Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
LEE
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO TRAVIS
BETTY WHITE - 1967 MUSTANG GTA FASTBACK
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
STANDS OUT NOT JUST FOR HER CLEAN LOOKS AND COMMANDING PRESENCE...
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
This is my 1967 Mustang GTA Fastback affectionately nicknamed by my kids “Betty White.” It is a rare and beautifully optioned example of Ford’s performance/luxury blend. Built at the San Jose plant and sold new at Jackson-Goldie Ford in Oakland, California, this GTA came from the factory with the 390 cubic inch S-code V8 paired to a C6 Select Shift automatic transmission with a powertrain combination that delivered serious street performance with smooth drivability. Finished in Wimbledon White over black vinyl luxury bucket seats, the car features the Mustang Decor Group, enhancing both its interior refinement and exterior distinction. “Betty White” stands out not just for her clean looks and commanding presence, but for her comprehensive factory equipment list.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Among her standout options are the GT Equipment Group, Sport Deck Rear Seat, Console, and Styled Steel Wheels. All underscoring this Fastback’s upscale sporting intent. The car also came with Power Steering, AM radio, Tinted Glass, and Deluxe Seat Belts, making it both comfortable and capable. The inclusion of the Exterior and Interior Decor Groups further elevates the visual appeal, with bright accents and trim details that were signature to premium Mustangs of the era. One of only 801 cars produced with this exact paint/trim combination, “Betty White” is not only a striking example of 1967
Mustang engineering, it is also a uniquely equipped survivor that captures the very best of the late 1960s American muscle. With its deep Flowmaster rumble and family-bestowed name, this Fastback bridges generational admiration with vintage horsepower.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: TRAVIS LEE
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
CRAIG JONES
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
BLACK MAMBA - CUSTOM 1968 FASTBACK
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
THE HIGHEST STANDARDS WERE ALWAYS IN THE FOREFRONT.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
A description of The Black Mamba is difficult to summarize in a few paragraphs. The car has many features, and at the time of the build incorporated cutting edge technology. In completing the build, the highest standards were always in the forefront. With that being said I will attempt to condense a full description into as few words as possible.
The Black Mamba build started with a solid foundation. The Mamba began when her 1968 donor unibody undercarriage was removed and replaced with a specially designed Art Morrison Max-G frame. The frame required additional modification which included room for the 3-inch Eleanor style side exit exhaust. A roll cage was manufactured to strengthen the car so it would be able to handle the stress of the 705-horsepower produced by the ensuing 427 Shelby FE all aluminum big block engine. An Air Ride Technologies suspension system allowed the Mamba to drop to less than 2 inches from the ground. Braking is handled by Wilwood SL6 calipers and 13-inch vented rotors. The Ford 9-inch Detroit Locker rear end contains Strange Engineering 3.73 posi third member with 35 spline induced hardened axels. The Mamba rides on polished American Racing Shelby Cobra 427 wheels. The front wheels are 17x8’s with a 4.75 in backspacing while the rear are 17x9.5 with 5.75 backspacing. The BF Goodrich tires are 245/45ZR on the front with 285/40ZR on the rear. Once the body was placed on the new frame, extensive metalwork
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
began. This included fitting the fiberglass Eleanor body kit. This process included both stretching and channeling the car 4 inches. Extensive and meticulous body work eliminated any seams produced by application of the body kit. An all carbon fiber hood was custom fabricated incorporating the use of linear actuators to automatically open and close the unique side opening enclosure.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
The 427 Shelby aluminum block was bored and stroked to 490 cubic inches. The Mamba uses 12.4:1 Ross custom pistons and pins fitted with Child’s and Albert plasma poly rings to make the engine more responsive and to produce more power. The Scat billet crank and H-beam billet rods were fit-
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
CRAIG JONES
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
BLACK MAMBA - CUSTOM 1968 FASTBACK
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
ted with Federal Mogul race bearings. The engine received Edelbrock aluminum heads with Ferrea 2.25 intake valves, with a Crower roller cam with Sig Erson rocker arm assemblies and Smith Brothers push rods. The tunnel wedge intake manifold was plumbed by Mike Thermos at Nitrous Supply with a Pro Shot fogger nitrous system while incorporating electronic fuel injection using a Holley Sniper dual quad system. The spark is controlled by MSD digital 6+ box, MSD coil and MSD billet distributor feeding the Taylor Spiro Pro race fit eight millimeter wires.
