Take one look at this rig and it will become obvious owner Ed Schmidt doesn't run this car with the country club set. This '67 convertible is clearly decked out to rock and roll. And rock and roll Ed does, at open track events in his home state of California. Whether it's Sports Car Club of America racing in the GT 1 class or handling the curves at Shelby club events, there's no doubt that this one sticks like glue. We don't have the G-force figures on this car from skidpad testing, but we suspect they're close to the magic figure of one. And our suspicions aren't unfounded.
You're looking at a '67 Mustang convertible. Ford built the car, but to a great extent the stock aspect ends there. This car has been stripped down to fighting weight, and body mods include flared wheelwells and Shelby-style side scoops for rear brake cooling.
Up front, everything blends, giving the nose a seamless appearance. All headlight and grille components have been removed. Anything unrelated to the need for speed went out the window. Notice the shaved door handles and lack of interior and exterior trim pieces. Cougar taillights are what other cars on the track see.
Riders are kept safe with a fully enclosed rollcage and Baer Racing Bear Claw brakes featuring huge rotors that have been drilled for extra cooling. Keeping things on track are Yokohama A-008 R racing tires that have been shaved for that extra measure of adhesion. The Yokos roll on Weld wheels that enhance the already aggressive look of the '67 convertible.
The driveline starts with a 302ci small-block. Some of the mill's goodies include a 650cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor on an aluminum intake and MSD ignition. Ross pistons live inside the engine, which is backed up by the durable four-speed top-loader transmission. The 9-inch diff sports a relatively deep 3.80:1 ring and pinion.
Inside, it's strictly business. Passenger and driver seats are equipped with full safety harnesses, and Auto Meter gauges keep the driver up to speed on all vital engine information.
No doubt about it, this car is a complete road course package built for the heat of competition. And, according to Ed, it sees action on a regular basis. Ed and his wife, Lynette, enjoy campaigning the car at SCCA events and obviously pay considerable attention to the car's appearance. The paint and detailing belong on a show car.
Corvettes and Cobras had better beware when No. 141 hits the track. Those high-dollar race cars just might find themselves outgunned.