Woodward Dream Cruise Mustang Reunion 2005

At the Shelby American Automobile Club Motor City Region Show June 5, 2005

It was a hot but clear Sunday at Ford’s World Headquarters as Ford brand vehicles of all years, stock and modified gathered, including 11 of the 58 Woodward Dream Cruise (WDC)Mustangs.

What follows is a few words about the proud owners and their sparkling white beauties.

WDC # 00, the prototype build car, was brought by current owner John Jelinek and his very pretty companion, Debbie Darnell. The car was purchased from American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) build coordinator Wint Goelz, with Stew Jones (WDC # 21 owner in Florida/not in attendance at the show) providing the hook-up between John and Wint. John, presently the Vice President of Public Affairs for Ford of Canada, extends WDC Mustang ownership internationally. His 5-speed has shifted through 7,900 mile thus far, including transport with cameras running of Detroit’s TV Channel 2 Melloney Brooks at the Gratiot Cruise.

WDC # 01, owned by Tony and Dorothy Baker, attended with 13,200 miles of fun-filled driving experiences. Tony found # 01 at Dorian Ford and traded in his ‘94 yellow Mustang coupe to make the deal. His travels include cruisin’ Route 66 into Arizona and Las Vegas, where some admirers thought it was a Saleen Mustang and he got the “thumbs up” from many. We can all thank Tony for rounding us all up for the day’s show.

WDC # 4, a 5-speed coupe with 46,000 miles reminded us all that these ponies are made to ride as well as polish and admire. Owners Cori and Barbara Rodgers, a delightful young couple, are the third owners, purchasing the car approximately four years ago. Making # 4 a standout was a set of slick chrome wheels, installed while Cori searches for a replacement for one of the original white powder painted WDC wheels damaged by a prior owner. We sent the couple in Wint Goelz’s direction.

WDC # 10 arrived from Deckerville,MI. with its owner, Mike O’Mara, and his fiancee Alisa. This fun couple proceeded immediately to free # 10 of its extra passengers -- a bazillion no-longer flying critters that had become very attached to the front end. They also removed the coffee pinstripping provided by Alisa during a high speed disposal of her coffee. Their pony is a 5-speed coupe with 11,900 miles. Mike became the second owner with his purchase at Fairlane Ford in Dearborn. With the car all shined up, Mike stuck a “For Sale” sign in the windshield. Tell your friends that one of the herd is up for adoption.

WDC #14 is owned by Paul Gerus of Canton, Michigan. It has 4,935 miles, and Paul is the car’s third owner. The second owner (and possibly fourth owner) is Paul’s son-in-law Jamie Jones. How’s that for keeping it in the family? Notable modifications to # 14 include a one - inch lower stance and a light (roll) bar.

WDC # 20 is a 5-speed coupe owned by Tom Noone of Dearborn, Michigan. Tom worked for and retired from Ford Motor Company. He and two of his fellow workers each bought Woodward Mustangs, but the other two fellows sold theirs within the first year of ownership. Distinguishing Paul’s # 20 is its incredibly low mileage -- just 1,700 miles in 8 years.

WDC # 33, owned by yours truly Bob Mase and wife Sharon, probably has the second lowest accumulated miles -- 3,000. This 5-speed convertible was purchased new at Jack Demmer Ford in Wayne, MI within an hour of first seeing it. Yes, it was love at first sight. Cruiser # 33 has been a part of all subsequent Woodward Cruises as well as numerous other events in the Detroit area.

WDC #38, a 5-speed coupe, is owned by Brian Boggs. It was purchased new from Gorno Ford after almost a full year in inventory (buried in rear, unpromoted, and almost forgotten about). Brian has chalked up just 5,400 miles since its rescue. Of particular note is a piece of artwork displayed by Brian. It is a painting of his car at 8 Mile & Woodward Ave. done by Crow comic book artist James O’Barr. Brian is no stranger to the Saac Show as # 38 was winner of its class in 1999.

WDC # 44, owned by Ernie & Vickie Jacobs of Taylor, MI. was prominantly displayed but its owners were elsewhere, undoubtedly enjoying the other cars at the show.

WDC # 46 traveled the fartherest to the show and in total. Glen Carpenter and son Matt drove from their home in Logan, Ohio, and the car’s mileage now totals about 73,000. Glen purchased the car from nephew, Don Russell, somewhat under the influence of his son Matt who would detail the car for Don. The deal continues: when Matt receives his 4-year degree (he’s presently a junior at Circleville Bible College) dad will transfer title for # 46 to Matt. What a great story, and best of luck to Matt.

WDC # 57, another case of love at first sight as this beauty was purchased new at North Brothers Ford by Richard and Lora Pickens. The Pickens reside in Garden City , Michigan and have racked up 17,500 miles so far.

Article submitted by Bob Mase Owner Of Car No. (WDC # 33)