Start planning for the 2012 Carlisle Ford Nationals!
June 1st through the 3rd.
All posts by David Bruno
VIDEO: 1992 PROJECT INDUSTRIES PROMO VIDEO WITH KENNY BROWN
From our friends at Kenny Brown Performance.
Published on Mar 21, 2012
[Source: Kenny Brown Performance]
DEALERSHIP OWNER DIVERSIFIES BUSINESS
By: MICHAEL HALL on January 18, 2012
Original Article: BRUNSWICK NEWS, THE (GA)
Jan. 18 – Mike Murphy is something like a parent who is asked which is his favorite child. He loves his Kia dealership in Glynn County, but he always wanted a Ford dealership, too.
Now, like a parent with a son and daughter, he has both.
“I have always wanted to be a Ford dealer, I just never thought I would actually be a Ford dealer,” Murphy said while walking across the parking lot of his new store, Mike Murphy Ford at Darien.
He likes trucks — which Kia does not have — and has always been impressed with the cars Ford makes, so when the opportunity developed to buy Lilliston Ford, he jumped at the chance.
“Ford is a great brand. The best. I love the technology and the quality of the cars they make,” Murphy said.
In addition to offering the cars and trucks he has longed to sell, Murphy’s wife Delores, a former commercial real estate agent, saw the property where Lilliston Ford sat as a jewel. She liked its visibility from Interstate 95 at exit 49, the ample space on the lot and the building on it. For her, it was the logical next step for a growing business.
Buying a well-established business also had its perks, Murphy said. A full staff of employees was on hand, with more knowledge of the product than he had.
“At Kia, we have seven models. Ford has 14 models and an almost infinite number of options. These guys already know everything they need to know,” Murphy said.
Expanding the product line further is the high-performance Saleen Mustang his Ford store is certified to sell. Each sales person and mechanic at Mike Murphy Ford is qualified to sell or service the super car, a carryover from the Lilliston Ford days.
Don’t expect to see any new Kia models on the lot in Darien, Murphy said, but pre-owned cars from both brands will be available at both locations.
He hopes that by diversifying his product line and expanding his business to be able to fill a niche for discounted automobiles.
“I plan on being a price leader with Ford, just like I have been with Kia,” Murphy said.
THE GHOST OF 89-0109
A Rare 1989 Black & Tan Coupe
Reborn with a New Body…
Photos: DAVID LAXTON
The serialized identities of our limited-edition Saleen production models gives each vehicle a distinctiveness, a personality and history. Questions such as… Why were they made? How were they ordered? What kind of life did it lead? Are details attached to each Saleen product. Stories and folklore surrounding individual Saleen vehicles can at times be more interesting (or at least of equal interest) than the model in question.
The plain truth is, a majority of Saleen serialized vehicles were spec production models, ordered for dealer stock, using similarly equipped knockdown “pool cars” from a manufacturer. This is why specification particulars such as exterior stripe colors, wheel finishes and Saleen optional equipment are so stressed and coveted. Because most of the “basic cars” where identical before conversion took place.
From 1987 through 1993, Saleen produced an estimated 65 serialized 2-door coupes. Most of these units could be considered “special orders.” The largest production batch of coupes took place in 1988 when Damerow Ford of Beaverton Oregon sent fourteen identical SSP Mustangs to Anaheim for conversion.
For the 1989 model year, Saleen produced an estimated 26 Saleen Mustangs on the 2-door coupe body. Of those 26, six are believed to have been painted Black. When we view those six, Smoke Grey interiors were in five units while one featured Sand Beige interior appointments with cloth Saleen/FloFit seating. Production number 89-0109 is this vehicle. If we look at a larger picture, the closest matching car to 89-0109, was 88-0523. Another Black and Sand Beige 2-door coupe.
