Fully customized Mustang GT sold for $50,000 at Barrett Jackson

The next time I need a car, I’m just going to wait and head to Barrett Jackson. No exaggeration- at the Orange Country show… a fully customized 2012 Mustang GT with super low miles- with the customizations done at a very reputable shop sold for $50,600. 

Per Our Friends at Mustangcars.info

"This 2010 Ford Mustang GT convertible was created by Galpin Auto Sports and featured in Ford’s booth at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, as well as in Mustangs and Fast Fords Magazine August 2010 issue, Top 10 SEMA Rides for 2009, Mustangs and Fast Fords Magazine Top 10 Mustangs of 2010 and Mustangsand Fast Fords 2010 calendar. Styling features include GAS hand-fabricated, all-metal wide body exterior that adds a total of 6″ to the width of the vehicle, as well as a PPG custom two tone gloss black and pearl Grabber Blue paint with silver accents. This is a true American thrill machine. The GAS team added a Ford Racing 550hp supercharger, Ford Racing handling pack, Hurst shifter, JPC 1-piece aluminum driveshaft and a McLeod aluminum flywheel and dual disc clutch. The faster you go, the quicker you are going to need to stop, so GAS installed Wilwood brakes and 20″ Forgiato aluminum Mono Leggera Pinzette wheels with high performance Pirelli tires. Interior details include custom leather seats, Ford Racing custom backlit door sill plates and a JL audio sound system with 900 watts. This amazing car is equally exhilarating whether you are on the road with the top down or in the city for a night on the town. Added factory options include navigation, exhaust system and Grant steering wheel. 6,080 original miles."

In a nutshell, Galpin Auto Sports spared no expense when it came to the customization with this Mustang.

The person who won the auction with this vehicle saved a lot of money. The Kelly Blue Book set the value of this car at $28,900 (as of June 2012). Then if you add the customizations, and by the looks of it, it was at least $40,000 worth of work alone (I said $40,000 because GAS basically stripped the car and started all over again). So that marks the total to roughly $68,900 Mustang that was won, but the winner only spent $50,000.

And that's why I'm going to Barrett-Jackson the next time I purchase a vehicle... maybe. 

Remember I do want a Pink Ford Mustang Boss 302 Edition. What are the odds of them having that? 

Vossen Wheels Shows off my boo, a Ford Mustang

The guys at Vossen Wheels released shots of a beautiful Ford Mustang wearing their VVS-CV1 Wheels. These wheels are matte black machined, 20x9 in the front and 20x10.5 in the rear.













Isn't he beautiful?

"High Gear" Chosen Concept for First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women

Thousands of fans voted for a satin black luxury Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project, which is a collaboration between Ford Motor Co. and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), invited the public to view three concepts online and vote for the one they would like to see built by a group of female volunteers.



The winning concept known as "High Gear" was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Co. Inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture, the concept is meant to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power. Highlights include Rosegold chrome accents throughout the exterior and interior, satin black body, plush quilted suede seats and a leather wrapped interior. Modifications will also be made to the engine, undercarriage, drive train and sound system.



"We appreciate our readers and fans helping us determine which concept will be used for this very exciting project," said Doug Evans, Executive VP of Source Interlink Media (SIM). SIM, a partner in the project, hosted the voting on several of its websites and will also host the physical build at its El Segundo, California, headquarters.

"The concept selected by everyone who voted is amazing," continued Evans. "It will be very exciting to see the vehicle transformed in just eight short weeks by the dedicated group of women participating in the project. The drive and talent this collaboration of women from the SBN, Ford and Source Interlink Media brings to this project is nothing short of phenomenal."

As title sponsor of the project, Ford Motor Co. donated a 2013 Ford Mustang GT for the project. Female members of the SBN will perform the hands-on modifications from July to August. The finished vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, then auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

Now here's my thoughts. I love, love, LOVE the concept of the whole shebang. It gives the underdogs a chance to shine, and in a male dominated industry, women are the underdogs. Not only did we come up with the idea, but we get a chance to customize it as well. But what I didn't like was that two out of three of the designs were from the same woman who ironically worked for Ford. So you know she was going to win, she had Ford behind her!!! I'm positive that women who are apart of the SEMA Businesswomen's network who don't work for Ford are capable of designing a Ford Mustang. I know one thing, I'm gonna see about joining the SEMA Businesswomen's Network. I know I'm a little rough around the edges (I am a brash New Yorker), but I can bring something to the table. Who doesn't love a woman with a New York accent?

Did you try out the Mustang Customizer?

A few months ago, Ford released a website where it allows everyone to customize their own Mustang. Called MustangCustomizer.com, fans can personalize their own V6, GT, Boss 302, and of course, the Shelby. Customizations include: trim level, color, stripes, wheels, spoiler, lights, body kit, side skirts, door handles, and more... And of course, I had to try it.

