Another issue that concerns Richard is the 428 SCJ's radical demeanor. When the engine was rebuilt, balanced, and blueprinted, the previous owner fitted it with a high-lift camshaft, which makes the car temperamental. You've got to give the previous owner credit for one thing, however. He fitted the Cobra Jet with a 428 Police Interceptor aluminum intake manifold, something Ford should have done with all Cobra Jets to reduce front-end weight and help dissipate induction heat.
Close investigation of Richard's convertible demonstrates this car's original purpose-brute, straight-line performance under the open sky. The car has manual drum brakes on all four corners and no power steering or air conditioning. The standard black vinyl interior has nothing more than an AM radio and a basic complement of instruments, sans tachometer. There's nothing fancy about the 14-inch steel wheels with sport wheel covers, other than the fact that they're wrapped with Goodyear Polyglas GT tires.
Richard enjoys the crisp, clean acceleration that goes with Super CJ power, a C6 automatic, and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok gears. It's the quintessential combination of power, convenience, and gearing needed for musclecar acceleration-the whole idea behind an SCJ convertible.
We asked Richard if he'd ever consider selling the car. He answered, "Only if something more unique caught my eye. "
You could easily figure Richard has something just as unique in the '70 Boss 302 sitting in his garage. Both engine and body are ready for marriage. . . and another photo shoot for Mustang Monthly when the car is complete. Meanwhile, Richard is content with open-air motoring in a single-digit production powerhouse, a uniquely unique Mustang.