2-inch headers had to be custom fabricated as well as a 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system. An Aviaid dry sump system included a low profile oil pan and a 6-inch diameter, 8 quart storage container housed inside the passenger side fender well. This oil system included a remote oil filter mounted inside the driver’s side fender well. Steering was handled by the Art Morrison custom Mustang II rack and pinion system.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Transmission duties are handled by the Tremec 600 TKO five speed. The engine is cooled by an all aluminum radiator with two 12 inch electronically controlled puller fans, while Vintage Air is cooling and heating the interior of the Mamba.
The interior is fitted with custom Shelby Classic Instruments gauges and brushed aluminum panels. The stereo system encompasses an Eclipse head unit controlling the Boston Acoustics amplifiers and speakers. The custom Shelby console contains Electric Life window switches and door locks along with the Air Ride Technologies air bag control module.
The classic wood grain wheel from Moto Lita is connected to the Flaming River polished stainless steel tilt column. The entire interior is hand fabricated and upholstered in black leather. PPG was used as the black base coat while the Super Snake stripes involved laying down a base of silver metal flake, then top-coated with candy red tint giving the car its custom, unique appearance.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED:
CRAIG JONES
CAR OWNER
STEVE STEWART
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
HIGHSLOWSILVER - 2010 MUSTANG GT
I BUILT EVERY PART OF THE CAR.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
I first laid eyes on the car at the Ford dealership in Colorado Springs back in 2012. Rumor has it that the vehicle was a model car for the new facelift that happened in 2010 and the car would travel to different towns in Colorado to showcase the new front end. The car then sat in storage at the dealership for the next few years until they decided to sell it as a new car with 1200 miles on it. I originally drove the car as a daily during my time in the Infantry on Fort Carson and It wasn’t until 2013 when the car began its quest to the point where you see it today.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Before the current modifications, the car had gone through a few renditions of modifications where I would take it to different types of track events: auto cross, drifting exhibitions, drag racing events etc. I had installed a Vortech supercharger on it with a T56 magnum transmission back in 2015 when I realized my love for drag racing. That was the point where I decided to make a fully dedicated street/drag car with a S480R 8096 turbocharger, twin Tial 38mm waste gates and a massive 5 inch dump pipe exiting right out of the hood. I wanted to make the car as no nonsense as possible so I installed a simple triple Walbro 450 pump hat with 10-AN fuel feed through 1300cc injectors and a Magna Fuel fuel pressure regulator. The engine is a bone stock 4.6 liter 3 valve that uses a converted 4r70w that was fully built by myself. The car is also sporting a completely custom intercooler system, a fully built 8.8 axle, forged axle shafts, GT500 drilled and slotted brakes, Holley sniper intake manifold that utilizes a Cobra Jet throttle body as well as a fully built drag suspension with anti roll bar and Viking crusader shocks. As for electronics, I installed a custom electronic switch panel to control the various functions within the car that includes the nitrous, 2 step, triple disc lock up
and the trans brake. All of this is topped with a F14 drag pack, slicks, Roush side skirts, a Cervinis chin spoiler, a GT500 wing, as well as a NHRA legal push kill cutoff switch which controls the relocated battery.
This car has been 12 years in the making and is something I am very proud of because I built every part of the car.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
PHOTO CRED: STEVE STEWART
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in
CAR OWNER
STEVE KRUEGER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
LIMITED EDITION - 2014 SHELBY GT350
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
NOTHING LIKE THE SOUND OF A MUSTANG AND THE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE A PASSION FOR THEM.