I actually customized two Mustangs. The first: the Ford Shelby, the same one that's pictured above. I blacked it out as much as I could, but I gave it chrome accents. Left the signature racing stripe, added black wheels and a rear spoiler, but chromed the door handles, side mirrors, and the fuel cap. And you can't forget the hood pins. But then I thought about how many Mustangs out there in the US that looks like this, so I went back to the drawing board, and came up with a different Mustang.

I'm not a girly girl. Sure I get my nails and hair done, wear makeup and form-fitting clothes, but I do wash my truck, paint my condo, and fixed the toilet in my bathroom. I've said time and time again that I love a blacked out vehicle. I love looking at them, and I will create one, but there's a lot of blacked out vehicles out there. I do have my girly moments, so I decided to customize another Mustang, and if I were to get one, I would actually get this one...



Presenting "The Bernie Boss 302 Mustang". I took a Boss 302 level of a Mustang, painted it a soft metallic pink with the stripes painted a silver shimmer. Kept the lights basic, but added a subtle body kit with fog lights- the bottom of the kit's bumper is black, but the side skirts match the body. Added the hood pins, and to see what's on the hood. I need my vent.



This view gives a better shot of the bood. I kept the roof as a hard top, because convertibles doesn't do anything for me. Even though I'm in a middle of a burnout, you can see my wheels are the basic chrome wheels, since Ford would allow me to throw on the Asanti AF143 wheels that I want.



The rear shot shows off the slightly subtle rear spoiler, and I didn't add the louvers. Now that I think about it, I should have added louvers, the odds of someone sitting in the backseat would be slim to none. When I do get a Mustang, it would be the Boss Edition, blasted pink with silver stipes. It would look just like this, except I'll add the louvers and my Asanti AF143s. I don't think I've ever seen the Boss Edition on the road. I've seen the Shelby, the basic Mustang, the V6, and of course the GT. I like to stand out from the crowd. Exhibit A is pictured above...

Video: Vossen Wheels shows off a Ford Mustang 5.0 GT

(Photo by mustangevolution.com)

The general folks at Vossen Wheels released a video of a Ford Mustang 5.0 GT. This particular GT is wearing their VVS-CV3 wheels blasted in Matte Graphite, 20x9 in the front and 20x10.5 in the rear.



Almost brought a tear to my eye...

Carroll Shelby dies the age of 89

It's a sad, sad day in the Automotive World. Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American Inc (and the one who made the Ford Mustangs so much better) has passed away at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, at the age of 89. The cause of death was not disclosed.

"We are all deeply saddened, and feel a tremendous sense of loss for Carroll's family, ourselves and the entire automotive industry," said Joe Conway, president of Carroll Shelby International, Inc. and board member. "There has been no one like Carroll Shelby and never will be. However, we promised Carroll we would carry on, and he put the team, the products and the vision in place to do just that."

Because I'm the type of person who doesn't handle death well, I'll point you to two great links that can and will give you better information...


Autoblog.com: Carroll Shelby passes away at age 89

and

New York Times: Carroll Shelby, Builder of Cobra Sports Car, Dies at 89.

I seriously don't handle death well. Thank you, Carroll Shelby, especially for the Shelby GT500 Super Snake.

Concept One Wheels Shows off their CSM-7 Wheels on a Ford Mustang

Concept One Wheels released shots of their CSM-7 wheels. The wheels are available in sizes 20x9 and 20x10.5 with available bolt patterns of 5x120, 5x112, and 5x114.3 also with the Matte Gunmetal Machined finish and Matte Silver Machined finish (pictured below).

And of course, they released photos of the CSM-7 Wheels on a Ford Mustang...

That Mustang is so cute...

Letter to Ford about the Redesigning of the Ford Mustang

To Whom It May Concern:

Two days ago, as I decided to catch up on automotive news, an article hit me from the Wall Street Journal
. I'm not sure why they're reporting this, it has nothing to do with stocks and bonds, but I'll continue. Per Matt Ramsey, you'se (I am from New York) are breaking away from one of the key components that made the Ford Mustang one of, if not, the most iconic pony of our time. And if you're not sure of the component I'm referring to, it's the cosmetic makeup.

I am Generation Y. I'm not the typical automotive blogger (I'm not in my 60's, I have no gray hair, I'm not fat, and I'm not bald, and of course, I'm not a man). Generation Y represents those who were born between 1980 and 1999, with yours truly being born in 1984. I appreciate futuristic vehicles, but I also appreciate those who stood the test of time. The Ford Mustang has been out for close to 50 years, under the same name and with the same iconic look and powerful engine. On top of that- you made it affordable for everyone, regardless of their annual salary. From the base model that's under $25,000 to the Shelby 1000 for close to $200,000.

As one who is a part of Generation Y, I feel as though the redesigning of the Ford Mustang to look like Evos and Fusion would be a mistake. It would be like a middle aged man wearing a toupee and the toupee blowing off in the wind. You're risking the Mustang brand to make a few sales for those who like futuristic cars (and that have plenty of choices that's currently in the market) for those who have supported Mustang for those 45 years, who have owned every Mustang model that's roll off the production line.

