by Leigh Wingfeld
Hello, my name is Leigh! You all are probably wondering: why isn’t Connor writing the car review? Connor is studying abroad, and he asked me to write the column in his absence. You may know me as the 1993 Volvo 240 driver, or the comic artist for the Cento. I hope to do as well as Connor in my car reviews; feel free to share critiques with the Cento.
Growing up, my dad always talked about wanting a Mustang. I never really understood until I got to drive this gorgeous 2004 Convertible Mustang 40th Edition Yellow V6
owned by Meryl Walford. Living in Kentucky, I know plenty of people who love Mustangs and the Ford brand as a whole. My peepaw worked at the Ford plant for 20+ years, earning a pension and retiring happily to his home in Shepardsville. Over a decade into his retirement, I remember him working on his Ford in the garage he built. My peepaw took such pride in his car, to him it was a reminder and representation of his hard work as a father, husband and pastor.
The Ford Mustang has always sat in my mind as the car of the American dream. I never got the hype, preferring my European cars, but I heard the warm and nostalgic descriptions from my uncles of their love for Mustangs as a whole. This screaming yellow car, nicknamed Delilah, has a story that reflects these ideas attached to it. Meryl shared with me that she bought the car off of Facebook marketplace for fairly cheap after someone was looking for a good home for their late son’s car. Meryl and her dad then worked together to fix the car up and get it back on the road. While the first half of this car’s story is melancholic, I think the love this car has seen speaks to the role of cars, specifically car culture, plays a role in many Americans’ nostalgia.
The exterior of the car has the early 2000’s sport look, with a striking yellow cover and a soft top convertible. With a smooth leather interior the seats are very comfortable, despite the small back seat. Being a two door, there is very limited space inside the cabin, but that is to be expected. Even though the car contains a V6 engine, the driving experience is very enjoyable and calm. Meryl and I went out on one of the warmer days in February, feeling the first warmth of spring on its way. The windshield does a great job of protecting your face from the wind while still enjoying the weather. The interior also provides a great stereo system, heating, cooling and seat warmers.
Meryl’s Mustang is not stock, potentially reaching 600hp with its modifications. This mustang has racing brakes, Pro-charger P1SC Supercharger, and an upgraded fuel tank. Most of these modifications came from the previous owner, but you couldn’t tell the car had these modifications driving at regular speeds. Meryl shared she paid less than $5,000 for it, but I think she is the exception. Most listings for the same model online are around the $15,000 area, which is a great price for a first daily driving project that might be a little more reliable than a cheaper car.
Meryl shared with me how proud she was of her car, because to her it represented how hard she worked to be here. The mustang represents to me the ability to take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. PeePaw worked hard to get his Ford, which he took care of and enjoyed. Meryl worked hard to get her Mustang on the road, and she enjoys driving with the top down. A car that encapsulates the American hard working dream, the Mustang can be exceedingly sentimental, especially to Kentuckians. With modifications that can easily be made at home, a powerful engine, and great steering the 2004 Mustang is a great first project or sports car.
Want to see your ride featured? Feel free to submit it by contacting our interim reviewer at leigh.wingfeld@centre.edu.