millwatermotors
theMillwatermag
Millwater has its share of muscle cars and just listening to the big V8 rumble of this 1968 Ford Mustang is enough to get the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention. Ian Coupe has owned this beauty for about eight years and has lavished a great deal of love and attention on its muscular lines. Among other improvements, the upholstery and dashboard trim have been renewed with original Mustang parts and its original steering wheel restored in place of an earlier, modified “racing” wheel. Suspension has been lowered slightly and new chrome wheels and tyres fitted. You’ve got to admit that it’s a real headturner! The Mustang featured large as the car for the Groom and Best Man at Ian’s wedding and has been used twice for other weddings since then. When asked what it is that attracted him to the Mustang in the first place, Ian said “The V8 soundtrack of the oldschool, no frills motor is just intoxicating – it was love at first sight and sound!” The 2-door hardtop was part of the first generation of Mustang and became known as the “pony car” for obvious reasons. Donald N Frey was head of the Mustang project, under Lee Iacocca at Ford, and developed the project in a record time between September 1962 and March 1964. The target price back then was just US$2,500! For the enthusiast: Ian’s Mustang is the 289 cubic inch (4.7 litre) Windsor V8 engine, with two-barrel carburettor, developing 195 bhp (145 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 288 lb.ft. (390 N.m) of torque at 2,600 rpm. A galloping horse with plenty of grunt and one that growls, too. Ian’s Mustang gets a regular outing and always brings a wide smile to his face and that of admirers that he passes along the way. V8 rumble, gleaming metal and shiny chrome always win! When asked who was allowed to drive the Mustang, Ian said that anyone over 25 years with a clean driving licence is, technically, allowed to drive his dream car. Then, when asked what the priorities were when it came to car-wife- family, Ian grinned knowingly and said “well, I spend more time with my wife and family nowadays...”
