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The 2009.5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang
Mustang fans recently had a perfect opportunity to rejoice when the 2009.5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang was unveiled at Galpin Motors in North Hills, Calif. Taking a cue from its name, there will only be 45 of the highly customized cars produced, and the word is that they are going fast, (no pun intended).
The exclusive reception took place in Galpin's VIP Showroom, and attracted more than 300 select automotive enthusiasts and more than two dozen key members of the media, and assorted VIPs. In addition to Iacocca, the entire I Legacy project team, as well as executives from Galpin, were on hand, including Michael Leone, designer and partner of I Legacy; Bert Boeckmann, president of Galpin Motors; George Gaffoglio, CEO of Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, the coach builder that is assembling the cars; and I Legacy partner, Denice Halicki.
“This is a very special evening for everyone associated with creating this spectacular vehicle,” said Iacocca, who transformed the auto industry with the original Ford Mustang way back in 1964. “Michael Leone's vision, Metalcrafters’ brilliance and Galpin Ford's commitment have really come together to turn a dream into dazzling reality. I get the unique pleasure of having unveiled the first Mustang, and now the 45th Silver Iacocca Edition model.”
So what does the buyer of a fully optioned Iacocca Edition Mustang get for their $105,000? Like a stock GT Mustang, the Iacocca Mustang is equipped with a 4.6L 300hp engine, but performance upgrades, such as a Magnuson supercharger and a cold-air intake up the horsepower to around 400 hp. Other tricks include what Ford calls its “Racing Handling Suspension Package” and “Racing Brake Upgrade.”
Performance aside, it’s the body changes that make an Iacocca Edition Mustang different from a regular car. Designed by and built by Metalcrafters, the Iacocca Editions have more of a fastback design reminiscent of the 1970 Mach I Mustang. The roofline flows virtually all the way to the back of the car, and doesn’t have a flat area above the trunk like a “normal” Mustang. The bumper is flush into the body. Again, like the Mach I, the small rear window is covered over. But it is the body material itself that also sets this car apart from the stock Mustangs. The stock sheet metal is replaced with what Metalcrafters calls “composite construction laminate,” much like racecars get. Trick, to be sure, but don’t get into an accident. The interiors are also modified, the main difference being that the stock seats are replaced with specially designed leather seats featuring a unique "Iacocca Mustang" logo.
Immediately following the vehicle unveiling, the No. 6 car was auctioned off. Auctioneer Drew Donnen began the spirited bidding at $80,000, during which Iacocca offered the winning bidder a private lunch with him as part of the sale. After a dramatic 15-minute back and forth between two bidders, a surprise third bidder, Steve Sularski, stepped in, ultimately offering up an impressive $125,000. The No. 6 Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang will officially be the first car delivered to a private buyer. In addition to the No. 6 vehicle, two other Iacocca Silver Edition Mustangs, the No. 10 car and the prototype were on display at the event.
