Member Feature Car
Featured below is this month’s Feature Car. Our members take exceptional pride in their vehicles, and the story that follows reflects the time, care, and dedication they devote to preserving them. Don’t miss the pictures—they’re definitely worth a look!
My 1967 Mustang: A Lifelong Passion
Hello fellow Mustang enthusiasts! I'm Paul Lafferty, and I'm excited to share a bit about my pride and joy, my 1967 Mustang convertible.
My car is a beautiful red 1967 Mustang convertible with a Pony Package interior. It's largely original, featuring a 289 motor, stock transmission, and stock rear end. While it was originally white, it underwent an extensive frame-off restoration before I acquired it, ensuring everything was done with factory parts. One interesting fact about the 1967 model year is that it's the only one that's wider than all the other Mustangs from that era. Inside, you'll find a floor-mounted high-beam switch and, to the delight of many, an "OOGA" horn!
I've owned this Mustang for 15 years now. Its journey to me was quite a story. After my parents passed, I had inherited my dad's 1962 Comet convertible. Unfortunately, due to complex title issues from when he bought it used in New Jersey, I had to make the difficult decision to scrap it. Feeling a bit down, I started looking for another '62 Comet, but couldn't find one locally. That's when I visited Gateway Classic Cars and saw this red Mustang convertible with a white top. It felt like fate, as it shared the same frame, red color, and interior style as the Comet. It was practically begging me to buy it, so I did! I even looked up at the sky and told my dad, "Didn't get the Comet, but this'll do!"
My love for cars and mechanics started early. My uncle used to race at Atco drag strip, and I spent my youth helping rebuild his car in my parents' backyard. My dad, a mechanic and carpenter, taught me both trades. I'm a hands-on learner, and I quickly picked up everything mechanical and carpentry-related. I went to vocational school for small engine repair and service station management, and even learned masonry, plumbing, and electrical work from my neighbors. Later, I worked as a pit crew mechanic for an outlaw sprint race car at Bridgeport Fairgrounds, and then as a forklift mechanic, traveling all over New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. I even worked as the sole technician at Royal Sugar Company, maintaining their sugar manufacturing equipment, and performed overnight maintenance at Camden Paperboard.
I love taking my Mustang to shows, not necessarily for trophies (though I did win Best in Show once!), but for the joy of sharing it. My favorite part is opening the door and letting kids climb in. Some people might worry about it getting dirty, but I believe it's a historic car that should be enjoyed. Seeing their eyes light up when they hit the "OOGA" horn, or when I show them the floor-mounted high-beam switch, is a thrill. It's how we keep the history of car shows alive and inspire the next generation, just like my dad did for me. A few years ago, a local radio station even interviewed me about my car at my house, which was a lot of fun.
I'm looking forward to getting my Mustang out next month. My friend Steve will be helping me get it ready, and he'll even be driving it to some shows for me, as my right arm makes it difficult to handle the power assist steering right now. I hope to see many of you at upcoming club events!
