Today I came across a great article on Newsday's website titled, "Bunkie Knudsen, muscle car pioneer."  Knudsen, who passed away in 1998, was a successful automotive executive who is credited with helping push through a larger Mustang at Ford in the late 60s. This resulted in an awesome display of power, and the iconic Boss Mustang (Thank you Larry Shinoda!).  It's been reported that designer Shinoda selected the name "Boss" as a way to pay homage to Knudsen.

My favorite line? "Knudsen was a visionary, someone who would be remembered by one-word nameplates such as GTO, as in Pontiac, and Boss, as in Ford Mustang." Read the full article here.

Related

Mustang Historical Figures

Source: Newsday/Bunkie Knudsen, muscle car pioneer

Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

I love it when old meets new. Take the recently launched Fox television series, "Alcatraz", for example. The main character of the show, Detective Rebecca Madsen, drives a sharp looking 1968 GT390 through the streets of San Francisco in search of bad guys. Remind you of someone? I'm thinking Lt. Frank Bullitt, as portrayed by the late-great Steve McQueen in the classic 1968 movie release "Bullitt". The car makes its first big appearance in episode 3, titled "Kit Nelson".

Ford is a high profile sponsor of the show, which probably explains the in-show Mustang placement. You'll hear no complaints here. Heck, every show should feature a sharp looking Mustang. Tune in Mondays at 9/8c to see the show...and that sweet looking GT390.

Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Well folks, another Barrett-Jackson Auction has come and gone. No doubt, it was a great show in Scottsdale. In addition to an extreme case of "The Mondays", I'm having serious auto auction withdrawals. Combine that with the rainy weather we're having here in Los Angeles, and you've got a guy who's wishing he was back in Scottsdale!

On Sunday, the Playboy Pink 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible (Lot#3050) I mentioned in my preview sold for $37,000, with all proceeds benefiting The Mad Girls Inc., an organization helping individuals identify and implement projects to benefit a cause or humanitarian effort of interest. In addition, a classic Shelby GT500 Mustang Convertible re-creation sold for $64,900. The car went through a complete rotisserie restoration by Mustangs to Fear. And that custom prototype 2013 Sprint Cup Series Mustang folks were talking about, well it sold for $28,600.

So what about that amazing barn find, the 1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang (Lot#1263.1), that was up for auction at this year's show? I'm happy to report it sold for an impressive $385,000. The car only has 44,000 original miles on the clock, and features matching engine and drivetrain numbers. I stopped by to check it out on Saturday afternoon. I lost track of time and must have spent a good 30 minutes dreaming it was mine. Stay tuned for photos and more.

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

It was another action packed day at the Barrett-Jackson auction here in Scottsdale. In addition to seeing numerous Mustangs cross the block, I spent some quality time with the folks at Galpin Auto Sports, discussing their 2012 Galpin/SPX Charity Wide Body Mustang, which sold for $160,000 on Friday night. We also talked about their custom Boss 302-X Mustang, which was on display at the event. What a looker.

While making the rounds, I came across the one-of-one 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 durability car that was auctioned today for $300,000. Unfortunately, Carroll Shelby was under the weather and was unable to attend the auction. I also stopped by Ford's display, where fans lined up for demo rides in several different Mustangs, including a Mustang driven by the folks at Miller Motorsports.  Tires were smoking and enthusiasts were grinning from ear-to-ear.

Later in the day I met up with Barry, and the folks at Meguiars, who had a large display at the auction. Of course, the big highlight for me was seeing Shelby's 50th Anniversary Edition GT500 Super Snake on display at the Shelby American booth. No doubt, it was another day of Barrett-Jackson excitement over here. Stay tuned for Sunday's coverage.

Related

More Coverage

Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas