“The Mustang defines a cultural phenomenon that has lasted through the decades, and continues to inspire drivers globally.”

It’s always nice when people think you look younger than you really are.

Like when a store clerk asks you for your ID. Or you play the “guess my age” game with a stranger and the number guessed is a few years off. In the right direction, of course.

When looking at the 2015 Ford Mustang, it’s hard to believe it’s just over fifty years young.

The first iteration of pony car came to fruition in 1964. While it’s not a volume selling vehicle for Ford – the F-150 takes care of that – it is, however, a staple product in the North American brand’s repertoire. The Mustang defines a cultural phenomenon that has lasted through the decades, and continues to inspire drivers globally.

Through the various nips, tucks, lifts and shapely reconstructions, the current Mustang has even more road presence than before.

Not to mention it comes with an available, all-new 2.3L, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 3.7L, V6, or the five point-oh-so-lovely (5.0L), V8 with a dashing 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Having had the opportunity to drive both the 2.3L and 5.0L back-to-back is a testament to the range of power Mustang lovers and potential Mustang wranglers will have at their fingertips.

Furthermore, both vehicles tested came with the six-speed manual transmissions.

Even though the bulk of cars in North America (around 90 percent) are sold with automatic transmissions, there’s still no replacing that third pedal. Or the ability to connect with a car on a more personal level.

While the automatic transmissions in Fords have come a long way, I will, nine point nine times out of 10 pick a manual. The gearboxes are certainly great and linked with the engines is an overall stellar combination.

With the 2.3L EcoBoost, it’s pretty amazing what this four-cylinder engine can do. It puts out 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque (but take into consideration that you need premium fuel to get the most out of it.) And speaking of fuel, don’t let the engine size fool you. It’s not stellar when it comes to real world results.

Estimated figures come in at 10.6L/100km in the city. I was averaging over 13.0L. I mean, I didn’t expect it to be amazing. And with all the stop-and-go driving that we shared, it’s not ideal. Then again, that’s not why one would consider the Mustang.

It gets a little worse with the 5.0L GT. It’s to be expected though.

On the flip side, the GT is, not surprisingly, my favourite of the bunch. Not only because it has the most power, but because of the way it sounds and drives. To add even more sweetness onto the pile, the 5.0 was a convertible.

Clad in a Ruby Red Metallic exterior coat and Redline leather inside, it was a feast for the eyes.

With the top down, you can further appreciate the audible glory of its rumbling engine and exhaust. With the top up though, visibility is not nearly as good. Blind spots abound so be extra careful when navigating around the city.

Regardless of engine size you have under the Mustang’s shapely hood, this rear-wheel drive coupe aka Fastback is a very agreeable car to drive. The cabin is quiet and welcoming. There’s room for four inside, but the rear seats should be reserved for those who are not as long-limbed. It can get pretty cozy back there, especially if you’re tall and push the seat all the way back.

You could argue that any spot in the Mustang is a “good” seat. Top up or down.

Whether it’s the roar of the V8 or the polite grunting of the 2.3L EcoBoost, Ford’s iconic coupe/convertible can be compared with wine. It continues to get better with age.

The starting MSRP of the 2.3L EcoBoost Premium is $33,849.

The starting MSRP of the Mustang GT Convertible Premium is $48,399.

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Visit www.ford.ca for more information

Contact the writer at alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

by Grant Stoecker

Most 5- to 10-year-old cars are just used cars, destined to head steadily to the bottom of their depreciation curve as an intermediate stop on the way to their ultimate destination— the local pick-and-pull lot.

Here are five used cars that deserve a cushy spot in the Garage Mahal of a collector:

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP coupe

Pontiac’s demise during GM’s bankruptcy was a sad story, and the loss of this fantastic sports car made it even more bitter. The Solstice roadster was an attractive car that suffered from terminal packaging problems. The Solstice coupe was drop-dead gorgeous and far more practical. Just 1,200 were built before GM did the equivalent of burning, pillaging and sowing salt in the field—they killed Pontiac, offed the Solstice and closed the Delaware plant in which it was built. Used coupes with normal miles have barely depreciated and low mileage cars are already appreciating.

