The auto industry is full of symbolism, full of history and definitely has its share of iconic vehicles. However, there are very few movies that truly capture these slices of the American Auto Industry. Auto fiends like myself, have movies like
Gone in 60 Seconds and its famed Eleanor to
The Italian Job with the MINI Cooper. On any given Sunday (another great movie reference), you’ll see these types of movies running in living rooms and garages nationwide. Us car people like to see chase scenes that defy reality.
You know the scenes with police narrowing in on one speeding lawbreaker and when the police car gets close to capturing their assailant, that obstructive garbage truck or fruit cart blocks the intersection and the hero outlaw gets away. These heart-pounding scenes are what car movies are made of. (FYI – I have purposely left out all the Fast and the Furious movies as they just don’t meet the standards of the pure auto enthusiast. My
vehicle test drive counterpart here at NADAguides might disagree, but deep down he knows I’m right). But, if you are the true and pure auto buff, there’s really only one movie that defines the true American car experience.
Lt. Frank Bullitt hit the scene in 1968 with his dark Highland Green Ford Mustang 390 CID Fastback and the automotive landscape was forever changed. I am partial to this movie because my grandfather, Carl Caudill II was an extra in the movie acting as a hotel clerk at the front desk. He had a few words to say and that was it. Point is, the Ford Mustang seeded itself as the true American classic muscle car and today this image remains the same!
So, with a new month upon us it was time to announce our September Car of the Month at NADAguides and we looked no further than an American classic circa 2010.
The fading summer heat means the time is right for cruising with the top down, and there is no better way to do it than behind the wheel of the new
Ford Mustang GT. The latest iteration of America’s favorite pony car takes performance and refinement to a new level with an aggressive new exterior, stylishly designed cabin and even more power from the V8 engine. But again, let’s face it, it’s the pure adrenaline and freedom the car gives you as you cruise with the top down.
You can just about spot a Mustang at any time of the day on our local highways, both new and old and that’s because the Ford Mustang, since its debut in 1964, has become, perhaps, the biggest automotive icon in the United States. Other iconic brands like Coca Cola, McDonalds and Levi Strauss symbolize the American spirit and Ford deserves a lot of credit for being able to continually improve the driving experience of the Ford Mustang without losing any of the classic feel or iconic heritage. The 2010 model is a perfect example, combining just the right look, sound and performance. Pound for pound, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT is the best modern muscle car that money can buy.
The star of the GT Mustang is the magnificent drivetrain. GT models are equipped with the 315 hp 4.6L V8 from last year’s Bullitt Mustang which is mated to a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission. Although with muscle cars we always talk horsepower numbers and performance, the Mustangs transmission is as smooth as silk shifting the gears seamlessly.
Respectable fuel economy figures for a muscle car of 16 city/24 hwy mpg hint at the Mustang’s relatively small displacement V8, but the sound coming from the stainless steel dual exhaust is pure ‘60s big block. We can’t tell you how awesome this sound resonates without you physically getting behind the wheel, but watch out Camaro and Challenger as this Mustang roars more like a lion than it whinnies like a horse.
The 2010 Ford Mustang impresses on the inside as well. In premium trim, the Mustang GT comes equipped with leather seats, Ford’s SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, a Shaker 500-watt audio system with SIRIUS satellite radio and a leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls. To offer even more refinement, available options include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a voice-activated navigation system. With the Mustang you are literally inventing the “new-old” with the design. Meaning, this retro hot rod has the feeling of “old school” but packed with the latest in automotive innovation and technology.
With a choice of body styles and powertrains, there is a Mustang to fit nearly anyone’s budget and lifestyle. The base V6 Coupe has an MSRP of $20,995 while the GT Premium Convertible we tested starts at $35,995. All models are backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
As we noted at the beginning, we believe this could very well be the best Mustang Ford has ever built. It gives the pilot the same excitable horsepower and performance of the old Mustang muscle cars of the 60’s, but with a refinement that makes it a 2010 modern vehicle. Lt. Frank Bullitt, AKA, Steve McQueen would be proud.
To learn more about the 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible, visit
NADAguides.com.
Frank Bullitt – Eat Your Heart Out!
