Regina’s Mustang man likes the classics
Lots of people like old Ford Mustangs; but Rob Krohn of Regina really loves old Mustangs.
He’s got five of them: a 1967 coupe, a 1969 coupe, a 1969 fastback, a 1970 fastback and a 1973 Mach I.
“I’ve been a fan of Mustangs since the 1970s. It’s one of those things ingrained in me. I’ve always liked the styling of the Mustangs — and I like the power,” explains Rob.
He still has his first Mustang — the ’73 Mach I — and it happens to be the newest one in his collection. He bought this red Mustang in 1979 from his older brother, who was the second owner. The Mach I was the highperformance version of the Mustang. Rob’s has a 351 cubic inch Cleveland V-8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, and a 4-speed standard transmission. This car is all original and has gone about 52,000 miles (85,000 kms).
He also has a yellow 1970 Mustang fastback — which Ford calls the SportsRoof — that’s often on display at Regina car shows.
“People like the styling, and the yellow draws them,” Rob says.
When this car was new, the original dealer catalogue described the SportsRoof model by saying: “Its sleek silhouette has a roofline that slopes all the way back to a super styled rear deck with a perky spoiler flip.”
Rob says “I picked this up in 1996. It was a local buy. The fellow I bought it from had used it as a daily driver, so it wasn’t quite in as nice shape as it is now. It was originally sold in London, Ont., and I’m not sure how it made it out here. I am the fourth owner of this car.” This Mustang has gone just over 100,000 miles, or 160,000 kms. When Rob bought it, it needed a fresh paint job. The chrome pieces were worn, so he has replaced much of the chrome, including the MUSTANG letters, tail light trim, gas cap, door handles and mirrors. He also replaced the carpeting and had the upholstery redone. It still has the original AM radio. He’s kept it original — including drum brakes and no power steering.
“Every spring when I hop into it, the first time down the driveway, I think it would be nice to have power steering. But the original build sheet shows that it did not have power steering — so that’s the way it’s staying,” he explains.
“The car has a 351 Cleveland V8 with a four barrel, and a 3-speed automatic transmission. It originally had a 302 V8 — and I still have that 302 engine sitting in the garage. I haven’t completed rebuilding it yet,” Rob says.
The longest trip for this Mustang is Calgary — and he took it took it there on a trailer.
“I trailered it to Calgary, but I probably should have driven it. It was raining and windy, so it was filthier when I got to Calgary on the trailer than if I had driven it.”
Back in 1970, Consumer Guide magazine called the new Mustang “the Ford wonder car” and said it “is still the undisputed leader in its class, and its No. 1 position appears secure for many years to come.”
Rob bought a blue 1969 Mustang coupe in 2000, and he often drives it to work in the nice weather. He drove it for a few winters, but since 2007 he stores it when the snow comes. His winter transportation is a Ford Ranger truck. This Mustang is not original, and has a 302 cubic inch V8 with a 3-speed standard transmission. Rob plans to install a 351 cubic inch V8.
And, he has a couple of Mustang restoration projects awaiting his attention — a 1967 coupe and a 1969 fastback.
“The ’67 coupe I bought as a mild restoration and modification project to get additional experience before tackling the ’69 fastback,” Rob explains.
The ’67 coupe had been used as a drag car, and has a massive 429 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 — which is 7.0 litres.
“I plan to install a modern 5.0 litre V8 with a 4-speed automatic to be more of a cruiser in the city, with decent gas mileage on the highway,” Rob says.
The ’69 fastback needs a ground-up restoration, and he bought it as a shell with no motor or transmission.
Rob’s car collection — although dominated by Mustangs — isn’t limited to Mustangs. He also has a 1967 Mercury Cougar. “It was purchased in 1993 with engine issues, but I rebuilt the non-original 351 Windsor V8 and used it a daily driver until 2000 when I bought the ’69 Mustang.”
His heart is clearly with Mustangs — but not the modern versions.
“I’m pretty much stuck in the late ’60s and ’70s when it comes to Mustangs,” Rob says. “I like the classics.”