- Owner: Frank Shannon III
- Model: '77 Mustang II Ghia
- Engine: V6
- Transmission: Automatic
- Email me

My whole driving experience began in late 1993, the year I turned 16 (the driving age in Maryland). I got my learner’s permit a couple weeks after my 16^th birthday, and began taking the classes. During the time, and after the time, of completed courses, I started looking for my own car to drive when I did get my license. At first, I would’ve just taken anything with four wheels and an engine. But I gradually grew to liking the Mustang. I then determined I was going to GET a Mustang…preferably a classic (65-68 model).

I began looking in the classifieds and came across a few that I would like to pursue. Too much work was necessary for the price the owners were asking. I began to think that it would be somewhat interesting if I owned a Mustang from the year I was born—1977. A few weeks went by, and my mother found a ’77 in the paper for sale for $1100. I called them, got some more information, and went to look at it that Saturday. Saturday night, January 8^th, 1994, after offering $1000, I was the proud owner of a 1977 Mustang II Ghia. (When I was taking it home, still no license but driving with my dad, a cop stopped me because there were no tags on the car…but I got off with a verbal warning, and he escorted me home…whew!)

After 3 attempts at getting it to pass inspection, it now needed a tune-up. The shop found that there was no compression in one of the cylinders…so the one guy offered to either give it a valve job, or rebuild it. I went for the rebuild. He took it in March, and a lot of delays held it up, and I didn’t get it back until April…I then went for my license and got that after 2 tries.

Next came the paint job, then a flywheel, and brakes, leaf springs a little later, and different wheels shortly after that. All this came during the summer of 1994. Then in March 1995, the oil pump and bearings died, and I had 2 options there: Just fix those things, or get an all new engine. I went for the latter, and haven’t had any troubles since. Just little things I’ve needed to fix, and basic maintenance in between, and I plan on keeping it as long as possible.

Overall, I have enjoyed all the time driving the car, and even stuck through the hardships (but that comes with the territory, right?). I have learned more about the Mustang II’s history, and much has been found on the little ponies. Hopefully, more will be found, and there will be growing recognition.