STANG Magazine Special Edition Issue: Ghost Squadron
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
MANNY
CAR OWNER
ARANDA
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
CRAZY HORSE - 2012 SHELBY GT500
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
THIS IS WHERE WE STARTED OUR ENDLESS QUEST...
I’m Manny Aranda, Founder of Ghost Squadron. I turned my 2012 Shelby Cobra GT500 into a P-51D WWII Fighter three years ago. Then I met Brandon Jeffers who loved taking pictures of WWII Fighters and Bombers. We ran into each other through a mutual friend.
He was inspired by my car and decided to dedicate his car to Old Crow P-51D MUSTANG. After going to some car shows, we both decided to try to see who else in the country might be as crazy as us. This is where we started our endless quest which now has formed Ghost Squadron.
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
P-51s. We have Blue Angels, P-40 Warhawk, even some Japanese Zeros!
Please visit our page Ghost Squadron Aviation tribute on Facebook for the full compliment of our squadron.
CHUCK DEKETT
My aviation tribute is dedicated to Crazy Horse P-51D (actually a TF 51) in Kissimmee, FL. Stallion Flight Operations. They have four Crazy Horse P-51 Mustangs.
The color markings are dedicated to the the Blue Nose Bastards of Bodney. 352 Fighter Group Army Air Corps. I have just one minor addiction to my P-51D. I put Nose Art of my wife riding a Cobra on the side of my car.
Our goal is to reach out to as many car guys like us and expand our group. We also have other aviation tributes besides
PHOTO CRED: MANNY ARANDA
CAR OWNER
BRANDON JEFFERS
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
OLD CROW - 2005 MUSTANG GT
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO A TRIBUTE...
I’m Brandon Jeffers. I’m the Co-founder of Ghost Squadron along with Manny Aranda (Crazy Horse). I always wanted to do a tribute, just didn’t have the money to wrap it. So I figured, what’s the cheapest I can get away with being that my Mustang was already silver. Then I remembered Old Crow. I found someone that was willing to do my hood OD Green and the checkers on the front and back for $800. The red on the rear end and invasion stripes, I did myself. Everything else (numbers, kill count, other markings) are all decals from a local store.
The paint isn’t perfect, but when close up, neither were the warbirds back then. Being that my stang is a daily driver, I’m not worried about perfection. I purposely did my invasion marking by hand real... slap dash as they did for the invasion. It is not perfect, but it is definitely different.
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: BRANDON JEFFERS
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO WILL HELTZEL SWEET REVENGE - 2020 MUSTANG GT
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
WE BUILD MILITARY TRIBUTE VEHICLES...
My name is Will Heltzel from Luverne, MN. I built my P-51 inspired car for the love of both the Ford Mustang and the P-51 Mustang.
The car is modeled after Sweet Revenge. The aircraft is located at Fagen Fighters Air Museum in Granite Falls, MN. I have been working on the car for two years now. What was a hobby is now a full time thing. We started Ground Speed Warriors LLC. We build military tribute vehicles and sell merchandise to help Veterans and Military Heritage Museums.
The car started out as a 2020 GT 5.0. It is our P-51. It houses the 5.0 ESS Supercharged power house. We are currently at 850 HP. We are planning more mods soon to be over the 1000 HP range. Coming from a Chevy childhood, Ford is definitely king!
CRED: WILL HELTZEL
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO
CAR OWNER
GARY HAMLIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
BADD ASP - 2003 SVT COBRA
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
IT IS AN AMAZING HONOR...
I would like to start by thanking Dan Ramey and STANG Mag for the work they do in supporting our Veterans with Twisted Bombshell. We need more people like him so all our vets that have fought for our freedom (many have paid the ultimate sacrifice) know they have not been forgotten.
This is my tribute to our veterans and active duty service men and women. She is a one owner 2003 SVT Cobra and her name is Badd Asp. She is 100% painted with no wrap and no stickers.
I have taken a lot of pride in building this P51 Mustang inspired tribute that is a constant reminder that freedom is not free. Nothing makes my heart more happy than when a veteran looks at my car and we start a conversation about their time in service. It is an amazing honor.
To all of our veterans, thank you for your service and welcome home.
PHOTO CRED: HAMLIN MOTORSPORTS
EPOCH DECOR
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
ERIC PALMER REDTAIL - 2011 MUSTANG
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
BOTH ARE HONORED ON THE VEHICLE...
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
My name is Eric Palmer. This is my aviation tribute vehicle RedTail. RedTail is the centerpiece of 501c3 non-profit Detroit RedTail, Inc. RedTail is a 2011 Ford Mustang convertible premium with a 3.7L V6 engine and 6 speed manual transmission. Most would simply consider it a “tribute” vehicle to the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed segregated Army Air Corp of World War II. But we, at Detroit RedTail, Inc consider it a Mobile Educational Resource because it literally educates those that view it inside and out and under the hood.
