2008 SHELBY MUSTANG GT-C

The main reasons you bought this car?
I’ve been into cars all my life but could never afford American muscle cars and ended up with the staple British stuff that was always underpowered. But three years ago, while visiting my daughter in Whakatane, I spotted this car in the showroom at the local Ford dealer and realised this was my time. 

How do you rate the overall condition?
It might be 10 years old but it still has that new-car look and smell about it. 

The design feature you like most?
I like the Shelby association with Mustangs. This is one of 215 of this model made, and Grabber Orange is a Shelby colour. 

Anything unusual about your car’s history?
It was originally purchased by an American dentist for his daughter, who only covered about 3500 miles in the car. It’s now up to about 7000. 

How often do you use it?
Not often, and I don’t take it out in the rain. 

Your longest trip in this car to date?
My first drive – Whakatane to home, in Mosgiel. 

Have you made any improvements to it?
I’ve upgraded the rear mufflers. Now my wife doesn’t like it at all because it’s too noisy.  

Has the car exceeded your expectations in any ways?
I still love it. Absolutely no regrets. 

Do you have long-term intentions with your car?
Yes, partly due to budget constraints. My car is probably worth a fraction of others here (at the national convention) but for me, it still fits the bill. 

Have you driven other Mustang models?
No, but I’d love to try a modern supercharged car. 

Do you currently own any other special-interest vehicles?
An E3 HSV Maloo. And I’ve had other HSVs in the past. 

What was the first car you drove, and where did you drive it?
A horrible old 1948 Ford 10, in Lower Hutt. My parents had it as a second car. 

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