Some cars are head turners, and others require you reorient your entire body to achieve the optimum viewing angle. For the past few years, Dan Philips has been going in the latter direction, and he did it with the help of one of the premier automobile customizers in the region. Fast is synonymous with the name Mustang. This legend of the Ford stable is one of the most modified vehicles around. This has its upside, including incredible support from aftermarket companies willing to bring a large volume of parts to market quickly. But it also means that to have a really radical Mustang, one most be willing to go beyond the aftermarket crowd to do something truly unique.
Dan Philips has been in the Ford camp for some time. He fondly recalls the days when he owned a 1986 Ford Mustang LX, referring to it as “his baby.” But during those days, having done all he could to modify the LX, he decided to wean himself from the hobby. He sold the LX and figured he was done.
But Ford introduced a centennial special-edition convertible in 2003, and Philips, who had a soft spot for convertibles, thought the matchup too good to pass up. Traveling through White Plains, Md., in December 2009, he stopped at a dealership that was featuring a special-edition Mustang for sale on its lot. A week later this rare bird was his, and it provided just the motivation he needed to reignite his passion.
| Stats box |
| » Engine: 4.6-liter V-8 |
| » Performance: Cold air intake, Ford Racing 3:73 gears, Air Ride suspension system, upgraded calipers and performance rotors |
| » Exterior: Scissor doors, custom paint |
| » Interior: Touch-screen stereo, four 250-watt amplifiers, two 10-inch subwoofers, six component speakers, chrome engine interior, custom headrests to match paint scheme |
Philips took the car to Gary Best in Waldorf and the two of them discussed an appropriate design for the vehicle. They decided on a dazzling display of fire in blue and white paint. Best began by painting the hood. When it came back to Philips he liked it so much that he had Best systematically repeat the paint scheme across the body of the vehicle. When the paint was done, Philips installed new wheels complete with new rotors and brake calipers.
Philips, who had owned fast cars before, decided to keep the Mustang’s engine virtually untouched with the exception of some bolt-on parts that could be removed if the time came for resale. He started with an intake manifold and radiator cover. A lot of chrome was used on various engine pieces such as the valve cover, cold air intake, throttle body and strut brace. The gear ratio was changed to accommodate a peppier 3:73 setup.
Next to the paint, the wildest upgrade was the addition of an Air Ride system, allowing Philips to adjust the height of the Mustang’s body through electronic manipulation of air bags linked to the suspension.
What do you drive? I drive a 2003 Ford Mustang GT convertible Centennial Edition.
Why do you drive it? Driving this car is a lot of fun. I used to have a 1986 Ford Mustang LX that was my baby.
What makes this car so special? It’s a special-edition Mustang.
What is your most memorable driving experience? I was coming back home when a cop went by me. He turned to follow me and I went down a side road. When I came back through, he was waiting for me. He stopped me and told me he wanted to take a look at my car, but [since] I thought it was funny, he also gave me a speeding ticket. I won’t be doing that again.
What was the first automobile you owned? A 1981 Honda Accord.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? It depends on the mood what I’m listening to.
And your first ticket? What was it for? Speeding.
Got a custom car you want to show off? Email [email protected].
