1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
Owner: Bob Bell; Scottsdale, AZ
Photographer: Allyson Bell/Sony A330
“Remote control cars, go-karts, die-cast cars, car posters, car magazines, car races, car shows, and car washes; we did not watch football or basketball at my house, but we played with and admired all things car related,” Allyson Bell says. We figure that’s why as soon as she and her brother were able to drive, they each had a Mustang. Allyson’s brother took a special interest in working on the cars and was constantly out in the garage with their dad learning and helping. Eventually that led to a full-scale project with this ’65 Mustang fastback. For two years they test-fit parts and picked out the components that would create their dream car: a 572hp Smeding 427, 14-inch Baer 6P brakes with Hydratech Hydroboost, RRS and Global West Suspension, Currie 9-inch, Boze wheels, and loads of custom body mods. We’d say the great-looking Mustang is a great reward, but we know better. It’s really that bonding time that brings families together that’s the prize—and a story we never get tired of hearing. Hey Allyson, tell your dad that it’s time to build a father-daughter Mustang project now!
Owner: Tony Arnold; Kenockee, MI
Photographer: owner/Kodak Easy Share
When the second-generation Chevelle came out in 1968, it was on a shorter 112-inch wheelbase with a 1-inch-wider track. Combined with a dramatically resculpted body with tapered fenders and a rounded body, the ’68 Chevelle had the equivalent of blonde bombshell looks. And to prove that the ’68 Chevelle SS was more than just another pretty face, Chevy endowed it with a brace of 396ci big-block powerplants in 325-, 350-, and 375hp equipment levels.
That might’ve been well enough back in 1968, but Tony Arnold has witnessed the march of performance over the decades, and he’s done a great job of keeping his Chevelle SS396 in step with the times. The 396 has given way to a fortified 454 with ported iron heads, a Crane bumpstick and roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer 2.0 intake, and an 800-cfm Edelbrock carb. That power gets funneled to an M22 Muncie four-speed and a 12-bolt with 3.73 Richmond gears. Stopping is improved with GM D52 disc brakes and ceramic pads, while cornering is hastened with Hotchkis control arms, KYB shocks, and Edelbrock sway bars. Tony’s daughter-in-law, Stephanie Arnold, gets credit for making it look even better!