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Peak Performance: Joe Huetzelmann’s 1968 Mustang

Iconic Mustang a dream come true
Joe Huetzelmann’s 1968 Mustang

One of the greatest car chases in cinematic history took place in the movie Bullitt, when star Steve McQueen, driving a 1968 Mustang, sped after a 1968 Dodge Charger through San Francisco. The scene ends with the Dodge crashing into a gas station and blowing up. Joe Huetzelmann’s 1968 GT Fastback is modified with a Cobra Jet engine that pushes 550 horsepower.

Why the 1968 Mustang?
I had a car just like it when I was 17, but I wasn’t a mechanic or a body man, so to restore it would have cost over $100,000, including four different sets of tires, a different engine, different upholstery and everything else, so I ended up selling my old car.

How did you get this car?
I put some effort into getting it. I was just dreaming and on the internet looking. I entered in “1968 Fastback Mustang” and this car came up in Buffalo, New York. It was 2008 and the United States economy was hurting, so the owner had to sell all of his toys. He had a Barracuda, a Challenger and this car, but he didn't really want to sell it. I took a risk and sent him $1,000 to hold the car. It had everything I wanted to do to my first Mustang: black interior, black exterior, the bigger motor, the four-speed. I drove three and a half days from Powell River to Buffalo and brought it back.

What does the Cobra Jet engine add?
I like to accelerate from time to time.

What is it worth?
I've had the car for six years now. Back then, I purchased it for $45,000. It has been appraised at $75,000. The way I look at life is you have to work hard and put your money away, or buy stuff that's worth money so when we get older, you can sell it all and buy medicine. I call this car my medicine and every time I drive it, I feel way better.

How much did you pay for your first Mustang?
$1,150.