We don’t know much about 89-0109 or the history behind it. This Mustang was born as a Black and Sand Beige 2-door coupe with the familiar 5.0 liter / 5-speed manual drivetrain and the customary power equipment group and cruise control. From Saleen Autosport it would gain all the regular conversion features along with flashy gold assent stripes and gold ARE wheels. As for optional Saleen features, the popular 3.55:1 final drive ratio was checked off as a must have by the original orderer. Shipped to Young Ford in Charlotte, NC during the autumn of 1988, 89-0109 was set to impress.
From what is believed, during the early 1990s, the original body (VIN, title, etc) to 89-0109 were separated from the attachable parts. The original car may have met some kind of demise resulting in the transfer of equipment to a new replacement vehicle.
The current assembled configuration of, Oxford White body, Sand Beige interior and blue stripes have been known since the mid-1990s. 89-0109 had been rebuild into a clone for primarily track usage with a 331 CID stroker engine, Tremec TKO 600 transmission and Griggs GR40 suspension. All of this history is confined to the state of North Carolina over a short period of time. Both 89-0109 and donor Mustang were original NC vehicles.
Another wild tale. -DB
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[Source: SOEC.org]
VIDEO: PHIL FRANK VISITS SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
From our friend EyesOwnDoubtOnThis.
Uploaded on Oct 24, 2011
Phil Frank demonstrates his sketching skills to SJSU Industrial Design students.
[Source: EyesOwnDoubtOnThis via YouTube]
CUSTOM BUILD 12-008 302 MUSTANG SPEEDSTER
From our friend Ed Hinker.
The motor is a joint effort between SMS and JDM Engineering, no need for blower on this custom build!
Click here to participate in the discussion.
[Source: Ed Hinker]
CLOSER LOOK: S351 SPEEDSTER (99-0012S)
PHOTOS: TOM GIARRAFFA, & SOEC ARCHIVES
Model year 1999 marked the final chapter for Saleen Performance’s S351 Mustang. After six years on the market, a combination of changing government emissions/fuel vapor regulations in addition to a lack of inventory and technical support with pushrod engines from Ford Motor Company, led to the elimination of Saleen’s halo product offering.
Launched in 1994 as the new standard serialized Saleen Mustang package for retail sale, the S351 offered Saleen’s highest content of unique equipment and most labor intense remanufacture when compared to all their previous vehicle lines from 1984-93. Even in base, no option form, an early 1994-96 S351 conversion featured the customary 351 CID engine swap, adaptation of a heavy-duty Tremec transmission, modified mounting of each and a shortened driveshaft. Buyers received a familiar Racecraft Suspension package, featuring a larger front sway bar, G-Load brace, firmer bushings, lowering springs and revalved shocks/struts. While inside the passenger compartment new Saleen/Recaro front seating, a matching rear seat cover, “Saleen” logo floor mats, a leather Momo shift knob and a Saleen white face gauge package left no doubt this was a special Mustang.
After Saleen Performance released their S281 Mustang, this caused a “rethink” as to what the S351 model line should offer in content, value and performance. With the newly established S281 leading Saleen’s value market; there was no need for the S351 to continue in base form. Steady development launched the S351 into supercar territory for their 1997 model year. For ’97 the Vortech supercharger became standard equipment as did a 6-speed manual Tremec transmission. Standard heat extractor, Saleen/Alcon front brake upgrade and Speedline magnesium wheels continued unchanged from the 1996 product offering.
Prior to new model unveil and manufacture for a newly restyled 1999 Saleen Mustang line, Saleen Performance announced that ‘99 would mark their final year of assembly and sales for the S351. Production was set to carry throughout the 12 month calendar, when necessary Saleen used model year 2000 Ford Mustangs to finish orders late into ‘99. This final production year for the S351 would inadvertently be the lone version built on the “New Edge” design Mustang introduced for 1999 and carried through 2004.