I got my taste of Mustangs in 2014 when the Mustang and I both turned 50. A 2013 Ford Mustang V6 Performance Package in Race Red was my first. Next (more horsepower) was a 2013 Ford Mustang GT/CS Sterling Gray Metallic with Glass Roof which is a 1 of 33 that I still have. Drove a 2014 Shelby GT500 and was hooked on even more horsepower so in 2019 I got a 2014 Shelby GT500 in Ruby Red Metallic that I flew down to Dallas, TX and drove it home to Wisconsin. Still have the Shelby GT500 and the 662hp is addicting. Once in a Shelby I started looking for rare Mustangs in the S197 chassis and found the GT350s which were second generation from 2011-2014 after the 1965-1970 first generation GT350 success. Limited production of 159 in 2011, 132 in 2012, 36 in 2013, and 87 in 2014.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I found my first 2014 Shelby GT350 (Ruby Red) near San Franciso in 2022 and had that one shipped to Wisconsin. In 2024 I found a 2014 Shelby GT350 in Sterling Gray Metallic in Odessa, TX but this one had the 624hp Whipple supercharger on it and had that one also shipped to Wisconsin. I am part of Team Shelby – Great Lakes Region and have attended their regional events as well as taken the cars to Road America for their Sunset Cruises where my wife, son, daughter and son-inlaw have all driven one of the cars on the track. I have a bucket list of Mustang events to attend and have been to Shelby America in Vegas twice, Ponies in the Smokes, Stang Invasion
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
in Iowa, American Muscle show, Sturgis Mustang Rally and Shelbyfest and have a few more on my list like Carlisle Ford Nationals, Shelby Bash along with Mustang Week.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Nothing like the sound of a Mustang and the community of people who have a passion for them.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: STEVE KRUEGER
CAR OWNER
CHAD SMALLWOOD
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
LITTLE RED - 1992 MUSTANG LX
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
THE CAR WAS 2010 COOL BUT WE REALLY WANTED TO MAKE IT 2024 COOL.
My Name is Chad Smallwood and I bought this car in 2000 from someone that had it in their driveway, on a job I was working on when I worked for a security installation company when I was young. I’ve always been into drag racing and having Mustangs and I kind of bought the car for a back up in case I wrecked my other Mustang that I drag raced a lot. Then in 2005 my girlfriend/fiancé was having trouble with her truck and having to drive long distances back and forth to work so I got the Mustang out of the pasture and got it running. It originally just needed a transmission but I had to do tires, fuel pump, and a couple other things, but it was still cheaper than her spending the gas driving back and forth in the truck. At that point, she drove the car for about six years and put 80,000 miles on it. As time went on, we got more financially stable. The car went back to the pasture. The old four-cylinder motor was tired. We got new cars and I started drag racing the original car again.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
wheels and tires on it, and changed the gears. I made it 2010 cool and then drove around on the weekends and had fun with it.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
Then in about 2020, my side work turned into business because my wife was diagnosed with cancer and we needed another route to supplement her income for doctor bills so RNRacecars and HotRods LLC was born. I was super busy for the first three years and it was pretty steady. I did have a little bit of time in the last couple years and we decided to do a build series on social media and go all out on the old red car.
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
In about 2016, I had a really good career job but was still drag racing more competitively and working on my own car and really started working on other hotrods and racecars for side jobs and decided to get the old red car out and see if I could put it together. I had a bunch of spare parts from leftover customer cars. It had a little built cammed 302, stock style five speed, and I traded some work for a paint job, put some
CAR OWNER
SMALLWOOD
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO CHAD
LITTLE RED - 1992 MUSTANG LX
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
