Knowing the Limit

Knowing the speed limit and where the next gas station hides, you also know the loud pedal has already been depressed as far as all the laws that pertain to you will allow. That doesn't mean all the fun has been taken out of this evening's drive.

This is the T5, it has the export suspension package and the rubber has been replaced with polyurethane, so it doesn't shy away from turning. Without power steering, she requires muscle and confidence but is surprisingly competent at the task.

1967 was the first year that the GT package made the two barrel "C" code 289 available. And the cost made it the most popular level on GTs. This candy apple red, GT Coupe has been, thankfully, massaged but not beyond recognition. The pig iron intake manifold was replaced and where that motor craft two barrel used to sit and backfire, a new Holley 500 allows for the right amount of air to mix with the fuel and fire to make the gallop brisk when you require. Sometimes a bit too brisk for the Polyglass wide-oval tires.

When pondering the order sheet for this T5, (a correction in nomenclature for all laymen who ask), it seems very oddly optioned. It's a true GT, but T5s didn't get the wood steering wheel, it has front disc brakes, tilt steering, and tilt-away steering. The last feature had to be defeated before its delivery to Germany because of the laws at the time. Although it started life as a three speed, someone has installed the C4, which although tragic, this day and age is easily understood.

This thing should be called THE SIEGE because you cannot simply arrive at a gas station, fuel up, and leave like you do in your burb-box Camry. This thing requires time, not necessarily to fill, but to explain to seemingly every local that come out of the woodwork to ask about it.

Gone are the dulcet days of anonymity and now you get a glimmer into why Sean Penn punches the paparazzi. They stop their new F-150s and Altimas as they were heading to the exit on their way to wherever, blocking your way forward so they can stop you from leaving and ask about the car.

You used to like people, just kidding, you still do, but is this one really the first they've ever seen? But as the story leaves your lips again about how it's not a Mustang and it is a one of one in this color and trim. You are reminded why you chose it in the first place.

When the crowd is satisfied and you scare the preoccupied teenybopper behind you with the roar that follows the action of turning the key. Oops, did I forget to mention the three-inch stainless dual exhaust with glass packs? The eagerness it seems to show to get going echoes your own feelings. It's knows you promised to be home at six, and delivers you unapologetically at whatever pace you choose.

You're late for dinner again and the apology in your eyes makes her smile and nod. She also knows all about the attention that other lady draws when exposed to the public.