S197 Ford Mustang Upgrades - It's A Gas!

Galpin Ford in Southern California's San Fernando Valley was founded by Frank Galpin in 1946 right after World War II. His tiny operation began with a three-car showroom and eight employees. The original building is many miles away from the current location off of 405 Freeway in North Hills. Frank opened his first showroom in 1966 during the initial Mustang mania. In fact, some of the Walter Mitty Mustang television commercials were shot there.

Bert Boeckman owns Galpin Ford today. He joined the dealership in 1953 and became manager in 1956. Boeckman's goal transcends selling cars, always asking himself and his employees how Galpin can better serve its customers. If you believe this is just hype, consider that Galpin Ford has been the number-one selling Ford dealer for the last 16 years. You don't become number one by putting up your feet and waiting for customers.

Boeckman's attention to customer service includes the option of customizing new Fords at the dealership-they call it "Galpinizing." Buyers are now able to walk into Galpin's new Mustang showroom, then stroll across the street to Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) for ideas to try on their new car. The company offers installation service to back it up, right down to custom bodywork paint, engine building, and chassis mods, among other things.

Galpin's shop employs talent from all throughout the automotive spectrum, including Shop Manager Chris Whitney. He built the Grabber Blue '06 Boss 302 concept car unveiled at the '06 SEMA Show and featured in the Mar. '07 issue of Mustang Monthly ("Galpin's Galloping Boss, p. 86).

Although it's easy to think of GAS as a performance shop for new Mustangs, it's a source for all years. The shop has a couple of classic-Mustang projects going at press time and can order nearly anything you think of. Think of this place as Galpin's own genie in a bottle, where dreams come true every day.