2006 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6

The 2006 Crossfire SRT6 is undoubtedly the greatest lovechild of the affair between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz in the early 2000s. While the standard Crossfire coupe and convertible where offered from 2004-2008, the SRT6 was only available in showrooms in 2005, and as a factory special order in 2006. This Chrysler/Benz mashup was essentially a Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG redressed as a hardtop coupe with breakneck performance, featuring a handcrafted AMG supercharged V-6 laying down 330 hp to the rear wheels. Hindsight is always 20/20, and the only regrettable decision in development of the car was to offer only the AMG signature automatic transmission, making it the only model in the Crossfire lineup not offered with a 5-speed manual. Fewer than 1,500 were produced, making this model quite rare.

2005-2011 Lotus Elise

While the Lotus Elise’s last model year technically was 2011, they still are being produced as a stopgap model until the 3rd generation model is released. Unfortunately, the Elise lost its smart airbag exemption stateside, meaning that the only Lotus available in North America is the all-too-luxurious Evora — it even has air-conditioning and power steering as standard equipment. On a Lotus! For those who still want to enjoy the ever-so-Spartan Elise, consider looking to the used car market. However, buyers might want to be wary of HPDE and track cars, as these have probably seen quite a bit of abuse — Elises with salvage titles are prevalent.

1999-2009 Honda S2000

Possibly the best enthusiast car produced under the Honda badge in the past decade, the S2000 served as a fitting tribute to the S-series roadsters of the 1960s. With its aggressive styling, a high-revving 4-cylinder engine producing 237 hp, an ultra-low center of gravity, and 50/50 weight distribution, an unmolested S2000 is bound to be a future collector car. However, due to the affordability of the S2000, many have suffered a cruel and all-too-usual punishment at the hands of the “Fast and Furious” generation. Serious collectors should look for the rarer Club Racer model, which saw limited production in 2007 only.

2012/2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

This special edition of Ford’s ever-popular Mustang saw the return of the late ’60s and early ’70s Trans Am legend, the Boss 302. The Boss got its original name in the late ’60s when it was a skunk works project at Ford. Whenever asked what they were working on, members of the team simply responded “the boss’s car,” and the nomenclature stuck. The new generation features a retuned 5.0, putting out an additional 32 hp, and enough track day goodies to make any racing enthusiast giddy at even the slightest thought of it. In addition to the standard Boss, an additional Laguna Seca variant is available. The LS is a further upgrade with racecar parts, including a rear cross brace, and is limited to only 750 units per year. The Boss 302 was only produced for its scheduled two-year run, with just 4,000 models made each year, ensuring future collectability.

*Grant Stoecker writes for Hagerty Insurance. Hagerty is the world’s leading specialist provider of classic car and boat insurance. Learn more at hagerty.ca…

“While I didn’t expect the Volvo V60 Polestar to eclipse Ford Mustang GT, it was certainly good to see Volvo, a company with a great history that has teetered on the brink of extinction, back in the winner’s circle.”

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The 2015 Canadian Car of the Year competition moved in to its final phase with the announcement of the final fifteen “Best New” category winners by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, better known as AJAC.

These category winners were chosen by 73 Canadian automotive journalists following a recently completed hands-on, five-day, back-to-back evaluation drive event, known as “TestFest”, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The testing is both detailed and a challenging process that generated 1,640 evaluation drives, approximately 106,405 data points and 500 category ballots.

“TestFest is the most intensive new vehicle evaluation process on the planet,” said CCOTY Co-Chair, Gary Grant.  “No other organization employs such stringent testing methods to determine their car of year award winners. Data driven and Canadian expertise:  that’s what makes an AJAC winner”.

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The 2015 Canadian Car of the Year “Best New” award winners are:

City Car:                                                Kia Soul EV

Small Car (under $21k):                        Honda Fit

Small Car (over $21k):                          Volkswagen Golf

Family Car (under $30k):                       Subaru Legacy 2.5i

Family Car (over $30k):                         Hyundai Sonata

Luxury Car (under $50k):                       Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Luxury Car (over $50k):                         Hyundai Genesis

Sports – Performance (under $50k):      BMW M235i

Sports – Performance (over $50k):        Volvo V60 Polestar

Prestige (over $75k):                               Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Prestige – Performance (over $75k):     Porsche 911 Turbo S

SUV – CUV (under $35k):                        Subaru Outback 2.5i       

SUV – CUV ($35k-$60k) :                       Toyota Highlander

SUV – CUV (over $60k):                         Porsche Macan S

Pickup:                                                     Ford F-150

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Within this group of “Best New” category winners is the eventual 2015 Canadian Car of the Year and 2015 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year and these announcements will be made at the Canadian International Auto Show, in Toronto , on February 12, 2015. In addition, AJAC will also present 2015 awards for Best New Technology (January 15 / Montreal Auto Show) and Canadian Green Car of the Year (March 24/Vancouver Auto Show).

Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Subaru were all double winners and, as usual, there were a few surprises. You can look at the voting and scoring details plus all the collected data on performance (acceleration, braking, fuel economy, etc.) on the AJAC web site (ajac.ca). You can also look back on previous winners going all the way back to 1985, when the Volkswagen Golf (an omen perhaps?) was a winner.

A few weeks ago, I made some winner predictions for the seven categories that I managed to drive all entries, while at Testfest. Three proved to be right on the mark, two were runner-ups, but sadly, my Toyota Camry Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe choices were completely off target. The Acura RLX Hybrid was my most disappointing non-winner, as I also considered it a good candidate for overall Canadian Car of the Year. The RLX is an amazing sophisticated automobile that could yet win a new technology award.

There were just two entries in all-electric City Car category and the Kia Soul EV was a clear winner. I’ve heard both small car victors Honda Fit and VW Golf talked about as the potential overall winner. The double wins for Subaru and Hyundai were a bit of a surprise (to some) but it was certainly nice to see Porsche recognised for two outstanding products. While I didn’t expect the Volvo V60 Polestar to eclipse Ford Mustang GT, it was certainly good to see Volvo, a company with a great history that was teetered on the brink of extinction, back in the winner’s circle.

All voting for Canadian Car of the Year is done by secret ballot and the esteemed accounting firm KPMG tabulated the results.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

“Ford has done a good job of ensuring the Mustang feels and looks upscale even on the basic models…” (more…)

“The ’48 Cadillacs were the first all-new Caddies after the end of WWII  and they were drop-dead gorgeous.”

The big stories out the of classic car world today are the multi-million dollar rarities that will be offered for sale at the big auctions in Monterey, Ca.

With those cars making headlines, it’s easy to forget that there isn’t a millionaires-only policy when it comes to classic cars. Here are four favourite all-American classics that can still be had for less than the price of a loaded new Ford Focus:

1948-49 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe

The ’48 Cadillacs were the first all-new Caddies after the end of WWII (the 1946-47 cars were similar to the 1942 model), and they were drop-dead gorgeous with the first of the fighter plane-inspired tail fins that would grow to near mutant proportions by 1959. As elegant as any Bentley of the era, the ’49 model was the first with Cadillac’s modern overhead valve V-8.

1961-63 Ford Thunderbird

The third generation T-Bird is arguably the prettiest. The epitome of jet-age, mid-century modern style, it was dubbed “the bullet bird” for its streamlined shape. Nice coupes are particularly reasonable, and with a little searching, decent convertibles can be found for $25,000 or less.

1964-66 Ford Mustang

The first generation Mustang  which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has clearly aged beautifully, looking just as fresh today as it did in April of 1964 at its New York World’s Fair introduction. Prices seem to be firming up, but six-cylinder coupes and convertibles are still available at a reasonable price.

 

1927-31 Ford Model A

Like movie sequels, few automakers have had the ability to follow up one blockbuster with another of equal magnitude. The Model A was “The Godfather II” to the Model T’s “The Godfather.” If you look at American period photos from the 1930s-40s, it sometimes seems like there was nothing else on the road. They can still provide reliable transportation even in the 21st century. Amazingly, this piece of automotive history is still affordable. Tudor sedans range from $15,000 to $20,000 and roadsters $20,000 to $25,000.

Rob Sass is the vice-president of content for Hagerty Insurance. Hagerty is the world’s leading specialist provider of classic car and boat insurance. Learn more at hagerty.ca and you can email rsass [at] hagerty [dot] com

“It goes on sale here later this year then for the first time in its 50-year history the Mustang will be exported to more than 120 countries next year…”

The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang is now in production and Driveway will be at the much anticipated pony car’s launch next month in California.

