Galpin Motors Unveils its 2009½ Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang for the Pony Car's 45th Anniversary

Ask anyone to name a classic American car and more often than not they will say, “The Ford Mustang.”  Not only is the Mustang one of the longest continuously running models in automotive history, but like baseball and apple pie, it is also an iconic symbol of Americana.

Now in its 45th year of production, Galpin Motors, Michael Leone, and the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters worked together to design and build a special edition of this American classic as a tribute to the father of the original Mustang, Lee Iacocca.  At an exclusive VIP/Media event on August 5th, Lee Iacocca himself had the honor of unveiling this tribute car 45 years after he pulled the cover off of the original Mustang at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

Starting with the retro-styled 2009 Mustang, designer Michael Leone worked with the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters to bring even more nostalgia to the model.  The rear was lengthened to accommodate a steeply-sloped fastback rear window reminiscent of the 1967 Mustang with the line of the rear window extending all the way to the rear end while cosmetic scoops were added over the rear quarter windows.  Up front the headlight surrounds were reworked to again add details from the ’67, requiring the front end to be extended a little too.   Additional stylistic changes were also made to the front and rear fascias to further enhance the retro styling while incorporating the dual rectangular exhaust tips out back.

Overall, the Iacocca Mustang is about a foot longer than a factory 2009 model, but most casual observers would struggle to notice the additional length.  The exterior is finished off with a set of 20-inch chrome wheels and special Iacocca badging on the trunk, hood, and wheels.

But don’t think that the Iacocca Mustang is all looks.  Though it comes standard with the 300 horsepower V8 of the base GT Mustang, it can be ordered with a Whipple supercharger system that boosts output 100 horsepower to a respectable 400.  Top that off with adjustable Ford Racing suspension and the optional 14 inch performance braking system and the Iacocca Mustang has the goods to deliver a world-class driving experience.

The Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang was unveiled at Galpin’s VIP showroom in front of over 300 VIP’s including Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner, Actor/Singer Frank Stallone, and Comedian Adam Carolla.  After the car was officially unveiled, the number 6 car was then auctioned off for a whopping $125,000.  The spirited bidding started at $80,000 and during the intense 15 minute auction, Lee Iacocca even sweetened the deal by offering the winning bidder a private lunch with him.  Galpin and the Gaffoglio Family Metal Crafters plan to make only 45 examples of this special car to be sold through the Galpin Dealership with production slated to start soon after the debut.

- Jon Barrett