Ford’s legendary American Mustang ‘muscle car’ goes on sale in Australia this month, with over 80 buyers already lined up to own the right hand drive models uniquely produced and sold ‘Down Under’.
Like neighbouring New Zealand, Australia drives on the left and both countries have banned the registration of new left-hand drive cars for some years. Although Ford has not announced plans to export the RHD Mustangs to New Zealand, some are likely to find their way across the Tasman Sea as private imports.
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Australian Mustang RHD |
The Mustang, built in the United States with left-hand drive, is converted to RHD in Australia by Tickford Vehicle Engineering (TVE) in Melbourne, a company that has long worked in partnership with Ford to modify standard production cars from the nearby Broadmeadows assembly plant.
The American Mustang has become the only V8 coupe or convertible available in Australia for less than $A100,000 ($US54,000), with the coupe on sale for $A85,000 ($US45,600) and the convertible at $89,000 ($US47,800).
“We already have deposits from more than 80 people who were so keen they ordered the car before the pricing was released,” Ford special vehicle operations business development manager Rick Nayler said.
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Australian Mustang interior |
“It’s that type of car. For enthusiasts, it’s a must-have.”
The Australian Mustang has a 4.6 litre quad-cam V8 and standard equipment includes hydraulically-operated hood, traction control, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry system, interval windscreen wipers and a high-performance sound system with six-disc in-dash CD stacker.
“Until now, Mustang enthusiasts have had to pay significantly more for locally RHD-converted Mustangs, without the comfort of a factory warranty,” Nayler said.
The Mustang already has a strong following in Australia, with an owners club boasting about 1500 members and an estimated 4000 privately-imported Mustangs on the road.
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