It goes on sale here later this year then for the first time in its 50-year history the Mustang will be exported to more than 120 countries next year. The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s global vehicle lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.

Ford boasts that the sixth generation Mustang sets new performance and dynamics benchmarks for the brand with excellent handling, more precise steering control and enhanced ride comfort.

“Mustang is and will continue to be an automotive icon,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Expanding its availability globally affords our customers around the world the opportunity to have a true firsthand Mustang experience – one unlike any other.”

In April, Ford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the original Mustang. In commemoration of this, each 2015 model carry a badge on the instrument panel that includes the galloping pony logo and the words “Mustang – Since 1964.”

Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the more than 9.2 million cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has featured thousands of times in film, television, music and video games and is the most-liked vehicle on Facebook, with close to eight million likes.

Though the car has been redesigned from the ground up it retains key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – but in a contemporary style.

There are more power options available; a 3.7-litre V6 and an all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine join the upgraded V8. The Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-litre V8 – now featuring upgraded valvetrain, new intake manifold and improved cylinder heads – that yields 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Mustang 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with an output of 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new version features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent suspension. Geometry, springs, dampers and bushings are all specially tuned for this high-performance application. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Prices will be fixed closer to launch.

Contact: keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

In the run up to the big 50th anniversary of the Mustang, prices of the classic first version of the Mustang, the 1964½ (technically a 1965 model) through 1966, have been moving up.

The best convertibles and fastbacks with the highest horsepower engines can bring well over $65,000 and there has been renewed interest in vintage Mustangs of all years but all isn’t lost for the Mustang collector on a budget. Here are five of our favorites that you can still afford:

1964½-66 Convertible (six cylinder): If you simply must have the first version of the Mustang in a convertible and have $25,000 or less to spend on a nice one, well then you’re likely to have to settle for the six-cylinder model instead of the 260 or 289 V-8. And the six of the ’60s was nothing like today’s 300-plus hp base V-6. Nope, the 200-cubic-inch straight-six was good for just 120 hp, so performance was leisurely at best. No matter, the six still looked great.

1964½-66 V-8 Coupe: If you’d really rather have a V-8, there’s still time to find one for less than $25,000. Granted, it won’t be a swoopy fastback or a drop-top, but the basic hardtop is still a pretty car. Don’t expect the highest horsepower versions of the Mustang 289-cubic-inch V-8 at this price point, but nice cars are still out there. For now anyway.

1971-1973 Mach I 302 Coupe: “Mach I” was one of the more audacious names of the Pony Car era, however in fact, its top speed was a bit shy of the speed of sound. But it had pumped up good looks and none other than Sean Connery as James Bond drove a ’71 Mach 1 in the movie “Diamonds are Forever.” As usual, the biggest engine version has sailed past affordability, but the 302 V-8 Mach I can still be had for around $25,000 if you look hard enough.

1984-86 SVO: This selection will likely get the trolls’ attention: a four-cylinder Mustang on a list of collectible Mustangs. But the SVO wasn’t a Pinto-based Mustang II or your dental hygienist’s 88 hp four-banger Fox Body Mustang; the SVO sported a turbo 2.3-litre four that made as much horsepower as the 5.0-litre V-8 of the day, a biplane rear spoiler, unique front fascia, and hood complete with a totally cool NACA duct-style air scoop. It was faster and more expensive than the V-8.  Fuel prices never climbed the way that the industry expected, and the 5.0-litre V-8 was further developed with new, more-efficient cylinder heads, and eventually fuel injection, giving it better gas mileage and much more horsepower with less complication and expense, so the sophisticated SVO disappeared after 1986.

1987-93 GT 5.0 Convertible: We like the 1989 model because it was the 25th anniversary year of the Mustang (which Ford barely noticed). The Fox Body Mustang might not have been the most glamorous body style ever, but it was one of the cars responsible for ending the “Malaise Era” of sluggish and dull American cars. With the 5.0-litre V-8 boosted to 225 hp, in 1987, the Mustang brought cheap V-8 performance back to the masses.  Care for something a bit newer? – Love the 2008-09 Bullitt Edition Mustang and think it’s a future collectible.

