The site of the MCA's cross-border...
The site of the MCA's cross-border raid was Ford of Canada's headquarters, which shares acreage with the plant that produces Ford's Edge and Flex crossover vehicles. This world-class facility will also build the upcoming Lincoln MKT crossover. The location-in the midst of one of Canada's most densely populated areas-attracted a swarm of Mustangs from all generations.
The event logo says it all. Hosted by the Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association, the "No Borders Mustang interNationals" marked the first time the Mustang Club of America has put on a national-level event outside the continental U.S.
August 1 through 3, the MCA officially became the Mustang Club of North America-at least temporarily. For the first time, the club headed north to hold a national-level event in Canada. The venue, appropriately enough, was Ford of Canada's headquarters in Oakville, Ontario, located just west of Toronto and less than a two-hour drive from Buffalo, New York.
If there were any concerns about the perceived hassles of crossing an international border for a car show, it surely wasn't reflected in the turnout, which seemed huge from our vantage point. There were, of course, more Canadian license plates than usual sprinkled amongst the row upon row of attendees, so it gave us a chance to check out some of the Great White North's show ponies and their caretakers.
What follows, then, is a quick photo feel for the first No Borders Mustang interNationals. It likely won't be the last, eh?
Though now living in Ontario,...
Though now living in Ontario, this beautifully restored '69 351-2V GT ragtop was originally ordered as an executive car for Philco-Ford corporation (remember them?) in Philadelphia. Current owners Ron and Mildred Robertson found it in Mesa, Arizona, in 2004, brought it north, and had it restored to precisely reflect what its window sticker shows. Original list price was $4,685. Halfway through our conversation with the Robertsons, we found out that we'd featured it under previous ownership in our Feb. '98 issue. It's a small world.
Well, maybe the world's not...
Well, maybe the world's not so small because it extends all the way to New Zealand. John Everingham came from New Zealand to Canada on business back in 1969 and bought a brand-new M-code, four-speed Gulfstream Aqua Mach 1. In 1971 he headed back to New Zealand, taking the Mustang with him, but soon sold it in order to buy a house. Years later he returned to Ontario and found a rusty hulk of a Gulfstream Aqua 428CJ Mach 1. It took 15 years, but he finally finished restoring it as a reminder of his first one. His original Mach 1, by the way, is still in New Zealand, now owned by the editor of a local Mustang club newsletter.
Aside from a set of '91 rims,...
Aside from a set of '91 rims, this one-owner '90 5.0 LX looks totally unmolested and is original right down to its factory exhaust and brake pads despite having rolled some 97,000 kilometers. It was bought "new" by Grant Yoxon. The term "new" is used sarcastically here as he later found out it had been heavily hit in the rear and repaired prior to delivery. If that wasn't enough, the one-year-only Crystal Blue Metallic coupe was stolen in 1995 and had its interior and trunk damaged, so it now wears an '87 trunk lid. Even so, it's the ultimate survivor car, as Grant has somehow resisted making any of the popular 5.0 mods.
In stark contrast is another...
In stark contrast is another Fox that came all the way from Wisconsin to the event. Former Navy flier Jim Buehler started modifying this one-owner car on day one. The '88 hatchback now counts a naturally aspirated 343-rwhp 347 and Air Ride's LevelPro suspension among its many hot-rodded bits. Though clearly showy-and a class winner at the event-this Mustang has racked up just shy of 300,000 miles.
This bright green Boss 351...
This bright green Boss 351 out of Quebec drew a lot of attention, and not just because of its retina-scorching hue. It seems it's the only one that was paired with a green cloth interior. Look for a feature on this singular Boss in an upcoming issue.
Another upcoming feature article...
Another upcoming feature article will look at this '72 Canadian-model Sprint, also out of the province of Quebec. Notice the decal on the rear fender.
Then there were some cars...
Then there were some cars for sale, such as this seemingly bone-stock and original-finish '70 Grande with its houndstooth interior and matching vinyl roof. Wearing Ontario plates, it was a 351-2V car with air conditioning and no price tag.
It wasn't just real cars at...
It wasn't just real cars at the show. Well-known automotive artist Michael Irvine's studios are located about an hour down the road from the show site, so he was on hand with a tent full of his limited-edition prints, many of them having Mustangs as their subject material.
Sean Hyland Motorsports brought...
Sean Hyland Motorsports brought out its radical 620hp modular-powered '65 fastback. With its six-speed sequential tranny and one-off suspension, this thing is a wild blend of vintage and ultra-modern.