As you all know my name is Ernie and I own my own shop in San Diego called Hardcore Mustangs. I mainly work on the S197 bodystyle since it's 80-90% of our business. I enjoy helping customers create their dream stang and seeing them smile when they see their own creation. I have worked on hundreds of stangs in the past 11 years and have given the task of creating the ultimate stang. Here is the story of the car you are about to see....

A little over a year ago I was approached by several sponsors to create a mustang that most people would love. At the same time I was given the ultimate task to create this masterpiece in a time limit. It was brought up to me that there was a certain mustang that was created from stock to a show car in a few days. I made a comment that me and my team can create a better mustang in less time. I reserched and spoke to my team and came up with a dream build in 6 hours or less. Everyone tought we were crazy to think we can create such a feat. For those who know me I challenged myself and agreed to the project. We only had less than 2 months to prepare for the show. I created a dream list of parts for this car in which I contacted the sponsors. Most sponsors agreed to help out with our project. I had to buy a stock 07 GT Coupe from a nearby dealer. Before I bought the car we had to decide on a color that will stand out from all others. We decided on Nittro Blue from Kustom Shop. The car had to have a black base coat so we picked up a 2007 GT Coupe in black. We started tearing up the car the same night and learned short cuts that will help us cut the time during our install. We practiced for a few weeks with suspension, brakes, motor, exhaust, and body parts. We took the car to the 2006 International Auto Show in Anaheim CA. On October 7, 2006 from Noon-4:45pm we achieved a dream like no other, a full show car in less than 6 hours. Here are the specs when we were done.

Sponsors

Saleen --HID Lights, Suspension package, control arms, panhard bar, Extreme 5-spoke wheels, 14' Brake kit
Mac Performance --- Custom side exhaust
Mechanix Wear --- Protection Gear for the crew
Nitrous Express --- Nitrous kit w/10lb bottle
Classic Design Concepts --- Directional Mirrors, Sequential tailights, strut shock kit, Detail corral, floor mats, GT 500 pedals
Blow By Racing --- Full BBR kit, Eleanor hood
Whipple Supercharger -- Full Polished 10lb kit with intercooler
Corbeau --- CR-1 Micro-suade seats
Nos Energy Drinks --- provided drinks to keep the crew up and awake
Kustom Shop --- Nittro Blue custom Paint
HCM --- Labor of course
SS Inserts --- All chrome accents in motor
Lucas Oil --- Support and tons of oil for the car
Diablo Sport --- Hand held tuner
Vertical Doors --- Vertical Door kit
Dunlop Tires --- 275/35/20


Since then we have added these mods

Glass Top from CDC
Fully built engine by ST Motorsports
Fully polished motor by HCM
Full suade door panels by HCM
A-pillar 3-gauge pod with Autometer gauges
CDC center gauge pod with Autometer gauges
Interior accents to match exterior paint

We are still working on making this car better so stay tuned for updates.


This car has helped us launch our business from the ground up. And so we would like to thank everyone that helped us and supported us. Even now a lot of people even on here have been helpful with our business. Thank You.

I hope you guys enjoy the pics and I am opened to any comments, but don't scorch me to death. LOL

Keep in mind this car has won several Best in Shows including (Fun Ford Weekend, Mustangs in the park show) It has also received over 30 awards mostly being 1st place at many different shows.


Here it is completely stock


And now the transformation

 

Hey,
y not post the show and cruise here also. I started a thread about your show and cruise

 

That's a Mustang?

 

I applaud your efforts and am glad to see another Mustang business out there, but I guess I am just too old (44) to appreciate the overall package. I would have preferred something with more retro styling, enhanced by modern performance technology. (More muscle car, less tuner) Maybe a little subtler as well. I am sure the younger crowd will drool all over your car, however, and you will probably have them lining up for your services. Despite the differences in our tastes, the work was well done.

 

I'm 18 and no drool..


Btw, why were the unused parts painted?

 

I like the car alot. Its not exactly what you would think of when using a retro car like the S197, but it is a nice car nonetheless. I can see how alot of hardcore mustang fans, expecially those who grew up with the 60s era ones would not like it though. I love the paint job! Reminds me of the mystic chrome paint on the 03ish cobras. The vertical doors may be a bit over the top, but hey its a show car made to win awards, and nothing helps win awards better than vertical doors. Overall very nice car! And by the way Im 18, if it matters.

 

Minus the paint and doors I like what was done. Paint is way over the top for me and the doors never did it for me on any car. But I like how the rest of the car was put together. Looks like great work.

I'm 19. Just since we're keeping tabs. No drool =)

 

I gotta agree here. I do think the paint is way cool, but not on MY car.

At the same time, for a show car, you expect ppl to do them over the top. That is why I never get first place in shows!

Seems like a waste of a perfectly good Kenne Bell SC though...

 

Overkill

 

Also posted here: http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=68378

And here: http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=69689

I'm just gonna say it. That kills all that is a Mustang.

 

Yeah, I saw a few of these Stangpede cars at a local carshow a couple weeks back.

In fact, my Mustang went up against the posted car's little brother...




It placed 2nd, but the Taco prevailed!






j/k around Ernie.
You guys do have some very unique cars in your club.

 

Congratulations on your win. You are lucky I wasn't there J/K

 

Ummmm it's a Whipple

 

I appreciate everyone's comments on the car. Keep in mind that one of the hardest awards to win with your Mustang is a Best of Show at a Fun Ford Weekend. This car has accomplished that feat!!!! I understand that people will make an opinion without really looking at the overall car. The very best products from the same companies we all know were picked to create this car. We have estimated this car over $100K which includes parts,car, paint, and labor). Thannk you again for all of your comments!
If anyone needs to ask any questions feel free to send me a PM.

 

I like the color shifting paint but I am not much on the doors, but I like the rest of it.

 

I like it, and wish I could afford some of the mods you've got on here. Suspension, engine, brakes, wheels. Maybe even a new paint job and some interior upgrades. If I ever win the lottery I might have to come talk to you about some upgrades.

 

Poor Mustang

 

wow, can u say uuugly...well nice performance at least.

 

you seem like a nice guy so i hate to do this to you but unfortunately i have no alternative -

 

The BBR kit?

Well I guess they had to get SOME kind of new press for their Eleanor kit.....

Way to transform the car is such a short time though