When the S197 Mustang was released, it attracted a whole new buyer to Blue Oval lots nationwide.
With its retro appearance, aggressive body lines, and affordable price, it transformed the ponycar market. Since then, both Chrysler and Chevrolet have followed suit. Heck, even Mercedes-Benz is releasing a retro SLS Gullwing, reminiscent of its 300SL of the '50s.
In addition to its game-changing design, the ('05-'06) Mustang was also available in Legend Lime. Lime Gold, as it was called for '67-'69 models, was a factory color on Mustangs and some other Ford products, and Legend Lime was a newer take on that same classic color, once popular on Mustangs and Shelby GT500s.
When Thomas H. Raber saw the new Mustang in late 2004, he knew it was for him. "When I was looking for a new vehicle in August 2004, I realized the body of the Mustang was changing. I decided to wait and order my Mustang the way I wanted it," said Tom. So he ordered a GT convertible in Legend Lime on January 18, 2005.
Then, on March 12, 2005, Tom made the trip from his home in Tustin, California, to Friendly Ford in Las Vegas to pick up his new ride. "This Stang was one of the first of only 40 Legend Lime '05 convertibles built," says Tom, and alhough he loved his new car, it didn't stay stock for long.
A mere month later, Tom attended the Fabulous Fords Forever car show at Knott's Berry Farm. By then, he had already added SLP Loudmouths, green neons underneath, and a slew of interior upgrades. "There were only 23 '05 Mustangs there," and Tom's was one of only two in Legend Lime. The rest, as they say, is history.
Tom met a group of Legend Lime owners on www.allfordmustangs.com, and they quickly formed the Legend Lime Registry (www.legendlimeregistry.com). Now over 680 members strong, the Registry also includes Lime Gold classics; we even saw a Legend Lime Fox-body tribute car on the list.
Armed with an imagination and a theme, Tom has spent the last five years transforming his GT into a show-winning machine. He had graphics added by Rock & Roll Custom Paint and Yvonne Mecialis (www.yvonnedesigns.com), a Trufiber carbon fiber hood, a 3dCarbon body kit, and a slew of interior, exterior, and underhood alterations, including 20-inch NC Forged chrome wheels with BFGoodrich g-Forge rubber.
In May 2008, Tom decided to take his GT from a show queen to a muscle Mustang. He had Eric Cheney of Huntington Beach, California, add a Paxton Novi 2200 supercharger, twin Ford GT fuel pumps, 39-lb/hr FRPP injectors, and a Meziere electric water pump. Said mods boosted the output to 420 rwhp and 398 lb-ft of torque, spurring a Brembo four-piston front caliper upgrade, as well as a Steeda adjustable Panhard bar. Since then, Alex Mackenzie of Mackenzie's Mustang Supply of Palm Springs, California, has applied custom paint to the rearend and driveshaft.
Over the top? Maybe for some, but Tom has created a one-of-a-kind showpiece that is not only honoring the Ponies of the past, but also forging a legacy of its own.