The car was 2010 cool but we really wanted to make it 2024 cool. The car was completely stripped and I added cut out upgraded suspension mounts. A fuel cell was installed, car was then mini tubbed to fit a 315/30 tire and a 12 inch and there was a lot of custom fabrication that went into the chassis to keep the backseat in it and suspension for ride height. Then entire undercarriage was under coated, rearend was built drag race style with a 8.8 3.55 Eaton true track posi, and the interior was completely gutted sound of material throughout the car. We put a new generation TCI six speed 4L80E electronic transmission in it with electronic push button manual shifting. I deal with a lot of Holley electronics so the car is outfitted with all Holley EFI and 12.3 Holley digital dash. The motor is a local built 408 ci LS, with the majority of all BTR parts. The motor should make 700HP to the flywheel and about 620HP to rear tires. All the suspension has been replaced with AJE K-members and adjustable A-arms. It has QA1 adjustable coil over struts on front, Strange single adjustable coil overs on the back, and big Wilwood 6 piston brakes all around with Wilwood billet master cylinder. It also has a Big 2 core Entropy radiator, all stainless full length headers, stainless X pipe, Magnaflow stainless mufflers turned down before the axles, and all was done in house. The original last paint job was still holding up so we only had the engine bay painted after modifying the firewall frame rail, smoothing everything out, and after engine install we wire deleted most of the wiring under hood. Tons of LMR restoration parts went into the car. Pretty much every item has been replaced or
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
refurbished. Overall, there is probably a ton more that I am missing but that’s the most of it.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
As for the name of the car, short story behind it is the racecar that I drove for years people called it the Big Bad Wolf and it was Red. Then after I first built this street car, people started calling it Little Red Riding Hood. Then it eventually progressed into what it is known today as Little Red.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: CHAD SMALLWOOD
CAR OWNER
HENRY RIFE
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
LOLA - 1970 BOSS 302
SHE’S A CONNECTION TO THE PAST, A TRIBUTE TO JERRY, DEAN, DAVE, AND THE UNTAMED SPIRIT OF THE BOSS 302.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
Some moments etch themselves into your soul, shaping your passions and pursuits. For me, it began with a white 1970 Mach 1 and my late brother, Jerry. That Mustang wasn’t just a car, it was an awakening. From the moment I saw it, I was a Mustang man for life.
At sixteen in 1984, my hunger for knowledge led me to a local legend: Dean, a shop teacher and former Trans-Am series driver. He owned a Grabber Orange Boss 302 with a fullblown Trans-Am racing 302 engine under the hood. Before Dean, a man named Dave owned it, and I even saw a picture of it from 1975. It radiated pure aggression.
But some cars are too wild to be tamed. Dean’s Boss 302 had a reputation, and one fateful day, it proved why. He lost control, crashing into a house so hard that both were destroyed. All that remained were a couple of pictures and the memory of one hell of a ride. The raw power, the screaming smallblock... it was pure adrenaline and it left an impression that never faded. I knew I had to have one.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
That fire led me to Lola, my own Grabber Orange 1970 Boss 302 restomod. Constantly improved, her latest upgrade is a Shaker hood scoop, feeding the small block Ford fresh air while accentuating her iconic lines.
Lola isn’t just a car. She’s a connection to the past, a tribute to Jerry, Dean, Dave, and the untamed spirit of the Boss 302. She’s a time machine, transporting me back to the 80s when my brother and a shop teacher unknowingly shaped some of my destiny. Now, as a retired world-famous daredevil and truck driver, I spend my free time taking Lola to car shows,
cruises, and backroad jaunts that remind me of where it all started.
In 2022, Mustang enthusiasts took notice. STANG Magazine named Lola their Editor’s Choice Mustang of the Year, cementing her legacy. But for me, the reward isn’t the recognition, it is the ride. The rumble of the engine, the scent of high-octane fuel, the road unfolding like an old familiar song. Thanks to Russ Belt for the mechanical work, she is a rumbling beauty.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Some cars come and go. Some fade into memory. But Lola? Lola is forever.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED:
HENRY RIFE
STU JEWETT
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
TEDDY TATE
CAR OWNER
EDWARD BODOH MALIEKE - 2020 SHELBY GT500
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
THESE CARS ARE MEANT TO BE DRIVEN...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
My Mustang hobby began 20 years ago. My first Mustang was a 1968 (68 for my birthyear) straight six Gulfstream Aqua coupe. I fixed it up to near concourse-daily driver modified class. It won its fair share of trophies. I always believed the sixes would someday be just as desirable as the bigger engines. Everyone pulls the sixes and drops a bigger block in ‘em. After a few years I happened across a 68 F-100 for sale and agreed with the owner to trade pinks. I wish I still had both of them.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
In the mean time I bought a sight unseen (E-bay) 68 Lime Gold California Special for sale in the East Coast somewhere. It had a 289 in it. I fixed it up, held it for a year then flipped it for a cleaner version. This CS was for sale in Brisbane, California. Resale Red was its color. This one was also fixed up by me and through the few years of ownership continued to rack up the winner awards.
