In late 1969, Ford Motor Company’s Special Promotion Division embarked on a project to build a small batch of 10 highly modified and optioned 1970 Mustangs for high-profile use by American Raceways Inc. (ARI). This project was underwritten by pre-selling a group of Mustang Fastbacks to the Kansas City District Sales Office (D.S.O.), with the final count including 96 Mustangs plus a number of Torino Cobras and Rancheros. These special Mustangs were known as “Twister Specials” and were the main attraction at Ford’s November 7, 1969, Total Performance Day promotional festivities held at Kansas City Raceway.
The Twister Special Mustangs
All Twister Special Mustangs were designed to be equipped with R-Code 428 Super Cobra Jet engines. However, due to engine shortages, 48 cars were instead fitted with Ford’s new 4-barrel 351 Cleveland engine, rated at 300 HP. All Twister Special Mustangs were finished in Grabber Orange paint with special Mach 1 stripes and graphics, as well as a special Twister logo at each rear fender. Other Twister Special features included a Shaker hood, power front disc brakes, and F70x14 raised white-letter Goodyear Polyglas tires.
The Rarity of the Twister Special
This particular Twister Special Mustang, formerly owned by Terry Fritz, the creator of the Twister Special Registry, is one of the 48 equipped with the 351 Cleveland V-8 engine. Of those 48, it is one of only 13 known to exist with its original engine and transmission combination, including the matching-numbers 351 CI Cleveland V-8 engine and matching-numbers C6 Select-Shift automatic transmission. This Twister Special was shipped new to Noller Motors, Inc., in Topeka, Kansas, and features a proper Grabber Orange finish, black interior, front and rear spoilers, the original Shaker hood, rear Sport Slats, and steel wheels mounting small brushed-finish hubcaps, trim rings, and period-style Firestone Wide Oval tires.
Additional Features and Options
Other desirable features and options included in this rare and collectible Twister Special Mustang are power brakes with front discs, a Traction-Lok differential with an optional axle ratio, and a Philco radio. This extremely rare and collectible Twister Special was featured in the July 1989 issue of Mustang Monthly magazine and is accompanied by a Marti Report documenting its original data.
Conclusion
The Twister Special Mustangs are a unique and rare find for any Mustang enthusiast. The fact that this particular Twister Special is one of only 13 known to exist with its original engine and transmission combination, and includes a variety of desirable features and options, makes it an even more exciting find for collectors.
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