The Mustang rolls along on...
The Mustang rolls along on Momo 20-inch rims wrapped in Toyo Proxies hoops.
Later nights and inspiration aside, the paint scheme and bodywork is truly fitting. The crew at Auto Kraft started things off by shooting the upper portion in BASF Black, making for a nice contrast with the stock silver hue. Of course, all of the paintwork was done after the new hoodscoop, quarter-window scoops, and front spoiler (all from Classic Design Concepts) were bolted on. Completing the look of this Mustang is the rolling stock, which is made up of Momo 20x9.5 front and 20x10 rear rims. The car rides on Toyo Proxies sneakers. Classic Design Concepts' Glassback roof was installed in a hotel parking lot just hours before the car was rolled into the convention center.
The interior of the Stang...
The interior of the Stang saw just as much work as the exterior. Katzkin supplied the threads, and Ford Intelligence the Concept Instrumentation that includes LED screens for the tach and speedo that are hooked up to cameras mounted on the sideview mirrors and the rear wing. Mobility Products and Design handled the controls for the hand-operated brake and throttle.
Knowing that she already had a full-fledged race car, Paul wanted Carol to have just enough power to be happy, but not too much to get in trouble with the local police. The 4.6L Three-Valve mod mill was left as Ford built it, though the addition of a Vortech V2S centrifugal huffer and Bassani headers, an x pipe system, and a full-on exhaust system combine to create 400 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The 5R55S five-speed automatic remains behind the engine, as does the stock converter and driveshaft. The 8.8-inch rear out back has been fortified with a Detroit Locker Truetrac. As for stance, did you expect a couple that's into road racing to not improve upon the suspension? We think not! To that end, Koni Sport adjustable struts are found up front, while the hind end of the Pony is a laundry list of HPM Performance Products' parts, including Mega Bite Jr. lower control arms and a fully adjustable Panhard rod. Eibach sway bars can be found fore and aft, while a set of their springs hunkers the rearend down. Tightening up the chassis is an HPM strut tower brace, while Stoptech 14-inch front rotors and four-piston calipers bring the fun to a halt when needed.
"The car is driven when she has a chance to take it out on nice days, which is quite often here in California," Paul says. "The car is very popular, as it looks sporty, but has a backseat for her wheelchair. The car made such a statement that we had the director of Toyota's disability car program come up to us at SEMA, talk with Carol and I, and ask us where the van was. My wife proudly pointed to the Mustang."
While the car was finished literally hours before the '04 SEMA show began, taking it down to the wire was worth it. Just ask Carol each time she fires up the Pony.
 Carol and her husband, Paul,...  Carol and her husband, Paul, broke out of the minivan stereotype with this '05 Mustang GT. Just because Carol is a paraplegic doesn't mean she'll hesitate to whup your butt, both on and off the track. |  Inside the car, Carol and...  Inside the car, Carol and company strap into the Cobra seats with Schroth four-point harnesses. |  |