At this time I managed to sway my brother from the clutches of the import scene. Helping him search for his own CS, we found one in Wisconsin. A near concourse (California Special) ready version including the rare 390 2 valve block. I told him if you don’t buy it, I will. He balked at the originality of it as he wanted a more daily driver version. I countered with selling him my red CS and flew out to inspect and buy it. After owning this one for seven years, I sold it for the love of road course speed!
The hobby also ventured into the late models too. This started with a 2008 4.6 Grabber Orange car I flew to Texas to buy. This one I heavily modded out as far as suspension. A few other changes made this car. Of course I turned it into
another one of my favorites. After owning for a few years I traded it in (along with a 2018 Challenger I owned (don’t ask) for a 2019 Hell Cat… again don’t ask. Overlapping this set of car ownership transitions, I purchased a 2019 5.0 Kona Blue car, brand new, and traded in the Hell Cat in for a brand new special order 2021 Ford Bronco.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Again after a few years of ownership I traded in the Kona Blue Fifty for this Shelby GT500. This would be a Grabber Lime 2020 GT500. We call it Malieke (custom plates). Malia is my wife’s Hawaiian name and mine is Eke. Combined names turned to Malieke. We turned it into a road course car over the past two years. Although the car show scene is fun, meeting people that share the same hobby is just as fun as winning an award. I have moved on from that. There is no other feeling of true adrenaline for us than getting on the track. Where it becomes just the driver’s skill and the car on the pavement. We like the hobby so much last month I bought my wife her own 2011 GT500 Race Red car. Currently being road course prepped.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
CHUCK
“These cars are meant to be driven, so enjoy the hell out of all of it – not just look at it when it’s clean.”
And…”Ferrari’s ass is mine.”
PHOTO CRED: EDWARD BODOH
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO
DEKETT
TRISTIN
SMITH
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RED GHOST 5OH - 2014 MUSTANG GT/CS
IT IS A SYMBOL OF HARD WORK AND THE WILLINGNESS TO TAKE RISKS.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
There is something special about a Mustang. It is not just a car, it is a statement. My 2014 Mustang GT California Special, finished in striking Race Red, embodies everything I love about the Mustang legacy: aggressive styling, raw power, and the freedom of the open road. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved Mustangs. I don’t know what it was about them that caught my attention, but something about the name Mustang and that galloping horse logo reminded me of the cowboys I admired so much growing up. Now, years later, I own a Mustang that’s truly my own and I’ve built it into something special. From its rare factory glass roof that gives it an open, airy feel to its six-speed manual transmission with the MT-82, this car was meant to be driven. It breaks necks everywhere it goes, and I always have people coming up to me and giving me compliments whether I’m at a car show, a car meet, or even just stopping to get gas.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
This build isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the community that comes with it. I’ve done all the work on this car myself, with the help of a few close friends, including bagging it just before a deep freeze and swapping the clutch days before a major show. My Mustang is more than just a project, it is a representation of my journey in the car scene and the people who have supported me along the way. Recently, I had the honor of winning Best Ford at a major show with Team Diverse, a milestone that proves hard work pays off. As I continue to refine and evolve my build, my goal remains the same: to push the limits of what this Mustang can be and to inspire others to chase their own automotive dreams.
