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Ford

ROLLING THUNDER

In 1992, Bruce Richards bought a new 5.0 Thunderbird. He wanted a spirited family car and daily driver, and he drove this car for 10 years before deciding that it had served its purpose. It now deserved a better, faster and powerful life. Richards liked the idea and wanted anything but a cookie-cutter T-Bird. He wanted a car that would run with the best of them, including Mustangs. The only problem was the size of the Bird. As it left the factory, the car weighed 3,940 lbs and made only 205 hp, so Richards’ decision was clear—he needed the car to have more power and weigh less.

MORE THAN ORIGINAL

It’s funny how certain car-related associations work out. Maybe timing really is everything when it comes to cars. When Arvada, Colorado’s Ken Godsey was a teenager, his dream car was a ’67 big-block Mustang. “I always wanted to own a 1967 Mustang Fastback,” Godsey SAID. “And when I went looking for my first car with my father, we found a ’67 Mustang Fastback, one with a 428 FE engine that had been installed by the previous owner. It was the perfect car for me!” Godsey’s father, however, thought otherwise. “What I ended up with instead of that 428 Mustang was a ’70 Chevelle sedan with a 307 engine in it. I never forgave old dad for that one,” he SAID with a smile.

SR61 Starliner

Long before we ever saw it in person, we were familiar with the ProRides-built SR61 Starliner. We ran a rendering of the car back when it was still on the drawing board, and we heard updates on its progress from time to time. But our first real introduction to the car was at Air Ride Technologies’ Street Challenge at Putnam Park Road Course. Among the sights we must admit we thought we’d never see was that of a big-dollar, 3,800-pound ’61 Starliner ripping around a road course. Immediately, we fell in love—a car this size, this expensive, this good looking, and a builder who’s not afraid to test his work to the limits? That sounds like the kind of car for us.

NEIGHBORHOOD SEDAN

We’ve all heard stories of fellow street rodders who have searched far and wide for that special car. Weeks are spent on the Internet, days are spent stumbling through hot, dry, cold, wet, dusty or muddy swap meets, and even more time is spent at major rod runs, car corrals and cruise nights. Even with all that effort, time and expense, often times you still don’t find a particularly special car. Of course, you could do what Cecil Watts did and walk next door while your neighbor is having a barbecue for the hot rod club and say, “I didn’t know you were going to sell the Fordor—I’ll take it.” It was really that simple, and the best part is that the car is really special.

Barn Fresh

Building a vintage hot rod wrapped around a modern chassis and body is a popular segment of the hobby today. Over 10 years of parts collecting went into the construction of this hot rod. The finishes on this car all look 50 years old, but in reality, the car has only been built for 5 years. It is a masterful blend of the old and the new.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Delphi 600 Series Power Steering Upgrade by Borgeson

This upgrade is a perfect match for a range of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, including the 1971-1973 Mustangs and other full-size models from 1965 to 1977. To accommodate the new steering box input shaft, the factory steering coupler must be replaced. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance. Borgeson offers hose kits designed for both stock Ford pumps and their Saginaw P/S pump upgrade kits, guaranteeing seamless integration with existing power steering components.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Borgeson’s 14:1 Quick Ratio Power Steering Conversion Kit for 1968-1970 Mustang

For all you classic Mustang enthusiasts out there, if you’re wrestling with manual steering in your 1968-1970 Ford Mustang, it’s time to make a serious upgrade. The Borgeson Mustang P/S Kit is here to save your arms and enhance your driving experience. This power steering conversion kit is a game-changer for those who crave better steering ease, responsiveness, and overall driving comfort. Buckle up as we dive into the killer features, crucial components, and the unbeatable benefits this kit brings.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DeatschWerks X3 Series Fuel Pump Module for 2014-2024 F-150 Coyote

In the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence, there’s one name that stands out: DeatschWerks. Their new triple-pump system, the X3 Series Fuel Pump Module for 2014-2024 F-150 Coyote, is a revolutionary fuel solution that redefines what’s possible, combining the best features of OE reliability with aftermarket performance, delivering an astounding 1900HP fuel solution that’s set to dominate the roads and tracks alike.

THE LONG HAUL

Around 1993, Bob Marion purchased a ’40 Ford cabover cab, but at the time he didn’t have anything he could do with it. He didn’t worry about it; he just thought of plans here and there, and after a full decade of on-and-off planning he finally decided it was time to do something with the old cab. He took it to Rich Brandl Sr. at Superior Custom Classics Inc.

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