Rob Sass is the vice-president of content for Hagerty Insurance. Hagerty is the world’s leading specialist provider of classic car and boat insurance. Learn more at hagerty.ca and you can email rsass [at] hagerty [dot] com

An iconic American car, the Ford Mustang offers classic styling yet can also be a reliable and reasonably priced used sports car and a great driving experience…

The 2011 model year edition of the Ford Mustang, coupe and convertible, came witha more menacing frontal appearance and, under hood, new engines produced more power with less fuel. So, you could also call it the “meaner and leaner” revamp.

Appearance changes on the 2011 included new headlights and revised lower fascias, fenders and grille, plus a power-dome hood that allows additional air cooling to the Mustang’s new engines. At the back, new three-light LED lamps sequentially signal a turn, reminiscent of the muscle car years.

The Mustang GT convertible models came with improved body rigidity with 12 per cent more lateral stiffness versus the previous year. In addition to newly strengthened structural members, under its hood you’ll also find a (race-style) tower-to-tower strut brace.

Even the new base 3.7-litre V6 engine packs a punch as it can deliver 305 horsepower and can rev to 7000 rpm. Its rated city/highway fuel economy is an impressive 10.7/6.4 L/100km. And its power-to-weight ratio is almost double the previous base engine offering.

Moving up a trim the Mustang GT has a 5.0-litre V8 under its hood. This engine is also a four-valve, all-aluminum engine, only this one is can pump-out 412 horsepower. And sounds great doing it! City/highway fuel consumption is rated at 11.8/7.9 L/100km and a larger (cast aluminum) oil pan also extends oil change intervals.

The GT also comes with electric power-assist steering (EPAS), an upgraded braking system with vented discs all around and an enhanced suspension. GT buyers could also add a California Special appearance package and a Brembo brake and wheel package.

A six-speed manual transmission was standard and automatic option was also a six-speed. This automatic has a grade-assist or “hill mode” feature that prevents sixth gear selection on a steep up-hill drive, plus engine braking going down a hill.

There is another limited production edition of Mustang, the priciest and speediest pony of them all, the audacious Shelby GT500. Power comes from a supercharged 5.8-litre that can produce 650 horsepower and it can also deliver over 600 ft-lb of tire-smoking torque.

On the inside, a Mustang offers two-plus-two seating, which translates to limited leg and head room for the rear seat occupants. While Mustang’s trunk is not huge, it’s a little bigger and easier to access than the trunk in arch-rival Chevrolet Camaro.

Both the Coupe and the Convertible editions of Mustang claim very good crash test safety ratings. Consumers Reports gives it “recommended buy” status and reliability has been average to better-than-average, with the V6 engine versions being slightly more dependable.

The 2012 model year brought the re-introduction of a Boss 302 coupe edition, with a high-output 5.0-litre V8, plus a new Premium trim level of the V6 edition. Selectable electric power-assisted steering, with Comfort, Sport and Normal settings, also became standard on all models.

The 2013 Mustang got lighting that is even more distinctive and some minor exterior tweaking. A new SelectShift Automatic transmission with a manual shift feature was a significant mechanical upgrade and the 6-speed manual gearbox also gained a Hill Start Assist feature.

An iconic American car, the Ford Mustang offers classic styling yet can also be a reliable and reasonably priced used sports car and a great driving experience.

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Price Check: 2011 – 2013 Ford Mustang (June 2014)

Year                    Edition                                                 Expect to Pay Today

2011                GT Coupe                                                   $19,000 to $23,000

2011            GT Convertible                                               $22,000 to $26,000

2012                GT Coupe                                                   $23,000 to $27,000

2012            GT Convertible                                               $26,000 to $31,000

2013                GT Coupe                                                   $27,000 to $32,000

2013            GT Convertible                                               $30,000 to $35,000

*Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

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Safety Recalls: 2011 to 2013 Ford Mustang:

2012/2013: The rear backup lights may not illuminate when the transmission shift lever is placed in reverse (R) due to an incorrectly manufactured Transmission Range Sensor. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the Transmission Range Sensor.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

The focus of Driveway’s recent four-part collector car restoration series was unveiled this week at 360 Fabrication in Abbotsford earlier this week.

The 1967 Ford Mustang T5, owned by public relations executive Laura Ballance, will take pride of place first at an exclusive preview for the second annual Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction. Then it will go on public display at this weekend’s event at the PNE Fairgrounds, where more than 600 vintage vehicles will be on display and nearly 150 classic rides will go on Maynard’s auction block.

