Summary

One of five special 428 R-code convertible pace cars built for American International Raceways Inc. Assigned new to Michigan International Speedway, accompanied by Ford Build Sheet. From the Mile-High Collection.

Details

Rooted in a 10-car order from American Raceways International (ARI), this very special 1970 Ford Mustang Convertible is one of the five 'ARI' pace car convertibles built consecutively on October 17, 1969. All were specified with R-code (Ram Air) 428ci Cobra Jet engines and C6 automatic transmissions, plus specially painted hoods, custom stripes and ARI rear-fender logos signifying the company's Atlanta International Speedway, Eastern Speedway, Texas International Speedway, Riverside Raceway, and Michigan International Speedway properties. Other highlights included open 3.00:1 rear axle, climate control system, engine oil coolers, plus significant modifications. The 428ci CJ engines were removed and sent to Ford Engineering, where they were balanced, blueprinted and upgraded with a competition 3-angle valve job and fitted with shot-peened connecting rods and heavy-duty pistons and gaskets. Other highlights included a tubular 1-1/2-inch padded roll bar, 150-psi Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge, NASCAR-spec 'T' oil pan and transmission blueprinting. Additionally, the front coil springs were slightly cut down. The ARI pace car convertibles feature sequential 120300-120304 serial numbers and, following completion, the public introduction of the five ARI Mustang pace car convertibles took place at New York City's famed Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Numbered 120301, this Grabber Green Mustang ARI pace car convertible was assigned to Michigan International Speedway and subsequently sold to an individual and not back to Ford Motor Company for the contractually stipulated $1 consideration. Subsequent history is unknown until Gary Pietraniec learned of its existence underneath a tarp behind a garage, finally purchasing it after a couple of years on December 28, 1990, and then having it totally and painstakingly restored. Pietraniec retained the Mustang until 1995 and several more owners/collectors followed, including Dr. Dwight Shreck, followed by acquisition by the Mile-High Collection. In addition to a duplicate original Build Sheet, this extremely well-equipped and rare 1970 Ford Mustang convertible is accompanied by several period photographs, including the New York introduction festivities, an image of the car in front of Ford Motor Company's World headquarters and period photos of the car at Michigan International Speedway. From the Mile-High Collection.