Through the Looking Glass (Page 3)
Sure enough, some folks started harping about this detail or that option even though they had been warned that the picture were of preproduction samples. Also, rather than maintaining the buzz, collectors’ excitement could only be sustained for just so long. That was not true in my case; my interest was sincere and my enthusiasm unbounded. George encouraged my involvement and, I think, fed off it.
I was sent a remarkable document entitled ‘Mustang Prototype Review-Modification.’ This doc is a major part of the back-and-forth between George and the factory engineer. Be assured, this one document is more interesting than anything I can write about my participation. It listed 117 items of concern, many of them signed-off, others indicating more work needed. They cover such details as panel shape and character line placement, screw detail on the parking lights, antenna placement, details of the CJ air cleaner, convertible top seam detail and boot thickness, ability to incorporate staggered rear shocks, angle of the inside rear view mirror, spacing between pedals. The list goes on and on, addressing the most arcane aspects of the cars.
By the time I joined the process, development was well underway. Among my first tasks was to hunt for evidence and proof of certain details. The research effort can rival that of a full 1:1 restoration. These were not to be some cheap, half-hearted attempt to fool in the ads, but disappoint in the hand. Great pains were taken to not just portray, but to mimic the actual car. Fuel, vacuum and brake lines, ignition cable routing and firing order, heater hose placement with authentic-looking clamps must replicate the 1:1.