Of course, no build is complete without modifications, and my Mustang has come a long way from stock. It sits on an Air Lift Performance 3P suspension setup, giving me the perfect stance while keeping it functional for daily driving. The front end retains the OEM California Special bumper but now features a Boss 302 splitter, adding to its aggressive and track-inspired look. Out back, a custom rear diffuser and smoked taillights complete the mean aesthetic. Every visual upgrade has been carefully chosen to enhance the car’s presence while keeping the timeless California Special heritage intact.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
When it comes to wheels and tires, the setup had to be just right. My Mustang is fitted with SVE R357s from Late Model Restoration, featuring a staggered setup with 19x10s up front and 19x11s in the rear, wrapped in Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s. This combination gives the car an aggressive stance while ensuring it grips the road when it matters most. The
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
TRISTIN
SMITH
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RED GHOST 5OH - 2014 MUSTANG GT/CS
fitment perfectly complements the bagged suspension, allowing me to sit low at shows while maintaining drivability on the streets. Whether I’m cruising through the city or lining up for a photoshoot, the wheels and tires play a huge role in giving my Mustang the presence it deserves.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
But the real magic happens under the hood. The 5.0L Coyote engine has been brought to life with a ported 1320 Junkie Boss 302 intake, a massive 120mm PMAS intake, and 47lb Ford Performance injectors, all tuned to perfection by VMP Performance on 93 octane and E85. Paired with long tube headers, a catless X-pipe, and Ford Racing mufflers, this setup doesn’t just make power, it makes a statement. The car screams like a true performance machine, delivering a raw and intoxicating exhaust note that turns heads before it even comes into view. Handling all that power is a McLeod twindisk clutch rated up to 800 horsepower, making sure the drivetrain is ready for what’s coming next. The car is prepped for boost. It just needs the boost.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
But beyond the trophies and attention, what truly makes this Mustang special to me is the memories it has created. Late-night cruises, last-minute wrenching sessions, and the friendships that have formed because of this car mean more than any award ever could. It has taken me to places I never expected, introduced me to people who have become like family, and given me a sense of pride that only true car enthusiasts understand. Every modification has a story behind it, and every mile driven adds another chapter to the journey.
Looking ahead, I have big plans for this build. A set of threepiece wheels is next on my list, with brands like Rotiform, Brada Forged, and VSS XX all in the running. Eventually, I plan to
widebody the car, taking the aggressive look to a whole new level while keeping the clean and timeless aesthetic that I’ve worked so hard to achieve. No matter what comes next, one thing is for sure... this Mustang will always be a reflection of my passion, dedication, and love for the car scene. And no matter how much it evolves, it will always turn heads, spark conversations, and remind me why I fell in love with Mustangs in the first place.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
At the end of the day, this car is more than just a showpiece, it is a symbol of hard work and the willingness to take risks. Every time I get behind the wheel and row through the gears, I’m reminded of the late nights spent in the garage, the setbacks that tested my patience, and the determination that brought this build to life. This Mustang isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it mine. Every scratch, every rock chip, every challenge faced along the way is part of its story, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
TRISTIN SMITH
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RED GHOST 5OH - 2014 MUSTANG GT/CS
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
For me, owning this Mustang isn’t just about driving, it is about the experiences, the people, and the culture that come with it. Whether it is leading a cruise with friends, parking alongside some of the best builds in the country, or simply seeing the reactions it gets from strangers, this car continues to remind me why I fell in love with Mustangs all those years ago. And as long as I own it, I’ll keep pushing it further, making it better, and ensuring it remains a true head-turner wherever it goes.
Being a part of the car scene has taught me that the build journey never really ends. It just evolves. Every car has a story, and I’m proud of the one I’m writing with my Mustang. It is not about how much money I have put into it or how many awards it has won; it is about the passion and effort behind every modification. Seeing the reactions of kids who stop to admire it, just like I used to do when I was younger, reminds me why I keep pushing forward. Maybe one day, my Mustang will inspire someone else to chase their dream build, just like others inspired me when I was starting out.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
PHOTO CRED: BRANDON HALL - @VILLAINOUS_MEDIA
ROYCE WHITLEY - @RWR_MEDIA
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
At the core of it all, this car is a reflection of who I am - bold, driven, and always pushing forward. No matter where life takes me, I know this Mustang will always be a part of my journey, representing the love I’ve had for these cars since I was a kid. And as long as I’m behind the wheel, I’ll keep chasing the next goal, the next mod, and the next adventure, because that’s what being a car enthusiast is all about.
CAR OWNER
KARIN HAMLIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RUBY ROCKET - 2015 ROUSH STAGE 3
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
JACK ROUSH DESIGNED THESE CARS TO BE DRIVEN AND ENJOYED.
I started my Mustang journey in 2012 with a V6 and in 2017 bought my first GT. A year later, Ruby Rocket popped up on Craigslist and we brought her home that same day. I’d never owned anything like her and was so intimidated by all 670hp. Little did I know the path I’d be on five years later.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Ruby Rocket is a 1 of 1, Roush Stage 3 Mustang. My family found her in 2018 with 2300 miles. Her first years with us were spent as a Sunday driver and Garage Queen. In 2021, we hit the dragstrip for the first time and began attending a few car shows. 2022 was full of adventure with Autocross, the dragstrip, and our first HPDE track days.
