This past March, the National Mustang Racers Association began its 2006 racing season at Bradenton Motorsports Park near Bradenton, Florida. The season includes a full schedule of concurrent show-and-shine events partially sponsored by Mustang Monthly.
We stopped in at the first race of 2006 to have a look at the crazy 6-second Pro 5.0 and 7-second Super Street Outlaw Mustangs battling it out on the strip. But when the racing action was at a lull, as it usually is between rounds, there was ideal diversion in the form of the neighboring all-Ford car show held each race weekend.
At Bradenton, there were dozens of cool Mustangs to check out, both the vintage and late-model variety. Of course, the impressive scope of vintage Mustangs was a highlight for us, and we expect maybe for you, too. Some of the standouts among the more than 100 cars in attendance are detailed in the photos and captions, and there's also a closer look at our Editors' Choice winner for the show: Richard Bakan's restomod '68 fastback.
For more information on all the NMRA races and simultaneous show-and-shine events throughout the eastern half of the U.S. in 2006, visit www.nmraracing.com or call 714/444-2426.
Looks like these guys are...
Looks like these guys are taking in some rare vintage-Mustang iron in the form of George White's way-cool '69 Boss 302.
While both '69 and '70 Boss...
While both '69 and '70 Boss 302s are awesome, seeing a '69 is considerably more unusual, as their production was much less (1,628) compared to the '70s (7,013).
Ford Racing Performance Parts...
Ford Racing Performance Parts was a presence at the NMRA inaugural 2006 race with its show trailer and this '05 Mustang decked out with FRPP's Performance Packs. The three Performance Pack setups for '05-'06 Mustangs were detailed in our March '06 issue.
When it comes to the big-body...
When it comes to the big-body Mustangs, it's hard to beat a red Mach 1. Ray and Trish Herrington brought their '71 Mach 1 to the show from Kathleen, Florida.
Joe Knight from Venice, Florida,...
Joe Knight from Venice, Florida, brought his '69 S-code Mach 1, one of the true attention getters on the show field. Unusual for '69 Mustangs, the 390 engine makes this bright-red Mach even more desirable. The flawless paint, 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels, and fat 255/60R15 BFG Radial T/A tires in back combine to make a look that spells pure vintage-Mustang muscle.
Although not an award given...
Although not an award given at the show, this '67 Shelby GT350 is the clear winner for survivor status. Original owner Lloyd Hartline has put a mere 15,000 miles on the car since taking delivery of it new on April 18, 1967. He paid $4,600 for the car and that included the rare Paxton-supercharger option. Part of the reason this Shelby has so few miles is that Lloyd stored the car from 1986-1996 until, as he told us, his buddies talked him into cruising. Today, Lloyd exercises the GT350 around Bradenton, Florida, where this time-capsule classic leads the good life.
Alan Dawson entered his '70...
Alan Dawson entered his '70 convertible in the "Under Construction" show category and it sure looks better than that to us. Powered by a 351C, we also like the Shaker hood and Boss-style stripes Alan added to give the car more visual appeal.
Richard Bakan's '68 fastback...
Richard Bakan's '68 fastback was our Editor's Choice winner on Saturday afternoon. A classically done vintage restomod, it sports a subtle pinstripe along the side and a set of 14-inch Cragar spoke wheels with 205/60R14 tires. Richard has gone the low-key restomod route with his '68 by incorporating several items that remain invisible to the casual observer. These include an 8.8-inch axle from a '94 Mustang and the rearend's factory disc brakes. A set of front brakes from a Granada and the '94's master cylinder round out the car's four-wheel disc setup. When not running his 10-second, 347-powered Fox 5.0 at the strip, Richard cruises his '68 around the environs of Sarasota, Florida.
Interior updates include a...
Interior updates include a set of Dakota Digital gauges, seats from a '70 Mach 1, and a hump-hugger center console. A Grant steering wheel and the T5's stock shifter are other items of note. The car originally had an automatic until Richard converted to a manual with the T5 and a cable-operated clutch-engagement system.
The 289 in Richard's '68 is...
The 289 in Richard's '68 is warmed up with a complete Edelbrock Performer package that includes a cam and lifters, a Performer 289 intake, and a 600-cfm carburetor. Full-length Hooker headers and an MSD 6AL ignition box hidden in the passenger-side front fender make up some of the other engine bits. With 3.55 gears in the 8.8, the car's T5 five-speed transmission, from the same '94 5.0 donor car that supplied the rearend, makes highway cruising effortless on the open road.
Editor Donald Farr (right)...
Editor Donald Farr (right) presents Richard with the Editors' Choice plaque at the awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Congrats Richard!