Founded in 1985, CJ Pony Parts is one of the largest and oldest Ford Mustang parts retailers in the world with more than 50,000 Mustang parts currently in stock. They operate a 36,000 square foot warehouse located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and offer parts for practically every Mustang ever made, from the first 1964 Mustang to the newest 2014 Mustangs currently on the showroom floor. They also have a huge service shop where they do just about any install imaginable. CJPP specializes in restoration projects and customizing as well as aftermarket upgrades.

Last weekend, what started out as an overcast and cooler morning with a slight drizzle gave way to a bright and sunny day for the 13^th annual CJ Pony Parts Customer Appreciation Day held on the company’s extensive grounds in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  The early morning weather certainly did not discourage anyone from bringing out their fabulous Fords for one of the biggest all Ford Mustang shows of the season!

Sinister Stang

Kyle Haut’s GT

We found this sinister looking blacked out GT owned by Kyle Haut slammed to the ground and nestled in the premium parking area. Aside from an air-ride suspension and other modifications which shall remain untold for now, Haut makes a statement rear view mirror style to the slower left lane huggers with his windshield decal, MOVE EH! Where can we get one of those?

Rally Bill

CJ’s Bill Tumas drives this Grabber Blue GT

CJPP employee Bill Tumas pilots this gorgeous Grabber Blue 2011 Mustang GT for CJ Pony Parts in the Rally North America rally racing series. Tumas and co-driver Gordon Wagner have been rallying with RNA since 2010, a very notable organization in which their primary goal is to raise money for a handpicked charity each season.  Since its inception in 2009, Rally North America has raise over $250,000 for its various charities. Tumas and Wagner had just completely the Rally New England race benefitting Camp Sunshine which started in Ithaca, New York and ended in Saint John New Brunswick Canada a couple of weeks prior.

Old School with a Twist

If Mr. Foose can give this hotrod his stamp of approval, so can we.

This immaculate 1968 Pony was an attention getter for sure. Complete with a custom rear seat delete and thumping stereo, this showboat of a Mustang boasted a mixture of old and new including the addition of halo headlights which gave this classic an updated appeal. The pristine paint job glistened even in the cloudy haze of the morning hours. This car is no slouch on the road either judging by the Ford 383 stroker motor tucked into the engine bay. When we say this thing was gorgeous we mean it, and to top it all off, a signed dash by none other than Chip Foose.

Best of Show

David Kesling’s ’69 Coupe took home Best of Show

The Best of Show award went to David Kesling and his black 1969 Mustang Coupe. Kesling, an avid car show enthusiast, spent over a year doing a ground up restoration of his classic pony with the help of his brother Robert. Before making the CJPP event, Kesling attended Mustang Week and several other car shows in between including one held at the Mason West Virginia Wal-Mart where Kesling is the Market Manager. The Coupe also netted Kesling Best of Show and Best Ford at the Blue and Gray Car Show in June.

What is Customer Appreciating Day

The CJ Pony Parts customer appreciation day has grown from a few cars gathering in their parking lot 13 years ago, to a nearly 500 Mustang only car show that attracts over 1,500 attendees as well as some of CJPP’s biggest Mustang parts vendors. CAD is a free event for everyone. CJPP provides food and fun activities including a children’s zone where kids can play games, have face painting done, and even ride a live pony! They also give away free prizes and host a judged car show, providing an entire day of fun for you and your whole family!

All For Charity

While Mustangs are the main attraction, raising money for charity is a big part of the day as well. This year, CJPP decided to choose The Four Diamonds Fund charity again. The mission of The Four Diamonds Fund is to conquer childhood cancer. Any family with a child being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital is automatically eligible for support. The fund has helped more than 2,000 families since 1972.  At last year’s event, CJPP was able to donate $30,000. For 2013 they matched their 2012 donation by raising yet another $30,000 in just one day!

Overall, the CJ Pony Parts Customer Appreciation Day was a great event! We got to see some beautiful Fords and get a chance to spend the day with family and friends. We enjoyed walking around and seeing such a wonderful variety of Mustangs. Check out our gallery of photos below to view the event coverage.