Jack Roush designed these cars to be driven and enjoyed. As my confidence grows, I intend to keep doing just that.
Ladies, don’t be intimidated to get out there and try new things and enjoy your Mustang to the fullest. If I can do it, anyone can!
PHOTO
CRED: KHALID ALMOHANNADI
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
PHOTO CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
DAVID WILSON TRACK BEAST - 1993 MUSTANG GR-40 WIDEBODY
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
BUILT NOT BOUGHT.
Street Beast turned Track Beast. The build started at Griggs Racing in Sonoma by Daniel Judd, a Griggs employee, to go to Bracket Racing. She was a completely stock body with stripped interior. She was still on stock brakes, 4-lug spindles, and axles. I bought it as a runner and had it finished and modified at Griggs Racing over the last 10 years. Slowly becoming faster and faster each year to keep up with the computer controlled Magnetic ride track cars. Lately I’m one of the only “All Driver” street/track cars, left in open passing, grouped track days. Built exclusively at Griggs Racing, she is a true GR-40. Although Bruce only builds racecars, this is the only “Street/ Track” car in his “Stable”. We do it all with this Foxbody. Street or track we are there.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquiring this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
On track we have been all over California. Sears Point, Laguna Seca, Thunder Hill, Willow Springs. We run track days with Nor-Cal Shelby Club, HOD, Griggs Racing, and any Porsche or Corvette track days. Any time I get to fight with a track full of Porsche or Corvettes I sign up. She hurts a lot of new, high dollar, drive by wire, computer controlled, Track Car feelings. As a track car she is stacked with all the goodies. Full Griggs suspension, extended caster tubular K-member and A-arms, Koni coil overs, 650 rate front 450 rate rear springs, subframe connectors, tower brace, camber caster plates, Torque arm/3 link rear with Panhard bar. Rear axle is a Hybrid 8.8 with 9’ ends, 355 gears, Moser 31 spline axles, and C-clip eliminators. Brakes are SSBC front and Willwood rear. 50/50 weight balanced and aligned with monster 315/35/17 Hosier’s on all 4 corners square. The interior has a 6-point roll bar with low door bars, Kirkey aluminum seats, and 6-point racing harnesses for driver and passenger safety. The body is all Maier Racing, fiberglass 2.5in cowl hood, fiberglass 1.5in fender
flairs with stock fender lines, locking fiberglass rear hatch with a Lexan rear window, fiberglass rear whale tail rear wing with third brake light.
On the street we have been all over the California Bay area. mainly running the 9bergring, Skyline, and Hy 84. We stay local to keep her off the “radar”. “All Eyez On Me”, 100% peoples favorite and just killin it at the local Bay Area Mustang shows and Shelby Cobra Museum. Constant mob around the Track Beast. She gets a sh!t load of attention with her Fire Engine Red paint and Black interior. Facebook Cover page choice for Corner Ponies, Mustang Revolution, Mustang Country, Mustang Heaven, American Foxbodies, Left Lane Mustang, Foxbody Outpost, and High Performance Mustang. To keep it “street”, and a street driven car, we run the original 5.0 motor, 5-speed, along with all the goodies and bolt-ons the aftermarket provides. She still has the stock dash, interior heater/defrost and controls, center console, all interior panels, rear set delete, head liner with dome light, dinomat and carpet, functioning head, tail lights, and turn signals, metal doors, stock door panels, electric windows and locks.
I met Daniel Ramey at a Beltway Mustang show and won my spot with STANG Magazine in their Carlisle Ford Nationals display. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I didn’t know the people attending and was going by myself.
The STANG Mag family welcomed me in from the very start and made me feel like one of their own!
Members of the STANG Mag family are more passionate about fun and inclusion than they are their cars and that says a lot! I can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2022!
CRED: ROB WALKO CHUCK DEKETT
She is fresh out of the Griggs Stable and ready for the new track year. Leaving the street scene and going more track inspired. This year we are installing Aero with a front splitter, rear track wing, also fiberglass doors, along with a new front sway bar. We shall see who the Track Beast devours this year, Foxlife!