RedTail was created in 2017 and has evolved in its looks over time. It was created to provide parade support for the Detroit Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. It was inspired by two of the chapter’s combat pilots, LTC Alexander Jefferson and LTC Harry T Stewart, Jr. Both are honored on the vehicle with the driver’s side emulating Stewart’s “Little Coquette” P-51 and the passenger side emulating Jefferson’s “Margo” P-51. Since it’s 2017 inception, both inspirations have passed away at 100 years old; Jefferson in 2022 and Stewart in 2024. RedTail continues to support the Detroit Chapter in parades and has four scheduled for 2026.
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: ERIC PALMER
CAR OWNER
CHRIS LOWRY ENCHANTRESS - 2015 MUSTANG GT
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
THE PERFECT WAY TO HONOR HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
When Chris Lowry told his father (John C. Lowry) that he wanted to unveil his Mustang in honor of his late grandfather (John R. Lowry), little did he know the 2015 50th Anniversary GT wrapped as a P-51D fighter plane, would also pay tribute to him. John grabbed the microphone during the unveiling in Tennessee during the 2023 PITS (Ponies in the Smokies) event for a few minutes to talk about all his father had done for his country during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. John was brought to tears as they lost John Sr. in 2021 at the age of 97. John C. Lowry served his service by being assigned to the Army, stationed in Germany during Vietnam, and then transferred to the Air Force. He joined the 10th Strategic Missile Squadron and served as Missile Combat Crew Commander for the Minuteman 2 ICBMs. The 10th SMS was started during the Cuban missile crisis in the early 1960s by President John F. Kennedy. The president regarded the squadron as his “Ace in the hole” at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana. The patch on top of the car is a tribute to his father and the squadron. (John C. Lowry)
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
He served in the service for 22 years and rose in rank from private to Chief Warrant Officer W-4. While looking back at the tail number 47261 on the plane, Chris realized the six digits would be the perfect way to honor his father and grandfather via their birthdays on the rear of the Mustang. Keen eyes will notice they were born 24 years and one day apart.
The Mustang garnered a lot of attention, rightfully so, with our troops’ many missions, air superiority, and protection during its lifetime. Much like PITS itself, the unveiling was a family affair. Chris credits the vision and the work to DreamWraps out of Newport, KY.
Chris wanted the car to reflect the P-51D his grandfather was involved with from the 506 Fighter Squadron while stationed in Japan. This squadron was part of a critical joint force in the win over Iwo Jima. John Sr. maintained aircraft assigned to the rescue unit in Japan during the Korean War. He participated in some of the rescues of downed flight crews using helicopters and amphibious aircraft over Korea and the sea between Japan and Korea. Hueys did not exist in Korea. John Sr. was the Avionics Chief at Tan San Nhut Airbase in Vietnam.
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: CHRIS LOWRY
CAR OWNER
GIOVANNI
ACOSTA
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
P-51 SHELBY - 2020 SHELBY GT500
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
ALWAYS READY TO FLY...
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
My name is Giovanni Acosta from Sylmar, California and I have a 2020 Shelby GT500 tribute P-51 Mustang. Inspired by Bud Anderson “Old Crow”, this Shelby is packed with incredible details. From the red and yellow nose to the P-51 logos on the head lamps, brake calibers, and custom P-51 trunk matte. Ever since I was a little kid, I have been fascinated with aviation. I would go to the Air show at El Toro with my father. My favorite movies are Redtails, Memphis Belle, Pearl Harbor, and of course Top Gun.
This P-51 Shelby is more than a street car. I also race this Shelby at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge. You can catch me racing at Willow Springs California and Laguna Seca Race Way. This car packs a Whipple supercharger producing 840 horse power, Falken 660 plus tires for grip, Modular Mustang Racing suspension grip kit, and Forged Wheels from BC racing. Special thanks to Ben and Frank at Preserve Auto Lab for their attention to details on the wrap that nailed my vision for my Shelby. This Shelby is always ready to fly with my fellow Ghost Squadron pilots of these incredible Mustangs.
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: GIOVANNI ACOSTA
CAR OWNER
DON HICKEY
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
LIL’ BASTARD - 1991 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!
THIS CAR IS A TRIBUTE TO THEM...
This is my 1991 Mustang LX 5.0 vert. Purchased in 1993. Best 1/4 mile 9.85 @145 mph. I wanted to honor WW2 Veterans and decided to paint my car like a P-51. I chose the 352nd FG, because I loved the blue nose, and thought I could adapt that to the car. Also, the leading P-51 ace was George Preddy, who flew Cripes A’Mighty 3rd, which is on one side, and the other side represents Robert Powell (West by Gawd Virginian) a dear friend, who flew three missions on D-Day.
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
CHUCK DEKETT
The hood has replica signatures to appear as if they carved their name into the blue paint. Signatures are from my personal collection of pilots, crew chiefs, and other members of the 352nd FG. The car also features a real P-51 flight stick grip for shifter, authentic gauges and authentic signatures on fuel cell.
The car is called Lil’ Bastard (name of the patch from the 487th squadron of the 352nd FG). I was friends with WW2 fighter pilots of the 352nd Fighter Group, and hung out with them for several years while attending yearly reunions, and this car is a tribute to them and all who served in WW2.
