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2005 Ford Mustang GT

2005 Ford Mustang GT courtesy Motor Trend.com Grille

Our Model, Options, etc.

Retail Name: 2005 Mustang GT Coupe

Model Designation: S197

T82/130A - GT Deluxe Coupe - Standard Equipment:

18G - Interior Upgrade Package (IUP)*:

43A - Restraint System* - Front Seat Side-mounted Airbags

13D - Spoiler Delete

TL - Exterior Color: Satin Silver Metallic Clearcoat

KW - Interior Upholstery: Dark Charcoal Leather

*The 18G Interior Upgrade Package is required for installation of the 43A Restraint System

Dealer Order Receipt Acknowledgement (DORA)

2005 Mustang GT

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Purchase Journal

Dec. 20, '04 - We placed the order today at Ukiah Ford. We've been thinking about a Mustang for a while, and I have wanted one of the early (67-69) models for years. After some time talking with Gene Locatelli (our sales rep), getting lots of opinions and input and finally taking a test drive, we decided that this was the right model.

The 300 hp V8 provides impressive power mated with a nimble suspension and larger brakes than previous models. I left the car after the test drive thoroughly satisfied that the car is worth every penny. In the end what really sold us was the redesigned-retro body style that immediately drew comparisons to and invoked memories of the classic Mustangs of the late 60's.

Unfortunately Gene explained that production of our car would likely be delayed due a "significant issue with the availability of the (18G) Interior Upgrade Package (IUP)". All unscheduled cars ordered with the 18G are on hold through January. There is rumor of parts shortages from the vendor, Delphi. This falls in line with another related rumor that the IUP is wildly popular and Ford has been caught off guard as demand has outstripped supply. There is also rumor of a lawsuit impacting production of MyColor. The bottom line is: We wait. I got a bad feeling as Gene said, "It might be a while."

Meanwhile, there are several pictures around the page of the car in the "Satin Silver Metallic" paint, similar to what our car will look like. The stock "Bullit" style wheel (that we chose) is below, left.

17" Aluminum Wheel - Stock on the GT 2005 Mustang GT

Dec. 24, '04 - We decided on her name today. After spending some time looking into name etymology and history of first names, we decided on Gina, from the Japanese, meaning silvery. The irony of a Japanese name for an American Muscle car is not lost on us.

Dec. 28, '04 - I heard from Gene today. The car is still delayed and unscheduled. He said he'd call me when he hears something. So in the meantime I keep myself satisfied visiting Mustang enthusiast message boards (like All Ford Mustangs and The Mustang Source) or looking at mustang parts and accessories, mods and other stuff to keep me from going nuts while waiting.

Jan. 3, '05 - I stopped in to bug Gene, today. Since the car has not been scheduled, we've decided to request a change to the interior upholstery. We've been on the fence about cloth or leather, and ordered cloth. But after a lot of thought we've opted to switch.

Jan. 10, '05 - I made my weekly visit to the dealership. The car is still unscheduled, but Gene confirmed that the interior upholstery change from cloth to leather was accepted. There is rumor that the IUP hold has extended into the first week of February, but there is also rumor that V6's are being produced in volume with IUP right now.

Jan. 13, '05 - Having the car on hold is a dangerous thing. We decided on another change: Spoiler Delete. We plan to add an aftermarket duck tail style spoiler. I promised Gene that was the last change, but I'm not sure he believed me. I'm not sure I believed me, either.

Jan. 18, '05 - Gene got back to us and confirmed the Spoiler Delete option. He also explained that the IUP issue has been resolved and our car would be built in February.

Jan. 19, '05 - Brad at The Mustang Source spoke with one of the senior members of Team Mustang about the IUP and MyColor rumors:

It was stated that Ford underestimated demand for IUP (initially projected at 20-30% while the actual rate is closer to 80%). As a result, they are now installing new capacity at the production facility which should be installed within the model year.

In addition, Brad's source stated that Ford believes they have no liability in the MyColor suit, and they are continuing to produce 2005 Mustangs with IUP and MyColor. He reiterated: 2005 Mustangs ordered with IUP and MyColor are currently being produced.

This confirms the popularity of the IUP. It also tells us that the lawsuit has not had any impact on the current production as Mr Weyer's injunction has not yet been served.