Ford, please remember something. Yes the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger have outsold the Mustang the previous year. However, sit down and read comparison articles from Car and Driver, Motor Trend, etc. The Ford Mustang wins comparison articles left and right. Another thing you have to remember: the Camaro and the Challenger are fun to drive, but they're fads. The Dodge Challenger probably will disappear soon since their four years are up. The Camaro had to go away for 8 years to come back, but now they're losing its steam.

The retro look for the Ford Mustang is very much appreciated. And if this a terrible rumor, then please disregard this letter.

Signed,

A Mustang Fan also known as Bernie.

P.S. And the photo above is one of my photos, in fact, it was the same day I realized why the Ford Mustang is so loved.

Concept One Wheels Presents Concave CS-10.0 Matte Gunmetal Wheels

Concept One Wheels released product photos of their Concave CS-10.0 Matte Gunmetal Wheels that's now in stock. Available in sizes 20x9 & 20x10.5, these wheels will compliment most Bmws, Lexus, Infinitis, Nissans, Mercedes-Benzes, Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros and much more.

For more information, check out their official website at Concept One Wheels USA.com

Watch the creation of Galphin Auto Sport's Wide-bodied Ford Mustang Super Snake

Three months ago, we first locked eyes in Las Vegas. He was on stage and he found me in the crowd. I found my way to him and from there we-- sorry. This was starting to sound like a cheesy love story... Like those romance books with the guy on the horse. Mark my words, I will never read those books. But I wasn't lying when I said this was my new lover for 2012.

Three months ago, Galpin Auto Sports brought one of their greatest creations-- a Black Wide-bodied Ford Mustang Super Snake to SEMA. Personally, this was the best car at SEMA. PERSONALLY!!!! It was so great, I offered to unload GAS of this burden. Sadly, they laughed at me.



Galpin Auto Sports knew they had a gem on their hands so why not show it off. They decided to release the pre and the production aspect of it, and like a girl in love, I can't wait. But for now, they released teaser clips of the full length video...





I see they captured the essence of it being a teaser.

Blaque Diamond Shows off a Mustang GT

Blaque Diamond released photos of a Ford Mustang GT wearing their popular BD-7 wheels...

Bernie's Favorite: Rumor has it… My 2012 lover has a twin brother

(Photo by Topspeed.com)

Like the famous rival- Yankees vs Red Sox (and we all know who’s the better team), there’s the battle of the ponies- Chevy Camaro vs Ford Mustang (Technically it’s a three way battle because there’s also the Dodge Challenger. But the Challenger has had a hiatus or two.)

In 2009 Chevy released the newly designed 2010 Camaro and everyone and their mother bought one. Not one to be left out, Ford came back and unveiled the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 coupe with rave reviews at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Ford isn’t done just yet. And according to the guys at topspeed.com, Ford might be coming back with a convertible version of the 2013 Shelby GT500 and that will be unveiled at the North American Auto Show in Detroit next week.

“Changes in the exterior of the convertible GT500 will follow along the lines of the coupe with a "more modern and edgy" design, as well as new wheels and an overall improved look. Of course, the Convertible model will get a soft top for those cruising days. The GT500 debut promised a top speed of 200 mph for the Coupe model, but we highly doubt that will transfer over to the Convertible. The GT500 Convertible will be powered by a 5.8L supercharged V8 engine producing a staggering 650 HP with a quieter and more efficient TVS unit” says topspeed.com.

I guess next week will confirm or deny.

Playboy Picks Their 2012 Cars of the Year

In the latest issue (January/February 2012 aka the Lindsey Lohan cover), iconic magazine Playboy has picked their choices of their 2012 Cars of the Year. The list isn't just limited to only SUVs or only luxury cars. This list is a solid, well rounded list, and I do love the particular car that's in the photo above.

Per Playboy, here's their picks for the top 2012 cars...

2012 Lamborghini Aventador; MSRP: $387,000

Fiat 500; MSRP: $15,500

Range Rover Evoque; MSRP: $41,145

Lexus CT 200H; MSRP: $29,120

BMW 1 Series M; MSRP: $46,135

Bentley Continental GTC; MSRP: $205,600

Audi A7; MSRP: $59,250

Mercedes-Benz CLs63 AMG; MSRP: $94,900

Hyundai Veloster; MSRP: $17,300

Jaguar XKR-S; MSRP: $132,000

And I saved the best for last...

Ford Mustang Boss 302; MSRP: $40,310

Noticed how all of the cars are black? I still think all cars look great in black. Pick up Playboy's January/February 2012 issue on newsstands now...

Savini Wheels shows off a Ford Mustang Boss Edition

The folks at Savini Forged Wheels released some shots of my second lover for 2012, the Ford Mustang Boss Edition.









You know, black and electric blue would be a beautiful combination of a Boss Edition Mustang. Still gorgeous...