PUTTING OUT FIRES AND STARTING NEW ONES
October 30, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
ADVANCED ALTERNATOR
Until now, rodders have been severely limited by the battery-charging alternators they’ve had to select from. Rodders either utilized an OE or an OE-style alternator for their custom engine applications, or they selected one of the aftermarket units that were polished or chromed. Now, with the introduction of MSD’s Advanced Power System (APS) alternator, that’s all changed for the better.
Cool Breeze
When Tony Gonzalez says that it is his business to be cool, he really means it. Gonzalez owns an air conditioning repair and installation company, but what gets him hot in his spare time (read, winter) is to build and ride in his 1995 Chevy Silverado.
A REAL NINE-SECOND STREET SLEEPER
One look at a car is generally all it takes to determine pretty much what it’s made of—whether it’s fast, incredibly slow or falls safely somewhere in between. There are always typical small details that reveal a car’s true identity, whether it’s a huge exhaust, healthy underpinnings, aggressive rubber on wide wheels, a large, efficient cooling system, a well-laid-out induction with appropriate fuel delivery, sturdy engine mounts and/or mounting, the size and scope of the ignition, as well as the inlet air system.
Spotlighter
SALEEN SSC
ULTRA-RARE, ULTRA-VALUABLE
Unless there’s a collector’s car that was purchased and directly put into someone’s collection, you’re probably looking at the lowest-mileage Saleen SSC in the world, and it belongs to Jack Redeker from Redeker Ford in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Author
Bob McClurg
Story & Photography
Saleen SSC: A Celebration of Milestones
Of course, there were 161 Saleen Autosport-built SSCs assembled in 1989 to celebrate not only the fifth anniversary of the company but also the 25th anniversary of the Mustang.
The Journey of SSC 89-0012
This car (serial number 89-0012) was built on April 26, 1989, and shipped to Bob Allen Ford in Overland Park, Kansas, on May 21, 1989. It was originally sold to John Ponak (Metro Motors) from Kansas City, and the condition of SSC 89-0012 indicates it was stored most of the ensuing years. Everything on this car is pristine, almost as if it were driven off the dealer’s showroom floor only yesterday.
From Kansas to Florida: The Auction Story
Jack Redeker purchased SSC 89-0012 at the Third Annual Kruse Auction held in Ft. Myers, Florida, on March 25, 2000. The consignee (or seller) is listed as one J. Jervorsek from a company called Vehicle Ventures, which is presumably a muscle car dealer broker.
A Pristine Piece of Mustang History
SSC 89-0012 is now the centerpiece of Redeker’s modest collection of early- and late-model Mustangs, and he says he plans to keep this one forever! Works for us! We thought you would enjoy a look back. We sure enjoyed our time with the car.