Jan. 20, '05 - There was activity yesterday relating to the patent infringement case. A gentleman has filed a motion seeking an injunction to stop Ford from producing or selling MyColor. The hearing on the motion is currently scheduled for February 28th. Meanwhile, MyColor and IUP installation continues at the production facility.

Jan. 30, '05 - We stopped in to verify our options and finalize the pricing this morning. We also picked up the dealership order receipt acknowledgement (DORA) and discovered that the car is scheduled to be produced this week, January 31 through February 4.

Feb. 4, '05 - The '05 Mustang returned to Road Racing today in the Grand-Am Cup Series 200 at Daytona International Speedway and swept the top two positions.

Feb. 7, '05 - Received some great news today: Gina has been built and, as of February 4th, has been "shipped via convoy carrier". This means she has left the factory via truck to a local sorting facility where she will board a train.

Feb. 11, '05 - More news: As of February 5th, Gina has been "shipped via railcar", meaning she got on the train last week. Also, today the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released its safety ratings for the '05 Mustang.

Feb. 16, '05 - Gina arrived at the dealership today. She will receive her prep treatment and we will pick her up on the Friday the 18th.

Courtesy Motor Trend - www.motortrend.com 2005 Ford Mustang GT

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2005 Mustang Reviews and Quotes:

Ford's New Mustang is Oh So Right

"There hasn't been a new model in years that's hit the sweet spot the way the '05 Mustang does, especially the V-8-powered GT."

"Gripes are few and small, though, and grins are many and broad. It's not often a car company gets one so very, very right, so much like the car it intended to make, as Ford has done with the '05 Mustang."

USA Today - 9/30/04

Mr. Ed Sidesteps the Glue Factory to Become Secretariat. Well, Almost.

"At last, the Fox platform, which wasn't that impressive when it debuted on the retarded Fairmont in 1978, has been let out to pasture, where we can only hope it contracts hoof-and-mouth while in the clutches of an illegal leg trap."

"Let's move on to thrust. Three easy steps here: (1) Disable the traction control, (2) Zing the revs to four grand, (3) Dump the clutch. The Mustang squats an inch, then launches straight, hard and true, painting five to ten feet of expensive P Zero Nero stripes. Beautiful, man - smoke, noise, velocity, enraged neighbors. Unalloyed essence of Mustang."

"Fact is, there's a precision to this Mustang's movements that makes the older car feel like Mr Ed. Did we just say "precision" and "Mustang" in the same sentence?"

"Verdict: The best Mustang since April 17, 1964"

Car and Driver- December 2004

Old Glory: America's Favorite Ponycar Earns Back its Stripes

"A quantum improvement is noticeable from 10 feet away, and it's not just the fab retro/modern styling."

"The 2005 GT [Automatic transmission tested] is quicker than all but the current supercharged SVT Cobra, and, even so, only by a 0.2-to-0.3-second margin. With a 5.1-second run to 60 mph, the new Mustang outruns a comparable 1999-2004 GT four-speed automatic by nearly a full second."

"In the slalom, the new Mustang feels altogether more precise, predictable, and stable than the car it replaces. The firmer platform is better suited to allowing the suspension and tires to do their jobs more effectively."

"In case you're wondering how the new Mustang stacks up against the GTO: The American pony is faster and nimbler than the Australian-bred goat--automatic or manual"

Motor Trend - November 2004

The Old School Rules

"The Mustang GT is far more comfortable than last year's car and drives infinitely better than the original."

"Even the old-school bits on the car, like its live rear axle, have been updated. There is a more sophisticated 3-link setup with a Panhard rod that shows there is considerable life left in this seemingly antiquated technology."

Road & Track - November 2004

Back in the Saddle Again

"The 2005 Mustang doesn't ask you to sacrifice comfort or reliability in the name of speed and style. You get top-notch handling, a roomy and stylish interior, 300 rip-snorting horsepower and loads of attitude, all for about the same price as a sensible Honda Accord."

"Then there's the sound, which is as close to hot-rod heaven as any sub-$100,000 car I've driven with a stock exhaust system. And in case any of you forgot, this car has 300 horsepower. At $25,000, the 2005 Mustang officially unseats the Corvette as the ultimate performance-car bargain."

"It's great-looking, the ride is excellent, the engine sounds terrific, the transmission is actually fun and the clutch engagement is effortless without being too light."

