Dan Gurney and Mustang Madam at Galpin Ford
Friday June 13th I was invited to Galpin Ford (WE LOVE GALPIN!) to meet Racing LEGEND Dan Gurney. He signed a poster for me, AND he signed my glove compartment box in my 1965 Mustang.
Dan Gurney ( born April 13th, 1931) has been a driver, a car manufacturer, and a team owner at racing’s highest levels since 1958. He is one of only four US-born to win a Formula One Grand Prix, and the only one to win in a car of his own manufacture.
Gurney also won races in the Indy Car, NASCAR, CAN AM and Trans Am Series. Gurney is the first driver to win races in Formula One (1962), NASCAR (1963), and Indy Car (1967). The other two are Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya. He also won the 24 hour Lemans. He is a living legend.
I have to say – Galpin Ford has the best looking, most charming and accomodating staff of any car dealership I have been to. They made me feel welcome and comfortable.
Here is Dan Gurney signing a poster for me… we were chatting a little as I was telling him about my classic mustang and our website and he was telling me how he used to own one and what a great car they are.
He was such a gentleman!
Here are some photos of the new 2009 Saleen Gurney Mustang. All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle.
Here Dan Gurney is talking to Mustang historian “Bob Fria”. Bob has written the most complete book on Mustang History to date. His masterpiece will be published hopefully within the year. He ALSO happens to own the FIRST PRODUCTION HARDTOP MUSTANG.
Here Dan Gurney is signing my glove compartment box. He is TALL – I think about 6’ 3.
Here is Dan Gurney and Mustang Monthly editor - Miles Cook.
After all our photos and signing he spent a lot of time just chatting with people at Galpin Ford.
On MARCH 21st, 2008 I had written the following blog about the 2009 Gurney – Saleen Mustang that was about to be released:
This week at the New York Auto Show today, Saleen Automotive announced its new partnership with racing legend, STUD, Dan Gurney. I say stud because he has amazing credentials that “legend” doesn’t cover. Dan Gurney ( born April 13th, 1931) has been a driver, a car manufacturer, and a team owner at racing’s highest levels since 1958. He is one of only four US-born to win a Formula One Grand Prix, and the only one to win in a car of his own manufacture.
Gurney also won races in the Indy Car, NASCAR, CAN AM and Trans Am Series. Gurney is the first driver to win races in Formula One (1962), NASCAR (1963), and Indy Car (1967). The other two are Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya. He also won the 24 hour Lemans – which impresses me even more.
Saleen and Dan Gurney are partnering to for the creation of a special Gurney Signature Edition Mustang.
”It is amazing that just two years ago Saleen was standing on stage here at the Javitz Center with Parnelli Jones and today we are with his long time rival and friend, and truthfully one of America’s racing heroes, Mr. Dan Gurney,” said Saleen President and CEO Paul Wilbur.
All 300 of the Gurney Signature Edition vehicles will feature Saleen’s 465 Hp supercharged 281 cubic inch engine, short throw shifter, and 3.73 Max Grip rear axle. In addition, the vehicles will have bitchin’ custom two-tone seats – the kind that hug your thighs and keep you in place behind the wheel. I like.
The late model Mustangs are looking better and better – as they PULL IN MORE ELEMENTS FROM THE PAST. One day very soon I feel FORD is about to admit that they never should have never left the body styles from the first 15 years. The body of this new car looks like Dan’s 1969 Trans Am series Mustang. “I am pleased that they could make a car that is so beautiful but still so true to my old race car.
At the end of the day, all I really want is a car that is faster than Parnelli’s” said racing great, Dan Gurney.”
