I’ve always had a thing for Mustangs, which I can trace back to my cousin’s 1970 Mach 1. I know there are faster cars out there, I know there are better handling cars out there, but there’s something about a well built ‘Stang that just sets it apart. Plus, in my mind, no one builds a better sounding V8 than Ford (well, Ferrari maybe).

Michael Mirra sent in these pics of his ’01 Mustang GT Convertible. It’s got a TCI Streetfighter transmission, a 3500 Hughes stall converter, a custom air intake and he’s running Ford Racing 4:10 gears. The car was dropped on Eibach springs and Koni shocks, and he’s got 315’s on the rear to ensure that the car launches as good as it looks.

Thanks for the pics, Mike and nice photography, too. Hard to believe a car that looks that good has 100k miles on it.

Early funny cars were evil tempered, ill-handling deathtraps that were as likely to blow up as make it down the 1/4 mile. The above vid is AHRA drag racing history at its finest: Danny Ongais, best known for his exploits behind the wheel of an Indy car, pilots a 1,500 horsepower Mustang funny car as it hops and bounces down the track at Bristol. I love the sound of the single cam 427 as it tries to idle, running on pure nitromethane.

Bous points if you can tell me Ongais’ nickname without having to Google it.

Enjoy the vid, courtesy of BangShift

God bless the Ford Motor Company. We’ve dealt with a lot of automotive garbage over the last year at the hands of U.S. auto manufactures. They’ve laid off thousands of workers, closed assembly plants and taken government bailout money.

Ford however has done the opposite. They posted profits for 2009 and never took a nickle from the government. They’re also introducing cars like the Fusion Hybrid and Ford Mustang V6 that are getting stellar reviews as well as fuel economy. For example the 2011 Mustang V6 is rated at 31 mpg and puts out an amazing 305 hp. That is a first for ANY V6 vehicle! Ladies and gentlemen that is a huge stake in the ground for Ford.

Not only that, but there are already more than 11,000 orders for these babies. We all know that the Mustang is already an automotive icon. To have it be the first V6 to deliver this kind of fuel economy and performance is not only a brilliant marketing tactic by Ford but something that helps generate some much needed positive energy for American auto manufactures. Way to go Ford!

It looks like Ford did the right thing by bumping the horsepower in the 2011 Mustang GT to 412 and bumping the horsepower of the base V6 to 305; pre-orders of the pony car have approached 11,000 units in the first month. That’s three times the number of pre-orders that the “refreshed” 2010 Mustang received.

The base V6 pre-orders are up by 19%, and now account for 50% of all Mustang pre-orders. That’s not surprising when you consider that the base model is now within 10 horsepower of last year’s GT, yet delivers 30 mpg fuel economy. Think about that: the new V6 is putting out 95 more horsepower than last year, yet still getting 25% better fuel economy. Those are some mighty impressive numbers.

Source: Left Lane News

Automobiles, like everything else evolve over time. Shapes change, designers come and go and technology and engineering move forward. Cars that were cutting edge just 20 years ago are now outdated and antiques. Take a look at the above photo and see what I mean.

Source: http://i.imgur.com

So there is a guy who likes Fords, but he also likes Lamborghinis. What else is there to do other than dropping a V-10 and transaxle into a Mustang. Sounds simple right??? Its name is Tractorri, an unappealing name for a somewhat attractive car. This vehicle took one Mustang shell, parts of a must, parts of a Gallardo, and hours upon hours of labor. There isn’t much information about this car other than what the people who posted had to say about it.

The crown jewel of our private collection: The Tractorri. The short version? This is a body-in-white ‘07 Mustang shell with the mechanicals from a Lamborghini Gallardo underneath. From the ABS to the AWD to the E-gear transmission everything works. The long version adds two more Mustangs for parts, thousands of hours of labor and enough one-off parts to make most show cars blush. Oh, and our president drives it around—he put over 1500 miles on it this summer alone! Built and maintained by our own Rick Roush this is a werewolf in wolf’s clothing! Check out the pictures for now and we’ll have a full description of the build and show history up shortly!

I mean a Ford Mustang is far from a sleeper, but if I rolled up next to a Mustang and heard a V-10 roaring under the hood, I would be a little surprised and in shock. What kind of monster will they fabricate next.

Citroen C4 – TRANSFORM!!

Ok fine, it’s a bit hokey, but I grew up in the 1980’s and I dig these guys. Plus how often do you get to see a car really let loose and boogie down?

Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

Its’ got loads and loads of tire smoke… nuff said.

Steve McQueen and the 2005 Ford Mustang

Here we see the King of Automotive Cool – Steve McQueen, ripping up the same corn field that Ray Liotta played ball on.

