The debate rages in the film industry as to whether old movies should be colorized. Those in favor of color believe that younger viewers will be more interested in watching movies that are more familiar to real life. Still, others are in favor of black and white. They believe that the old movies are what they are and should be appreciated as such. In their opinion, adding color to these movies is a catastrophe. Well, we can see both sides. Color is real to our eyes, as is everyday life. And yet, black and white is classic. In fact, some movies, such as Citizen Kane, were shot in black and white when color was available. Why? Because the director was trying to convey a mood. Other films, such as Casablanca, were simply meant to be filmed in black and white--colorizing them somehow seemed wrong.
We think that Thomas and Lori Bozzi of Connecticut have a car that is proof positive that some things are better off in black and white. Their '67 hardtop Sports Sprint is a perfect example. Like Casablanca, the car is a classic that stands the test of time, and stands well without additional colorization. The Raven Black paint and white vinyl roof are simple but powerful facades that surround the eye-popping red standard interior. Outside, the barest hint of red is evidenced in the pinstripe-and-red- line bias-ply tires that wrap around the standard steel wheels and optional wire wheel covers. These covers were not part of the Sports Sprint package but really help dress up the exterior. The Mustang still sports the original, functional louvered hood that was part of the Sprint package. It also has a good portion of the Exterior Decor Group that gives it the wheel lip and bright deck moldings, but it lacks the pop-open gas cap.
Under the hood resides the dependable 289 2V with a splash of brightwork that is provided by the chrome breather cover and the Sports Sprint decal. The other option that is evidenced here (and when driving) is power steering. Behind that is the C4 automatic that is shifted via the Sports Sprint vinyl-wrapped shifter handle. Out back the final component between the tires and the driveshaft is the 2.79 open differential, which assures Thom of good low-rpm cruising.
Stunningly, Thom and Lori do their share of cruising--taking the car out twice a month when the Connecticut weather permits. Looking at the muffler, you would think that the car sees nothing more dramatic than a good roll on and off the trailer at the Mustang Club of America events that Thom and Lori attend. Obviously, there is something in Thom that drives him to keep this classic in black-and-white clean and pristine. We can't blame him one bit.