Wed - November 17, 2004

It's here. It's here.



Over a year after learning about the new Ford Mustang and five weeks after placing my original order, I now have my Ford Mustang GT. It was so worth the wait. It's actually kind of funny how I came into possession of the Mustang so "early", so pull up a chair and a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Grande.

So ... in late October I took a test of a V6 Ford Mustang at Peninsula Ford of Palo Alto. Well, Peninsula Ford owns four dealerships up and down South Bay and when I came in for the test drive, Peninsula Ford took my information and placed it in a database with a preference list of what I was looking for (Ford Mustang GT). Monday morning I received a call from Peninsula Ford indicating that their dealerships had received an order of Mustang GTs. Upon further investigation, it turns out Peninsula Ford of San Bruno had a Mustang GT which met my requirements aside from also including side airbags and the upgraded Shaker 1000 audio system.

Seeing that I was not making much progress with the order I placed at Frontier Ford--last I heard they expected my car in December--I decided make the 40 minute drive North to San Bruno Monday afternoon to take a look at the car. Now the fun begins! I arrived a little later than my appointment, but the sales representative I was "assigned" to was still around. However, he informed me that someone else had arrived before I did and was taking the Mustang GT out for a test drive. So to save time, I filled out the credit check forms while waiting for the Mustang GT to return.

Finally, after nearly 20 minutes, the Mustang GT returns. My sales representative, Derrick, informs me that the other customer had decided to purchase the vehicle and pay $10,000 over the dealer asking price around $33,000. Yep, $10k over the dealer asking price. Crazy doesn't begin to describe this guy. Although this offer seemed too good to be true, just the thought of receiving $10k over their asking price had the sales staff salivating. At this point, I figured I was shut out and should just heard back to Cupertino disappointed. However, I figured I wait and see if the guy returned in the promised 10 minutes. Well, 10 minutes turned into 20, 20 into 30. Finally I told Derrick that they had a decision to make. Either they were going to wait around for "crazy boy" or they were gong to make a deal with yours truly. They asked for five more minutes.

Those 300 seconds were the longest of my life. I literally sat in the dealer show room and looked at the LCD display on my watch update. After five minutes, I again approached Derrick and asked him to make a decision. "This is the luckiest day of your life" replied Derrick's manager, Ron. The typical closing sale smoozing took place; we shook hands, commented on how crazy the whole situation had been, and then kicked back with a few cold ones. Well, maybe not the last part. I really don't remember the rest of it; it was all a blur. I was so stunned that I had "won" the prized Ford Mustang GT that nothing else mattered. I'm sure I signed the loan papers with my name.

Anyway, fast forward to today (Wednesday). Jason drove me up to San Bruno after lunch to pick up the Mustang (see picture below). The drive back was amazing. The car is so smooth, responsive, and fun to drive. My only worry was another car hitting me because the driver was too busy looking at the Mustang while I drove by. Alas, nothing like that happened and I made it safely to Cupertino.

Now the fun begins ...



Posted at 09:53 PM    

Sat - November 13, 2004

Classic Car Show & Swap Meet



Today I ventured up to Pleasanton, CA with friend Brian Moore, his fiance Dawn, and his friends Jeff and Sharon. Our destination? The Goodguys Autumn Get-Together, a classic car show and swap meet. With over a 100 classic cars, dozens of automotive vendors, a large swap meet area, good food, and live music, there was plenty to see and do. Check out some pictures I took from the event.

I had a good time and enjoyed the opportunity to see so many classic pony cars, including nearly a dozen beautifully restored 60's and 70's Ford Mustangs. It just makes me more and more eager to receive my 2005 Ford Mustang GT.

Posted at 07:30 PM    

Mon - November 1, 2004

Mustang launch is official



It's official. Ford is now actively pushing the 2005 Ford Mustang in print and television. They have also launched a new website detailing the features and changes to the latest Mustang. I highly recommend the 'Sound Studio' where you can hear the Mustang in action. I've got goose-bumps already.



Posted at 09:05 PM    

Thu - October 28, 2004

My Mustang is "born"



This day will go down as perhaps one of the most important in my life (at least to date). One this day, October 28, 2004, my 2005 Ford Mustang GT was "born." Stop laughing. I know what you're thinking. It's not like that. I'm just excited that my car now has a VIN number! The existence of a VIN number indicates that my car is one its way to being produced at Ford's AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. A VIN number is like the a new babies social security number. It's the primary form of identification that will follow the baby throughout it's life. Only a matter of weeks before my "lady" arrives, otherwise known as 1ZVFT82H955121541.

Posted at 09:04 PM    

Thu - October 21, 2004

Test Drive of 2005 Ford Mustang



All I can say is awesome! The new 2005 Ford Mustang is everything I thought it would be and much, much more. I was fortunate enough to test drive a brand new Mustang, courtesy of Jack Mukhar at Peninsula Ford of Palo Alto. Although the Mustang I test drove was ONLY the 210 horsepower V6 model, I was able to get a good feel for what my 300 horsepower V8 GT model will be like. The vehicle has great responsiveness, good cornering, a very nice interior, and the sweet engine rumble that lets you know it's a Mustang.

I don't think I'll be taking many friends around in the car however; the back seats are a joke and contain very little leg room when the front bucket seats are moved back. However, I really don't care about that. I'm going to be driving this stallion! And what a drive it is. The transition between my 2001 Honda Civic and the Mustang was like night and day. The experience was reminiscent of my first ride on my Lemond Poprad road bike. Going from a Trek mountain bike--a device that, while good for general riding, was not intended for general trips on pavement--to a road bike was eye opening experience. It was at that point that I realized how customizing a tool/object for a specific use results in exponential performance improvements. The Mustang was designed in the same light; this car is meant for performance. If it's sleek, muscular exterior doesn't give it away, the engine will.

Although the test drive was great, I now yearn for my own Mustang. The waiting game has now become 10 times more excruciating.

Posted at 10:22 PM    

Fri - October 1, 2004

2005 Ford Mustang order complete



Today I placed my order for the 2005 Ford Mustang GT at Frontier Ford in Santa Clara, CA. It's an amazing machine with a 4.6L V8 engine producing 300 horses and 320 lb-ft. of torque. Perhaps the most important aspect of this new Mustang is the look; it bring back the key style elements of the original 60's and 70's Mustangs with a modern flare of its own. The entire frame and suspension system has been retooled to provide superior control and comfort.

My 2005 Mustang GT, which I have not yet named, will feature all the GT Premium specs plus 17'' machined aluminum wheels, the interior upgrade package (which includes a cool dash board that can be configured to one of 125 colors using LEDs), and an advanced active anti-theft system. The exterior will be "Redfire", a dark red/maroon, while the interior will be black leather.

I'm ecstatic and can't wait for delivery. Unfortunately, I have to wait 6-8 weeks until my baby rolls off the AutoAlliance International plant line in Flat Rock, Michigan. Until that day, I'll just keep drooling over the picture below.


Posted at 12:46 AM    

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