Power Profile: Lorne & Jill Willard Share A Love Of Mustangs

My dedication to the brand began when my brother bought a ’71 Mustang fastback in 1977. — Lorne Willard

Missourians Lorne and Jill Willard are practically staples of the Show Me state’s Mustang community. Following successful IT industry and CPA careers, the now retired duo dedicate themselves to members of the Mustang Club of Greater Kansas City where each has served multiple stints as club president over the past 20 years.

“We have been members of the Club since 1996 and both of us have served as different officers and capacities” Lorne, who is also the club’s newsletter editor and webmaster, said.

“My dedication to the brand began when my brother bought a ’71 Mustang fastback in 1977,” he explained.

Perhaps influenced by his sibling’s Blue Oval selection, Lorne would set his sights on a Mustang of his own one day.

“It was the summer of 1980 and I had about $1,200 that I’d saved up to buy my first car. After combing for sale ads and looking at  cars that weren’t worthy of purchase, my luck changed when my brother called one day and said he’d bought a ’69 Fastback with a big engine,” he said. “When he drove into our driveway, it turned out to be a 1970 Mach 1 R Code Super Cobra Jet Drag Pack car.”

Talk about beginners luck!

Expanding the Herd

Wife Jill, who married into the family obsession, claimed ownership of a ’68 coupe.

“My wife is obviously very supportive of my habit and she enjoys the hobby as much as I do.” Lorne said. Before long Jill would saddle an impressive list of daily drivers including an ’89 GT, a ’96 GT convertible, an ’03 Mach 1, and, currently, her ’13 Gotta Have It Green GT convertible.

Together Lorne, a certified MCA judge who will be receiving his Gold Card for 1965-1966 at this year’s Grand National Show in Kansas City, Missouri, and Jill Show their 1965 GT Coupe which they restored in their home shop, at Mustang Club of America National and Grand National shows in the Concours Driven class.

A testament to the Willard’s quality and attention to detail, The car earned its Blue Grille Medallion (#162) and is currently shown as a Conservator (#47) and will earn its Concours de Elegance (20 points or 10 shows as a Conservator) in August.

Since Lorne cut his teeth on his first restoration, the couple’s 428 SCJ Mach 1 has been front and center leading up to its debut later this year.

“It’s important to learn how to work on them yourself,” he explained. “DIY is more satisfying and finding places to work on cars for you is getting difficult.”

With no shortage of ponies it the family corral, the Willards say there’s nothing better than a road trip in a Mustang.

“We’ve met and made friends with our fellow club members on road trips all across the country. It’s the best way to bond with your fellow enthusiasts,” Lorne added.