Driving a Porsche Carrera 4 is an opportunity not many of us will enjoy in this lifetime. Getting behind the wheel of the TVR Sagaris, even less. So when Elliot McEwen says that he’s done just that and still swears by the excitement of his own Mustang GT over these high-end European sports cars, it causes one to perk up and take notice.
McEwen grew up in Britain where TVR and Porsche are much more common vehicles. When Americans import vehicles into the United States, the result is a lot of positive attention. But McEwen says the reverse is also true. In 2007, before he moved to the United States, McEwen had a 2007 Ford Mustang GT imported from Florida to London.
“Needless to say, it drew attention as there are very few modern American muscle cars on British roads,” said McEwen.
When McEwen took receipt of the Mustang, he had it sent to Roush UK where the engine was overhauled and a Roush M90 supercharger installed. The engine took on an impressive 400 foot-pounds of torque and was making close to 435 horsepower. The intake manifold and air-to-water intercooler system were replaced, and a 73mm supercharger pulley was installed.
Roush continued by stripping the standard GT suspension package and replaced it with a full suspension kit to increase handling performance and create a lower profile on the vehicle. This wasn’t simply an extravagance but a practical option, McEwen said, since the roads in Britain create formidable driving conditions.
McEwen had Cervini ship over the C500 body kit, which imitates the “Eleanor” body with a more modern and aggressive look. The kit was color-matched to the original tungsten gray. Next he had 20-inch Raceline wheels shipped over and installed wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Rosso rubber.
Magnaflow dual side-exit exhaust pipes were installed to give a more robust bass tone to the vehicle. To complete the look, McEwen had a local company create a vinyl package to finish the exterior look built around a “Dominator” theme.
When McEwen made up his mind to move to the United States, he faced a dilemma. Sell the car that took him several years of hard work and lots of money to create, or have it shipped with him? He chose the second option.
Once in the United States, Mc-Ewen didn’t stop plans on the Mustang. The modifications have turned inward as he takes on the stylish interior with subtle changes, including a blue neon trunk illumination, changing the switch lights from green to blue, and even adding a blue dome light.
While McEwen enjoyed his time in Britain, if he had to do it over again, he said he would have all the work done in the United States since importing parts to the United Kingdom was enormously expensive.
What do you drive? A 2007 Ford Mustang GT.
Why do you drive it? I get the most excitement and enjoyment from my Ford Mustang. Having said that, this is not just a normal Ford GT.
What makes this vehicle so special? Probably the time dedicated to its development, the places I have driven it, and the amount of money sunk into it. All this has rewarded me with a car that responds well, corners well, and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Plus, we have a history together. It is not just a car that I ordered from a manufacturer to look good, but one that I have researched and made my own.
What is your most memorable driving experience with this car? Every day I drive it is memorable. However, the first time I put a baby seat in the rear and took my youngest, Abigail, for a drive was so rewarding. To glance over my shoulder and see the biggest smile on her face when the noise of the engine picks up and the acceleration kicks in gives me the safe knowledge that cars and gas run through her veins like they do me!
What was the first vehicle you owned? A 1973 VW Beetle in fire engine red. Loved that car!
What music are you currently listening to in your car? Anything from the Gorillaz, the Streets, to the Beastie Boys. Normally it depends on my mood or how I want to drive. My iTouch MP3 player generally gets set to random and I’ll listen to what is thrown at me from my collection of 7,000 songs.
And your first ticket? What was it for? Not sure I should be telling, certainly not my proudest moment, but I did get clocked on a British road at 147 mph. It was tough explaining that one to the “Old Bill.”
