November 3, 1999
Las Vegas, NV
 Let's
face it, there is an over abundance of '87-'93 Mustang 5.0's on
the roads today. While there are many that stand out in the looks
department, the majority of LX's and GT's are just a face in the
crowd.
At
this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, we came across a Mustang that
is not likely to get confused with any other. Gladney Brothers
Motorsports had on display one of their turnkey roadster conversions.
The beauty of this car is that it grabs your attention from all
angles. The retro styling cues of the '60's era Mustangs are mesmerizing,
yet the car never relinquishes the modern roadster stance and
image. The combination of early and late Mustang features is very
appealing, and is a perfect compromise for the early and late
model diehards.
Based
out of Chino, California, GB Motorsports is a family run business
that builds this unique Mustang based on an '87-'93 donor
car. But don't think for an instant that what you are getting
is simply a FOX body mustang with new body panels. When GB
is done they will have replaced nearly 98% of the original
car!
Unlike production Mustang "tuners", such as Saleen,
each GB Mustang is made to order. For less than $35,000 the
company will obtain a suitable donor car, strip it down to
the unibody, and reinforce the chassis with prefabbed steel
frames. The wheel track is widened front and rear, and the
entire suspension is upgraded to road racing specs; high performance
control arms, 13" front and 11.65" rear SVO disc
brakes, adjustable struts and shocks, are just some of the
enhancements.
All of the body panels are replaced with custom fiberglass,
which is designed and layed in-house. The original back seat
area is eliminated (resulting in more trunk space) and covered
with the double-hump panel seen in the photos. In the event
of inclement weather, the rear "fastback" style
hardtop can be attached, with a removable targa top. The interior
refinements include custom Connolly leather dash and seats,
with custom instrumentation. A couple weeks before delivery
the owner is contacted to discuss paint schemes.
Of course the real fun when driving this lightweight (3000
pounds) roadster comes when you mash the pedal. Providing
the power to the wheels is a custom built GB 5.0 engine. The
balanced and blueprinted shortblock is fitted with aluminum
351 Windsor heads, Edelbrock Performer intake, 70mm mass air
meter and throttle body, underdrive pulleys, cold-air induction
and an electric fan. Many of the engine components are polished
for a distinct show look. Exhaust is eliminated via stainless
steel Bassani headers, high-flow cats, and the "Quiet
Thunder" cat-back system. The gear selection is through
a Borg Warner World Class T5 (AOD also available) and a 3.55
posi rear-end.
What makes the GB Mustang as stunning as it looks is that
it comes with a 3 year or 36,000 mile warranty. F/M
|
For
more information on the
GB Mustang:
www.gbmustang.com
Gladney
Brothers Motorsports, Inc.
13327 Elliot Drive
Chino, CA 91710
(909)613-5800 phone
(909)613-1550 fax
|
|