Or feature car, 99-0012S, debuted during the Mustang 35th anniversary celebration event in Charlotte North Carolina. A festival organized by the Mustang Club of America for spring 1999, 99-0012S was part of the infield Saleen Performance display and added to the spectacle at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ordered by Marietta Ford and shipped on April 13th, #12S contained the following Saleen equipment: 3.55 gears, Torsen differential, tire upgrade, 10″ rear wheels, chrome wheels, Saleen leather, floor mats, carbon fiber interior trim, Speedster tonneau and custom paint. Coincidentally Marietta Ford would order a near twin of 99-0012S for the 2000 model year using an S281 Supercharged model as the foundation. (Read about 00-0387)
For the 1999 model year Saleen produced 420 street going Mustangs, 46 were S351 models, 26 were of the convertible body style, of those there were 21 built using a 1999 model year chassis, 3 featured optional Saleen paint while 99-0012S was the lone S351 painted Extreme Rainbow.
“Day two” additions are not uncommon for S351 Mustangs, there are a number of owner requested modifications present on #12S, both to increase the looks and performance. Our feature vehicle holds a distinction of attaining these mods by the hands of Joe Gosinski and Chicane Sport Tuning in Torrance, CA. Joe a noted former Saleen employee and mastermind of custom late-model Mustangs worked his magic to detail #12S beyond factory.
Final power number of 99-0012S are the following: On 91 octane pump gas 600+ HP and 600+ LBS torque at the wheels using a conservative tune.
Aftermarket modifications include:
Suspension:
• Global West Tri-ladder Sub Frame Connectors Maximum Motorsport Camber/Caster Plates Maximum Motorsport Pan hard Bar Maximum Motorsport Lower Control Arms W/ Adjustable spring perch Maximum Motorsport Front Coil Over’s W/ Adjustable Ride Height Maximum Motorsport Torque Arm
Engine:
• 351 SVO Block (original block that came with car) Stroked to 408ci
• 225 AFR heads
• JE Custom Dish Pistons
• Manly Rods Race
• Bassani Shorty Header
• Trick Flow Intake (extrude honed upper and lower) S-Trim Vortech Supercharger (original Equipment) Anderson Power Pipe 90mm Mass Air Cog Drive Belt on Supercharger Custom Aluminum pullies Powdercoated Accessories, Brackets & Covers
• 2003 Cobra Fuel Tank W/ Twin Pumps Converted To Return Style Fuel Delivery Kenne Bell Boost A Pump 55lb Fuel Injectors
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[Source: 21st Century Performance]
SPECIAL ORDER SPV 302 (12-0001) HEADS TO POLAND
We received a “heads-up” photo submission for this special order, 2012 model year, S302 Mustang heading to Poland.
Ordered from Ford Motor Company with HID lighting, automatic transmission and glass roof options, this S302 in one-of-a-kind. From SPV, this Mustang is equipped with the optional 14″ front brake upgrade and quarter window delete panels. Painted in Ford Candy Red with standard silver finish “Speedstar” wheels this Mustang should stir excitement on European roads.
Congratulations to the new owner! Enjoy your drives in Poland.
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[Source: ]
SCALE REPLICA OF 95-0010 MYSTIC S351 SPEEDSTER
From our friend Gil Costa.
1995 Ford Mustang “Mystic” Saleen S351 Speedster
This model represents a “one off” promotional 1995 Mustang Saleen S351 Speedster which was specially created to promote Ford’s new “Mystic” color changing paint and cosponsored by BASF. The finish was accomplished with the use of single stage urethane touchup paint and clear coated with Tamiya TS13. Interior was flocked and dry-brushed. Engine was wired and antennae was added. Undercarriage and engine was detailed with varying shades of metalyzer and alcad paints. A wash was also added to accentuate engine detail and body panels.
[Source: Scale Auto Magazine]
SMS ANNUAL CAR SHOW & OPEN HOUSE: SEPT. 17th, 2011
From our friends at SMS Supercars.
We currently have classes for all Mustangs and American Muscle. Check out the entry form and flyer at www.smscarshow.com to see the list of classes. We recommend getting your form in by September 10 so we can be sure to enter you in your class (All day-of-show entries will be judged in the MM and SS class as day-of-show).
[Source: SMS Supercars]