A Dream Comes True - May’s ‘Stang of the Month

Jeff & Beth Gibson’s Candy apple Red 69 Mach 1

For about as long as Jeff can remember, he’s wanted to own a vintage Mach 1. It all began when his dad owned one when Jeff was a youngster. That desire grew over the years but an opportunity just never materialized until the spring of 2001. It turns out an IEMC member had a “hulk” of a Mach 1 for sale. At some point a big “street racer” engine had been stuffed in and then removed. A large hole was cut thru the hood and although the car was primed, it was a real mess. The primer did not hide the rust holes and pounds of bondo. Can you imagine a transmission with the mount completely missing that was held to the chassis with a piece of chain? Even worse was that virtually all of the body panels were way out of alignment. It had no motor and was missing pretty nearly all the original Mach 1 parts. Jeff’s wife saw the car and together with other family members hatched a plan to help make a dream come true. It seemed the purchase price was doable and after all, since it had been a Mach 1, with enough effort and patience it could strut its stuff again some day. The funny thing is that Jeff was literally the last family member to know the car was to be his.

After bringing his motor less Mach home, the search began for an engine and enough hardware to make the car move under its own power safely. The nice stuff could come latter. Since the family was getting ready for the Bellevue Roundup, it was mutually decided to try and get the Mach 1 there and into the “Fixer-Upper” class. Unfortunately since so much was missing or non-functional, it was no simple task. After many, many all-nighters, the car was at least running by 5 AM on the morning of the trek across the state. It only had about 25 miles on the engine and a host of electrical problems and other gremlins still existed. Several times on the interstate it would simply turnoff and then just as quickly starts running again. At one point we stopped for gas and when Jeff was reminded to turn off the engine so we could put gas in it, he smiled and with some amusement pulled the keys out and said with a smile, ”If you can find a way to turn it off, that would be fine with me!!” Well, after all that Jeff & Beth won first place at the show and the rest is history.

After several years of effort and working with a tight budget, The Gibson’s Mach 1 has become a truly fine example of a pristine vintage car that is still driven as it was born to be. The 351 Windsor engine sports a high output cam, increased compression, Petronix ignition, a Demon 4-barrel carb and a custom exhaust. It has 3.50 limited slip rear-end and 4-wheel disc brakes. To say the least it goes like it looks.

The exterior was completely redone with extensive sheet metal and chrome replacement and then topped off with a correct hood and scoop assembly. Steve Block did a fantastic job on the bodywork and applying the Candy apple paint. Finally the entire interior was gutted and then restored piece by piece to factory new condition.

Jeff and Beth’s awesome Mach 1 has done as well in shows as it looks. To name a few, two trips to Bellevue, (Fixer upper class and 2 years later, Restored Stock Mach 1 only class) and two 2 First places, 3 First places at Silverwood (including a 1st at the 2003 Fab Fords), Best of Show Mustang at Millwood Twice, 1st place at the Mustang International, 1st Place at the Tri-Cities Winery Show and an Outstanding at the 2004 Auto Boat & Speed Show, Best of show at the 2004 Spokane Cops and Kids downtown show, Best 1960’s Muscle car in Nelson, B.C. with over 50 cars in the class, 1st Place on the 3rd trip to Bellevue Mustang Round Up 2006 for stock Mach 1's 69 to 73 and many more. Did I mention that along the way, Jeff Ford personally did a photo shoot of this fine Mach for Mustang & Ford’s magazine?

Jeff loves to drive the Mach 1 and share it with others. To see the smile on his face and the sense the pride he takes in their Mach is what it’s all about. This car was not done the easy way by just paying money out and having someone else do the work. It was about setting your sights on a goal and never giving up. Each time an obstacle got in the way it was faced head on and eventually overcome. Truly, it’s a tribute to Jeff’s hard work and a very patient, loving spouse.

...Actually, come to think of it, hard work and a great spouse is why several of us are lucky enough to be driving Mustangs!

After all, dreams really can come true!

(Barry Barton)

P.S.    I want to give everyone who took part in making my dream come true, for all the support and the great comments, a special THANK YOU!!!

I Love You Beth - Thank you.

It means everything to me!!!

Jeff