PHOTO CRED: DON HICKEY
CAR OWNER
CAR NAME–YEAR
& MODEL INFO
JAMES PRESHINGER HOMAGE - 1970 MUSTANG COUPE
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
My name is James Preshinger and this is my 1970 Mustang Coupe themed “Homage.”
It is primarily for World War II. It has veteran family and friend dog tag vinyl stickers on the back window and 40 mm shells as door handles. One of my grandpa’s dog tags is hanging from the mirror. There is also a couple of stickers on the quarter windows including Miss Montana and Flying Buzz Saws to name a few.
My grandpa was Army Air Corps in the Buzz Saws on NG. There is also a mortar laid out at the rear of the car, hanging down like a bomb being dropped.
PHOTO CRED: JAMES PRESHINGER MY GRANDPA WAS ARMY AIR
CORPS...
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
BRANDON DIMMICK
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
MOONBEAM MCSWINE - 2014 MUSTANG
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
IN HONOR OF ALL SOLDIERS AND VETERANS...
Moonbeam McSwine - A tribute to the brave fighter pilots of yesteryear. World War II featured some of the most iconic aircraft designs, including the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang. Most people know that the Ford Mustang name was inspired by this fighter plane.
CHUCK DEKETT
This 2014 Mustang sports an Iridescent Blue and Nardo Grey two-tone wrap to honor the famed 352nd Fighter Group, the “Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney.” The mission emblem BMC and U.S. insignia represent the late “Branded Mustang Club.”
Toward the rear quarter panel is an image of Moonbeam McSwine painted by the renowned artist Nicolas Trudgian. To complete the look, a weathered American flag was laid onto the roof in honor of all soldiers and veterans who fought for our country, past and present.
PHOTO CRED:
JOSH ROPER
CAR OWNER
RICK HALLETT
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
P-51 COBRA - 1967 E.R.A. 427 S/C REPLICA
A UNIQUE, VISCERAL PIECE OF AMERICANA...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
This is a 1967 E.R.A. 427 S/C Replica P-51 Mustang tribute owned by Rick Hallett. The P-51 Mustang aesthetic is finished in real aluminum applied over fiberglass to mimic the unpainted fuselage of the North American P-51 Mustang. It features authentic “Star and Bar” USAAF roundels, squadron identification markings, and invasion stripes. It has a traditional WWII “357th Fighter Group” style checkered nose detailing on the front fascia. It also has “3D” Dzus fasteners, flush rivets, standard rivets, and panel lines to provide remarkable detail to the tribute theme, while .50 caliber front sequential turn signals provide a whimsical touch.
This Cobra features a “Merlin” exhaust with functional 6-port open headers on each side providing a raw, aggressive sound. For more civilized transit, a cockpit mounted switch operates an internal bypass, redirecting exhaust flow to a muffled under car system that exits discreetly near the front edge of the rear tires.
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
gular steel frame ensures a stable platform that handles the immense torque of the big block FE without the flex common in lesser replicas.
The P-51 Cobra is a one-of-one build. It was commissioned not just as a tribute to Carroll Shelby’s automotive vision, but as a terrestrial homage to the greatest fighter aircraft of the 20th century. For a collector who values the intersection of flight and speed, this E.R.A. stands as a unique, visceral piece of Americana.
PHOTO CRED: RICK HALLETT
The aero-cockpit has period correct Stewart Warner gauges and a classic wood rimmed steering wheel, offering a cockpit feel reminiscent of the 1940s flight instrumentation.
Regarding performance, while the 427 “side oiler” was built for the track, this 428 FE “Street King” provides massive low end torque, making it the superior “pilot’s engine” for canyon carving and high speed touring. It has zero electronic driver aids, making it a purely mechanical, “analog” experience, much like vintage warbirds. The E.R.A.’s heavy duty rectan-
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
ANGELICA DAVINCI
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PRODUCER - MODEL - ARTISAN
EMAIL: angelicdivinci@gmail.com
YOUTUBE: Angelic DaVinci
INSTAGRAM: @Angelic_divinci
MEMBERS
OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR...
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 acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Angelica DaVinci has old Hollywood glamour. She is a car show model while also being a Traditional & Digital Artist, Videographer, and Editor of Video and Photography. She models at outdoor car shows from Spring to Autumn for a lot of charity events that advocate for the Military, Police, and Firefighters. She creates music videos of every car show she attends that are posted up on her YouTube Channel “Angelica DaVinci”. You can also follow her on Instagram. In her digital artwork, she creates full new environments for owners of their vehicles without AI. She worked with STANG Magazine prior as she created a calendar for America’s Warriors Care Package Project. All the proceeds went towards the charity to make sure the deployed military got their care packages. She keeps all her modeling classy and family oriented. Aside from her enthusiasm for Muscle car culture, she loves the older styles including Panther De Ville and Roadsters.
She was the videographer for the “The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall” For Babylon Vault Company and created a four hour long documentary in honor and remembrance of those who served many treacherous years without a welcome
home. You are not forgotten. She volunteers for Wreaths Across America when she can.
Her values align with traditional conservative roots of America and the American Dream. God. Family. Country.