Some other show highlights: a bright ‘A&W orange’ 1966 Plymouth Satellite will be auctioned off with no fees, no reserve, and 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the MS Society of Canada. The duPont Registry is bringing eight ultra-rare vehicles from across the Lower Mainland for the first ever duPont Series – including J.D. Rockefeller’s Lincoln Town Car Limo. The Vancity Stunters will be performing motorcycle stunts and Barracuda, the Heart tribute band, will be rock out on Saturday night.

Contact: keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

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Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction

DATES/TIMES: June 21, 10:00AM-9:00PM; June 22, 10:00AM-5:00PM

LOCATION: PNE Fairgrounds

TICKETS: Single Day Admission – $15

Weekend Admission – $25

Children 13 years and under  – Free

Bidder’s Pass : $50.00 (includes a bidder’s paddle, weekend and guest pass, colour catalogue, VIP seating, two drink tickets, and an invitation for you and a guest to the opening preview event sponsored by 360 Fabrication and hosted By Steve Magnante)

For more information, visit www.VancouverCollectorCars.com.

Our classic and collector car expert continues today with the final part of his four-part series on the restoration of public relations executive Laura Ballance’s rare 1967 Ford Mustang T5 by 360 Fabrication in Abbotsford…

The restoration story of Laura Ballance’s Mustang T5 has been an interesting to follow and one that is not typical of this kind of project.

Before I get carried away telling you what a T5 actually is, I have to report that with the help of the team at 360 Fabrication, suppliers White and Peters, BASF paint and the 200 plus hours of paint preparation, application, wet sanding and polishing by master painter Darren Emmerson, the car is finished!

And here is the best part, it’s on time and under budget, almost unheard of in days gone by, let alone today.

So what is so special about a T5 Mustang?

The Ford Mustang could not be sold in Germany as a ‘Mustang’ because a truck manufacturer there and later a motorcycle manufacturer owned the trademarked name. Both manufacturers offered to sell the rights to Ford for $10,000 each but Ford declined and decided the solution would be to use the initial Mustang project name T5 as the solution. With all of the changes required, they should have probably paid the $10,000. With there being so many U.S. armed forces bases in Germany, export models were highly sought after.

Laura had no idea how rare her car was until she decided to embark on this project and began doing her research.

The T5 registry has informed Laura that of the 453 Mustang Hardtop T5s built in 1967, hers is one of the few examples ordered with a vinyl roof, which is listed as an option in the V.I.N tag. There are only two T5s known to exist in Canada, hers and one in Ontario and only 45 have survived in various states of condition worldwide.

It is going to be a busy summer for Laura, her two daughters and the Mustang. I suspect her father, never in his wildest dreams would have thought the car would end up as a show car let alone become a family affair involving three generations of his family. The T5 will debut at the Vancouver Classic Car Show and Auction at the PNE on June 21 and 22. A picture of it at it’s gleaming best in next week’s Driveway preview of that show. Then it will head south in July to the Mustang Roundup in Bellevue, Washington, the world’s largest Mustang meet. The car is entered in the Concours restoration class and should place well.

Because this is the 50^th anniversary of the Mustang the invitations are pouring in, the most recent one from an event in North Carolina, Laura still has a day job so unfortunately will miss that one.  She will finish the summer off at the Luxury SuperCar weekend at VanDusen Gardens in September. The car will be viewed at least 30 or 31 times in a month, gracing the walls of garages and repair shops all over North America featured in a 2015 Ford calendar.

This concludes a restoration project with a happy conclusion.

*Nigel Matthews is the director of sales and marketing for Hagerty Insurance Canada.

Contact: nmatthews [at] hagerty [dot] com

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Your classic car could ‘Going once, going twice, sold!’

The 2014 Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction, presented by the Dueck Auto Group, is now accepting consignment applications for those looking to sell their cars.

New to this year’s event, which takes take place June 21-22, at the PNE Fairgrounds, is an auction preview, open only to the auction’s registered bidders and consigners. This event will allow sellers to show off their vehicles and mingle with the bidders before the auction.

If you have an awesome car that you want to show off but don’t want to sell, they too can be displayed at the show for free. For more information on displaying or consigning your car, visit www.VancouverCollectorCars.com.