Mustang of the Month:     Vince Vaccaro’s 65 Coupe!

   Do you believe in love at first sight? After attending the Barrett Jackson auction for over 30 years, I DO!   There she was, in all her glory. Like usual I began to wonder about her past. She was there winking at me, so I began getting closer. WHAT? a Paxton Super Charger. WHAT? a Shelby 302. WHAT? a 5 speed? She was after my heart! After drooling for an hour, I hired a Mustang expert to give her a once over.  This original beauty had only 23 thousand miles, with impeccable records. After the second owner of over 30 years answered all questions, and telling us that she has spent most of her life in a heated and cooled garage and never been in rain the Mustang expert gave me the thumbs up. I stayed with her until she was brought to the auction block. Like a man in love, I HAD to have her, so I kept bidding until she was mine! Since then she's been my sweetheart taking the place of my Porsche 930 and is competing with my C-6 Corvette. When she sings to me with her solid lifters  she brings me back to my youth and happier days.

Since joining the Copperstate Mustang Club I learn more about her everyday. Just a few things about my gal: She's all original- chrome, carpet, seats, glass, even her spare tire. The Paxton super charger was a factory order and was installed by the dealer in December 1964.  After dropping a valve in 1977 the Shelby engine was installed along with Shelby suspension and the 9" rear end She also has vintage Shelby racing brakes. The 5 speed was installed at a later date.   In 1982 sporting 5 door dings, world famous painter Junior Conroy applied the black lacquer you see today. A recent trip to Lopers Performance Center for a dyno tune proved she still can produce 300 horse powers and a huge smile from me, the "18 year old at heart". I've been a car and Harley guy for over 40 years.   I teach road racing for NASA and still race my Porsche, but it's the 'Stang that still puts a gleam in my eyes….   Vince Vaccaro