Sep 29 2009
Pregreg materials from Advanced Composites Group Ltd. (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, have been used in the manufacture of a new version of the Ford Mustang, an iconic American muscle car originally launched forty-five years ago at a dramatic press conference at the '1964½' New York World's Fair.
To mark its 45th anniversary, auto industry visionary Lee Iacocca recently announced a new version of the famous car - the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang - a breathtaking vehicle that utilises the latest in Ford performance technology with a style and panache that screams 'Mustang fastback'. Only forty-five of the painted '2009½' Iacocca Silver ("Iacocca" chosen silver hue), 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs will be built.
Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative venture between Iacocca designer Michael Leone and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters Inc. (GFMI), the world-class coach-building and Design & Engineering Company in Fountain Valley, California. The new business venture is called 'I Legacy', and it will, in concert with Galpin Ford, the exclusive Ford dealership, offer the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang to the public.
"Once in a while a car comes along that changes everything, and that was the original Mustang," said Iacocca. The "Father of the Mustang" has returned to the legend that started it all; the Silver Edition Mustang perpetuates the Iacocca mystique. The lof the new Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang flow organically from front to rear, a hand-crafted piece of rolling art, but the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. With its sunken headlights, slanted grill and low stance, the car exudes real "street attitude."
The Limited Edition Mustang begins life on a 2009 Mustang platform, which is then modified and coach-built using ACG's LTM26EL panels to replace approximately 50% of the visual and inner panels on the vehicle, including the hood, deck lid, front grill panel, front and rear underskirts, rear tail light panel and rear quarter panel extensions, and the RH and LH roof side panels.
LTM26EL, which is the extended life version of ACG's LTM26 Series prepregs, was specially formulated to cure at low initial cure temperatures. With an out life of 7 days, LTM26EL is ideally suited to this type of application, giving true flexibility to accomplish component lay up procedures while also offering flexible processing via autoclave, press or vacuum bag moulding techniques. After post-cure, LTM26EL is suitable for service temperatures up to 115°C (239°F) dry or 90°C (194°F) wet.
John Gaffoglio, who founded GFMI in 1979, was born and raised in Argentina. He diligently practiced the art of metal crafting by hand and later taught his eldest sons, George and Ruben, the same skills. He then decided to bring their talent to America. Today, GFMI is a diversified company that includes Aerospace and Defence, glass forming and laminating (automotive, aircraft and trains) along with their automotive business.