Words & photos: Gary Rosier
While some may scoff at a V-6 Mustang as a performance car, let us remind you that in 2012 Motor Trend ran this car through its paces, and based on its platform of a 3.7 liter, 24 valve V-6 generating 305 hp and 280 ft lbs of torque, they said “We’re talking about a 13-second car capable of 100 mph trap speeds that starts at under $23,000!” Add in a few “goodies” and, as is the case with this one, more power, better sound and that unmistakable ($495 option) new for 2013 “Gotta Have it Green Metallic” Paint, and VOILA! You have one sweet ride… with a twist!
Such is the case with Stephanie Magrich of Edgewater, Florida. Born and raised in Germany, she met the love of her life – husband Glen- while he was stationed over there in the US Army. Stephanie’s interest in American Muscle cars came about because so many servicemen who were stationed in Germany were bringing their Mustangs and Camaros over with them. She had a GTD Golf Rabbit that she drove on the Autobahn (no speed limits, she says!) – but those Mustangs – that’s what she loved!
Then came along the movie ‘Gone in 60 Seconds,’ and she was hooked! That’s the reason for the “Miss Eleanor” by-line. She laughs and says that she had a “Champagne taste on a lemonade budget;” Shelbys, Super-snakes and the like were just out of reach.
After purchasing this car new from the local Ford Dealer, she set out to make it her own. Husband Glen was a big part of the whole deal, she says, but it was her vision to have something that was her ride but NOT like everything else that you’d see on the road. Originally she wanted a red one, but then her husband just looked at her and said “Gotta have it green.” It just spoke to them! Something with a twist, she says with a grin – no cookie cutter car for her!
That twist turns out to be the standout green metallic paint accented by what she calls “a tribal accent” stripe on the side, by TJM Graphics. A “Snowie” vanity plate is just a reminder of their roots – stateside, coming to Florida from the Western New York area and NOT missing all that snow!
Custom under-hood paint/graphics, California Special GT Spoiler, lowering Eibach Springs, strut tower brace from American Muscle, Magnaflow Exhausts and American Muscle Hood Scoop are more of her touches. A JLT Cold Air Intake with 1/2 inch throttle body spacer with a MPT Performance tune-up gives it just a bit more oomph in the HP Department.
Other mods include under-glow lighting in the grill, hood and chassis areas. American Muscle supplied also the mirror caps, rear quarter window louvers and hood scoop. 1 and 1/2 inch spacers in the rear and 1 inch in front give it a more aggressive, wider stance, she says. Stock calipers were painted to match. Shod with American Muscle 18 inch wheels and Toyo 255/45R18’s, it’s a nice combination that looks right on this car.
The 2013 Mustang has won its fair share of awards, too, and since it’s been driven to the tune of over 73,000 miles now, it keeps husband Glen as busy as ever making sure it stays in tip top shape. A Best in Class at Mustangs and Mustangs in Lakeland, Fl along with several Gold awards over the years have been added to the many other awards, including a gold at the 29th Annual Mustangs and Fords roundup in Longwood, Fl, and Best of Show at the Day of the Duels in Daytona Beach recently.
It’s HER car alright, says husband Glen proudly! Celebrating now over 28 years of marriage, Miss Eleanor is Stephanie’s personal ‘TWIST’ about who she is and where she’s going. It’s a “gotta have it different” statement about stepping out, enjoying life, family and the sounds of American muscle cruising down the road! Lemonade? No… it’s definitely champagne in our book, “Miss Eleanor!”