"I drove the new 2005 Corvette the same day I drove the Mustang and I like the Mustang much better. ... The new Mustang is a car anyone would be proud to own. It's also a car Ford should be proud to seal with the blue oval and a car I'd be more than proud to park in my own garage."

Edmunds.com

The Ford Mustang is Back

"Forty years after its debut, the Mustang returns to its former glory with a stunning exterior, an all-new platform, a great interior and much-improved drivability."

"The 2005 Mustang GT is so fun to drive, I switched off the stereo and reveled in the V-8's throaty growl as I swooped around corners, putting most of its 320 pound-feet of torque to work."

"The 2005 Mustang is a near-perfect blend of old and new, and for that Ford should be congratulated. It has taken the original Mustang's virtues of fun and affordability, wrapped them in an improved package, and added fast to the mix. In short, Ford has given the Mustang back its good name."

Cincinnati Enquirer - 12/25/04

"The new 'Stang turns so many heads, you'll wish you were a chiropractor."

"Not one negative comment about the 2005 Ford Mustang GT was heard in a week of driving it. The opposite happened, in fact. Wherever I parked it, the '05 Stang gathered people like mosquitoes to a sweaty neck."

"Long hood, short deck, C-cuts on each side, three-element taillights, driving lights a chrome running horse in the grille. This new design is instantly recognizable as a Mustang, a return to its head-turning days."

"Zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds usually impressed folks, too."

about.com

Best Mustang Ever!

"From a driver's perspective, the steering wheel and instrument cluster are functional and attractive - just enough retro with the right amount of modern."

"When we finally romped on the throttle, two things stood out: the sensation of acceleration and the sound."

"On the track, the '05 is an amazingly well balanced car, thanks in part to the stretched wheelbase that provides an improved front/rear weight balance."

Mustang Monthly - December 2004

2005 Mustang has showy looks and performance

"No one had to ask what this car was. It's instantly recognizable."

"The ready power came in a responsive surge. Before I knew it, I was above the speed limit and relishing the oh-so-deep V8 snarl."

"Historically, this level of performance has been reserved for the specialty Mustangs: the Cobra and Boss models, for example. Not this time."

Associated Press - November 2004

Remade Mustang GT is really fun to drive

"The 2005 Mustang GT looks cool, inside and out, and it's fun to drive, with a 300-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8 and a standard Tremec five-speed gearbox."

"Ford designers did a fantastic job of capturing the best elements of the classic Sixties Mustangs."

Detroit News - October 2004

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Mustang Toys

While waiting for delivery of the "Real" Mustang GT, I picked up a few toys modeled after the 2005: The Transformers, two Hot Wheels and a Matchbox.

The Transformers

Takara and Hasbro have released versions of a 1:24 scale '05 Mustang transformer called "Grimlock". The Takara version is the "BinalTech BT-10" made for the asian market. It is die-cast metal and very stout. The Hasbro version is an "Alternators" made for the American and European markets and is made of plastic.

The difference between the two toys is amazing. From the quality of fit, ease of movement, pose ability, durability and even packaging, the Takara version is far superior to the Hasbro product. Interestingly enough, they are both made in China.

Mustang Transformer Die Cast

In the "original" Transformers television program, the Grimlock character was a Tyrannosaurus, a far cry from a Mustang. But the creators liked the idea of turning a dinosaur into a muscle-car, so here it is. On the right, the car is whole before the transformation. The trunk, doors and hood open and the interior is detailed. It took me about a half hour to complete the transformation. I don't think I'll ever get him back to car-mode. Below, the two Grimlock cousins together: The robot-mode Alternator with the car-mode BinalTech.

Similar view, different lighting Two transformers together Transformer in robot mode

1:64 Scale Cars

The first 2005 Hot Wheel Mustang I found was a 2004 "First Editions" #48/100. It is the concept version of the '05, pictured below, left while still on it's card. The concept version of the Mustang actually was designed AFTER the final version of the '05 was approved. On the right, also on its card, is a 2005 "First Editions" Realistix #6 of 20 that I found in January. In addition, a 2004 Matchbox of the Concept '05 Mustang is below, center.

2004 HotWheels Silver '05 GT Concept 2005 HotWheels Red '05 GT 2004 Matchbox Red '05 GT Concept

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Mustang Avatar

All photos on this page not displaying the bobbeltrami.com logo are courtesy Ford Motor Company unless otherwise noted. Visit www.fordvehicles.com for more official information on the Ford Mustang.