| Ever since I can remember the Ford Mustang had a | | | | behind me due to the exhaust noise, to a few other |
| place in my heart. The first Mustang that stood out for | | | | reasons that I will not mention. That was the only time |
| me was somewhere around 1971 when a neighbor | | | | that I wished it did not get attention. But it was still fun! |
| has a New Red Mach 1 Mustang in their driveway. I | | | | This Mustang as with the 1967 both required quite a bit |
| would drive my bicycle past it and wondered, how the | | | | of work to get them to the fine condition they ended |
| words on the trunk lid were pronounced, Match 1, | | | | up with. As with the 1967 requiring lots of body work, |
| Mock 1, March 1, Mach Won, etc. But no matter how it | | | | this stang only needed minor body work and paint. The |
| was pronounced, the long sloping roof, rear louvers, | | | | major work for this beast was under the hood. |
| and wing (as I called it) was captivating. Five years | | | | Unfortunately the original engine did not last long with |
| later I purchased my very own pony car. Taking $300 | | | | me, and one night it self destructed with one hole as |
| of my hard earned money from a part time stock boy | | | | large as a coke can in the block. Being an optimist, this |
| job, I purchased a 1967 Mustang Convertible from my | | | | was an opportunity. At the local junk yard, I was able |
| boss. The only problem was that I was 15 years old, | | | | to find a used 351 Cleveland and get my hands dirty |
| and could not even get a learners permit for another | | | | once again. Nine months later, and spending every cent |
| year. That year was a great opportunity to get my | | | | I had from my part time job, this engine was |
| hands greasy, and learn about body work. Yes, this | | | | completely rebuilt inside and out with a flair for |
| stangs floor boards were rotted in areas, as well as | | | | performance. A Crane cam, Edelbrock intake manifold, |
| the rear quarters. This experience opened the door for | | | | Holley carburetor, Hooker Headers, and a few head |
| my love of this special breed. Thirty years later and | | | | and block modifications boosted the power even |
| having filled the stable at one time or another with a | | | | more. It not only looked like a power house from the |
| 1970 Mach 1, 1989 GT, and now a 1969 Mach 1 and | | | | outside, but when the hood was popped open, it |
| another 1970 Mach 1 my desire for this car has not | | | | showed it even more. The power from this engine |
| waned. Each one of these Mustangs had something | | | | was brought to the road with a set of Jetson |
| special.The 1967 Mustang with its power convertible | | | | Revenger 50 series tires in the back, and 70 series in |
| roof was a gem in its own right. The Mustang badge in | | | | the front providing that racing raked look, as well as |
| the grill was what people seen coming towards them. | | | | plenty of smoke when a burnout was desired.These |
| As it got closer, they realized it was making an even | | | | experiences with the used stangs made me want to |
| bolder statement with the finned side scoops, the slight | | | | purchase a new one. In 1989 a Mustang GT fully |
| rumble of the 289 engine and when the roof was | | | | optioned was corralled. It was a great car, and was |
| down it could be even more captivating. This was not | | | | everything that Ford advertised and more. The |
| the power hungry, throaty loud exhaust version, but | | | | problem was, it was off the shelf, not personalized, |
| rather, a classic car that you wanted to go slow | | | | and anyone with money could purchase one.Going full |
| where heads would turn. Fords creation was a | | | | circle, the impression that the 1970 Mustang made |
| masterpiece in its own right, and today it can draw a | | | | could not be squelched. Twenty five years after my |
| similar level of desire as a Picasso.The 1970 Mach 1 | | | | first Mach 1, I fell upon a 1969 Mach 1 that was |
| was in a class of its own, and is still there even today. | | | | unbelievable. It was a hidden gem that had the original |
| There were a massive number of options that could | | | | paint, chrome, and interior, as well as 28,000 miles. Yes, |
| be ordered including engines, transmissions, rear ends, | | | | that is not a typeo, twenty eight thousand miles. This |
| and body accents, but the goal was a checklist for | | | | was like buying it new, except a much greater price |
| what level of performance you desired, or could | | | | tag. Being in such great condition, there was no way I |
| afford. Do not get me wrong, even the smallest engine | | | | could get my hands dirty, since there was nothing to |
| still roared with performance and turned heads. In | | | | do except keeping it shining. Six months later this 1969 |
| many cases, before you seen this Mustang | | | | Mach 1 had a sibling, a 1970 Mach 1 in the stall next to |
| approaching you could hear it. The rumble of power, | | | | it. After 25 years since my first Mach 1, I was making |
| and that deep throaty exhaust made people stand still | | | | up for lost time by having 2. Someone once told me |
| to see what was coming. Without seeing the car, | | | | that "You just can't have one" as they referenced their |
| people anticipated a Chevy, Mopar, or a Ford. As the | | | | 2 Camaros, and I now believe that. Checkout for |
| car became visible, the front chin spoiler and low | | | | pictures of these cars, and many others.Anthony |
| ground clearance gave the appearance of a race car, | | | | Palmieri founded Palmieri Concepts after 20 years of |
| and it was! This Mustang was white and optioned with | | | | creating custom art work for his own pleasure and |
| shaker hood, and the large bold black stripe. The | | | | enjoyment. This business grew out of a love for motor |
| shaker hood was the key feature for me. When I was | | | | vehicles and was started to share with others what |
| at the lights I would rev the engine so people could see | | | | started out as a hobby. After taking how his own pride |
| it shake from side to side as if the engine was so | | | | and joys (yes this really started with family pictures |
| powerful that it was trying to burst out. The other | | | | and not cars) and combining them with creativity, it |
| outstanding features were the rear window louvers or | | | | became obvious that many others would like to |
| slats, and the rear spoiler further adding to that racing | | | | showcase their trophies as he has done. He has also |
| car look. This car was a head turner and an attention | | | | written numerous articles on automotive art and |
| grabber, which in some cases was not a good thing. I | | | | collector car photography. |
| recall a few times when the blue lights were flashing | | | | |