Ford GT – The One

I remember seeing this during the Super Bowl a few years back and thinking that this was one BAD ASS mofo…

1990 Nissan 300 ZX

In YO’ FACE KEN!!!

VW – TIME TO UNPIMP ZA’ AUTO!

These are probably some of the most brilliant ads I’ve seen in a while. Very well done VW…

Ford Sport KA – Evil little bastard…

God… wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if this could really happen.

Ferrari Shell Commercial

This is without a doubt one of the BEST commercials ever made and it’s not even a car commercial. The editing on this is just spectacular.

Aiwa Car Stereo

So it’s not a car commercial, so what. Its got cars in it and it’s freakin’ hilarious, therefore it qualifies.

Honda

This ad is neither funny, nor exciting, but man if doesn’t keep your interest…

Over the last few years’ values in the collector car market have gone up and down more times then Oprah’s scale. Cars that were once in the six-figures are now in the five-figures with more market flux to come. Buyers who are new to the market can easily become confused and it is very easy to get taken advantage of by sellers who are less than honest.

I get emails constantly inquiring as to what cars to pick up as future collectibles. I also get asked my opinion on what the best bang for the buck is amongst these automobiles. After doing a bit of research, I’ve put together a list of automobiles that I would classify as having “Future Collect-ability”. These are cars that can be purchased right now and are priced between: $8,000 – $20,000.

1. 1983-1984: VW Rabbit GTI

90 hp / 106 ft-lbs tq. 1.8-liter 4 cylinder, Top Speed: 114 mph

What you are looking at here is the first real hot hatch to be brought into the United States. Even though it only had 90 hp, the high-revving GTI was a total blast to drive. It was quick, handled great and looked the business with its signature grill and wheels. Good examples can be had for between: $8,000 – $10,000.

2. 1985-1993: Mustang LX Notchback

205-225 hp / 240-300 lb-ft tq. 5.0L V8. Top Speed: 125 mph

I’ll never forget my high school Social Studies teacher Mr. Warmuth, I had his class just before school let out at 2:30 pm. Inevitably; right around 2:15 pm the burnouts of cars leaving the school parking lot would start and after each one, good ole’ Mr. Warmuth would say, “Aaaaah, it’s the mating call of the Asshole!” Most of these mating calls were caused by late 80’s 5.0L Mustangs shredding their tires upon departure. GT’s were everywhere, but those in the know knew the LX Notchback was the one to have. It was lighter, faster and a total sleeper. Good examples can be had for between: $10,000 – $14,000.

3. 1986-87: Buick Grand National

245 hp / 355 ft-lbs tq. 3.8-liter Turbo V6, Top Speed: 121 mph

If you grew up in the 1980’s then you no doubt remember the Buick Grand National. Some purists don’t consider the GN a true muscle car because of its Turbo V6. They should however, because this black bastard put many an unaware big block in their place. Good examples can be had for between: $13,000 – $18,000.

4. 1986-1991: BMW E30 M3

196 hp / 170 ft-lbs tq. 2.3-liter Inline-4, Top Speed: 143 mph

Today when we think of quick imports we envision small Japanese pocket rockets like the Subaru STI or Mitsubishi EVO. Sure those are great automobiles, but let me introduce you to the one that started it all – The BMW E30 M3. I remember being in school back in the late 80’s, and seeing this thing roll through the parking lot. It was white, with flared fenders, a wicked little front spoiler and a rear wing. My first thought was, WTF WAS THAT? Like the GTI before it, this little Bavarian bad boy was the catalyst, at least in my opinion, to the whole import craze. The styling was a huge leap of faith for BMW back then as wings and spoilers were seldom seen. By taking a chance on this M3, BMW not only created and icon but a car that is still unbelievably capable to this day. Good examples can be had for between: $18,000 – $20,000.

5. 1985-1989: Chevrolet Camaro IROC -Z

190 – 230 hp / 320-330 ft-lbs tq. 5.7L V8, Top Speed: 140 mph

The third generation Camaro came out of the gate in 1982 without much grunt. The base engine was a 2.8L V6, with 112 hp that didn’t have enough power to pull a drunken college kid off a toilet. Fast-forward 2 years, when Chevy decided to drop the 305 cu in engine under the hood. It was the same body, but with a whole new attitude. So many of these cars have been bastardized over the years, but clean examples are still out there. Good ones can be had for between: $9,000 – $12,000.

