P
PNewitt
Guest
Where does one with a 1968 1/2 GT/California Special stand in today's world of Mustang enthusiasm?
As I look at the current issues of Mustang Monthly, and Mustangs and Fords, it seems that this era of "RestoMod" has dominated the pages of these magazines. It seems that if you don't own a modified, high HP pony with Eleanor (or "Foose") looks, that you're out of the loop on the street.
They want you to think that even having a Shelby isn't enough, and it needs some suspension mods, or a blower, or some new 17-20" wheels.
Just what is all this hype--and how does this affect the perceptions of the original owner, and the stock, (un)restored Mustangs?
Well--this must have been like how Hot Rods, made from '32 Fords made people in the 1950's cringe. It's not that mods and hot rodding is "bad", or "wrong".....it's just that the hype, and the perception of that this is the direction is not reality.
The California Special really IS a special Mustang (and I'm including HCS, too). It's primarily an appearance package, but then again, the automotive market has always been about 80% marketing and 20% Detroit iron. We, as a group have stood our ground, and through this website, formed a community (or sorts) of Mustangers. Look at how folks at the Grass Valley show thought that group was "some sort of club". We are organized, and we work together to solve problems, but more importantly, we support each other's enthusuasm.
I would go so far as to say as a marque of Mustang, we as more aligned (no pun) than most clubs. Some of us are "lone wolves", and some of us are part of a loose-knit regional group of friends that get together. It's important to know that we, as a group are quite strong, and have an impressive background when we show up at shows, etc. Other Mustang marques aren't quite as solid as the GT/CS folks. Yes, the Boss and Shelby groups are strong, but have you seen any other Mustang registry/group of enthusiasts as well centered on a common goal--and have as much fun--as we do?
As a side note, I would like to see us--as a group for a type of consortium in our restorations, armed with the best information possible to "make a statement" at any car show anywhere in the country.
The point I wish to make is to ignore the hype of what the magazines are saying. Advertisers, and editors need something to stir sales--and it can slant the tone of the publication. Restored, or daily driver GT/CS Mustangs don't need to fall into any kind of conformity of higher HP, or fender flares, or resto-mod parts. "IF" you wish to go that route--great!, but it's to each their own. Besides, I feel that a complete Little Red, or Green Hornet would pale an Eleanor clone any day. The folks with that six-cylinder CS, out on a Sunday drive to a local drive in is as much fun, and gets a lot of attention. You're driving a part of history--and it's a part of the (Southern) California car culture of the 1960's. You have a strong heritage, that needs no mods to justify today.
I'm keeping this marque of Mustang in perspective as I'm doing the book. We need to remember what this car is all about, and not be (too) influenced by what the media, auctions, or print media tells us. it will be interesting when the '07 Owners encounter a '68 version on the street. I predict a sense of awe and humility will occur at that moment towards the senior CS.
Paul M. Newitt
As I look at the current issues of Mustang Monthly, and Mustangs and Fords, it seems that this era of "RestoMod" has dominated the pages of these magazines. It seems that if you don't own a modified, high HP pony with Eleanor (or "Foose") looks, that you're out of the loop on the street.
They want you to think that even having a Shelby isn't enough, and it needs some suspension mods, or a blower, or some new 17-20" wheels.
Just what is all this hype--and how does this affect the perceptions of the original owner, and the stock, (un)restored Mustangs?
Well--this must have been like how Hot Rods, made from '32 Fords made people in the 1950's cringe. It's not that mods and hot rodding is "bad", or "wrong".....it's just that the hype, and the perception of that this is the direction is not reality.
The California Special really IS a special Mustang (and I'm including HCS, too). It's primarily an appearance package, but then again, the automotive market has always been about 80% marketing and 20% Detroit iron. We, as a group have stood our ground, and through this website, formed a community (or sorts) of Mustangers. Look at how folks at the Grass Valley show thought that group was "some sort of club". We are organized, and we work together to solve problems, but more importantly, we support each other's enthusuasm.
I would go so far as to say as a marque of Mustang, we as more aligned (no pun) than most clubs. Some of us are "lone wolves", and some of us are part of a loose-knit regional group of friends that get together. It's important to know that we, as a group are quite strong, and have an impressive background when we show up at shows, etc. Other Mustang marques aren't quite as solid as the GT/CS folks. Yes, the Boss and Shelby groups are strong, but have you seen any other Mustang registry/group of enthusiasts as well centered on a common goal--and have as much fun--as we do?
As a side note, I would like to see us--as a group for a type of consortium in our restorations, armed with the best information possible to "make a statement" at any car show anywhere in the country.
The point I wish to make is to ignore the hype of what the magazines are saying. Advertisers, and editors need something to stir sales--and it can slant the tone of the publication. Restored, or daily driver GT/CS Mustangs don't need to fall into any kind of conformity of higher HP, or fender flares, or resto-mod parts. "IF" you wish to go that route--great!, but it's to each their own. Besides, I feel that a complete Little Red, or Green Hornet would pale an Eleanor clone any day. The folks with that six-cylinder CS, out on a Sunday drive to a local drive in is as much fun, and gets a lot of attention. You're driving a part of history--and it's a part of the (Southern) California car culture of the 1960's. You have a strong heritage, that needs no mods to justify today.
I'm keeping this marque of Mustang in perspective as I'm doing the book. We need to remember what this car is all about, and not be (too) influenced by what the media, auctions, or print media tells us. it will be interesting when the '07 Owners encounter a '68 version on the street. I predict a sense of awe and humility will occur at that moment towards the senior CS.
Paul M. Newitt