options will be offered, a normally aspirated 4.6-litre Ford V8 rated at 320 horsepower (238kW) and an optional supercharged version that delivers a head-snapping 400-horsepower (298kW). Both engines are covered by a factory Ford warranty and drive through a five-speed manual transmission.

The car's suspension has been upgraded, with a Ford racing handling package employing firmer springs and re-valved shock absorbers.

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang are Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather- wrapped steering wheel with "I" badge and Iacocca-badged aluminium door sill plates.

The cars will initially be revealed and then made available at a reception next month in California.

The price of the 45th anniversary Mustang is yet to be announced.

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