6. 1991: GMC Syclone

280 hp / 350 ft-lbs tq. 4.3L Turbo V6, Top Speed: 126 mph

Ok, picture yourself cruising the streets back in 1991 in your brand new $120,000 Ferrari 348ts. Then up next to you at the light, some punk shows up in his brand new all black GMC pick-up truck. You dismiss it… that is, until the light turns green and he dismisses you. This truck is still one of the best “sleepers” of all time. Click the link to read about the above confrontation. Good examples, if you can them, can be had for between: $9,000 – $13,000.

7. 1994-1996: Chevrolet Impala SS

260 hp & 330 ft-lbs tq. 5.7L LT1 V-8, Top Speed: 140 mph

You’ve got to love GM for being creative back in the day. In the mid-1990’s GM didn’t really have anything to wet the appetites of the performance enthusiast aside from the Camaro & Corvette. Enter the ’94 Impala SS: What GM engineers did was simple. They took a standard Caprice Classic, dropped in the Corvettes LT1, dipped it in black paint and shod it with 16 inch 5-spoke wheels. Oh… and then there was the sales ad: “Lord Vader, your car is ready” – simply Badass! Good examples can be had for between: $8,000 – $18,000.

8. 1993-1998: Toyota Supra

220 – 320 hp / 210 – 315 ft-lbs tq. NA or Turbo I-6, Top Speed: 155 mph

I remember when this car came out in 1993; it was sleek, fast and REALLY EXPENSIVE. In fact I think it was one of the most expensive Japanese imports for a non-luxury brand with well-optioned turbo models coming in at over $40,000. It was the release of 2001’s “The Fast & the Furious” that really put this 3rd generation Supra on the map. The final race between the 1970 Dodge Charger and the orange Supra Turbo sent this car into movie icon history. Good examples can be had for between: $18,000 & up…

9. 2001-2004: Chevrolet Corvette Z06

405 hp / 400 ft-lbs tq. 7.0L V8, Top Speed: 186 mph

The 2001 Z06 was the first real Corvette that the world took notice of. Based on the C5, it boasted 405 hp and a top end of almost 190 mph. This meant it was a major threat to anything with that wore an Italian or German badge. With the release of the new C6 Z06, the ones from 2001-2004 sort of got lost in the shuffle, but take heed… these hammers from the Bow Tie Boys will make great future investments due to their performance and race bred pedigree. Prices are just starting to drop on these with good examples for between: $17,000 & up…

10. 2006-2007: Dodge Magnum SRT-8

425 HP / 420 ft-lbs tq. 6.1L V8, Top Speed: 170 mph

Every now and again the guys from Chrysler release something that is truly ridiculous. In 1994 it was the Viper, in 1997; the Plymouth Prowler and in 2006 they release the Dodge Magnum SRT8. In comparison to the other SRT8 models, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, the Magnum SRT8 was produced in very small numbers. It boasts a 6.1L, 425 hp HEMI V8, that runs this grocery getter from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 170 mph. Not bad for the ole’ family truckster eh… Prices are just starting to drop on these with good examples for between: $18,000 & up…

Just when everyone was getting all hot and bothered by the new 300 hp Camaro V6, Ford decides to come out with guns blazing by introducing an all new 2011, 305 hp V6 Mustang. Ok… so upon first impressions you might think that a difference of 5 HP is not all that impressive and in reality it’s not, but what you have to do is look at what Ford is offering in addition to that. First off though, some quick numbers – the new V6 as mentioned delivers 305 hp & 280 lb-ft. tq. as well as a claimed 30 mpg on the highway, not bad for a rear wheel drive muscle car.

The big news however is that Ford is also offering the new V6 Mustang with a performance package. This addition utilizes the entire suspension system from the Mustang GT, a 3.31 rear axle ratio, sport-calibrated electronic stability control and a cool strut tower brace to enhance front end rigidity. Combine that with the GTs 19 inch wheels, tuned dual exhaust and the fact that you can get it with a six-speed manual transmission and the V6 Mustang just went from a baby face to wearing a full blown 5 o’clock shadow.

This is great news for Mustang enthusiasts everywhere who are looking for the fuel economy of a compact car, the looks and attitude of a sports car and true-to-life performance of a muscle car. You can also bet that the aftermarket will start cranking out goodies that boost the performance of the new V6 significantly as time goes on. I would expect prices to range from 23k – 27K range when fully optioned out, which is not a lot of money for what looks to be a lot of car.

This 1970 Boss 429 Mustang sold for $275,000 at Saturday’s Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The new owner apparently did not get the memo that the US economy is in shambles.

One of 500 Boss 429 Mustangs manufactured in 1970, this car was done up Ford’s “Grabber Green”. Restored to “better than factory new” condition, the car was billed by Barrett Jackson as top of the line. The auction price certainly reflected this.