Shriners set to raffle off classic convertible

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This article was published 24/05/2018 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For several years Winnipeg’s Khartum Shriners have held an annual vehicle draw which raises funds for the organizations day to day operations and helps support its hospital system.

“We previously raffled off a first-generation Camaro and were very successful, so this year we looked for a similar vehicle,” says Winnipeg Khartum Shriners potentate and CEO Alvin Allard.

A fellow Shriner led them to a locally owned and freshly restored 1966 Ford Mustang convertible. “Immediately we knew it was the car,” Allard says. “With its broad appeal to baby boomers, it’s a car everyone would love to have.”

The Ford Mustang was developed as a sporty car for young buyers. Introduced to the public at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the long hood and short deck design was said to give the car a European feel — yet with room for four passengers.

To save production costs, many mechanical components were shared with the Ford Falcon. The Mustang was affordable and proved to be a marketing success for Ford, with more than 418,000 units sold in the first year. The two-door coupe and convertible were joined by a stylish 2+2 Fastback in 1965 and sales continued to climb.

Original sales projections hoped for 100,000 units per year, but by the end of 1966, first-generation Mustang sales had reached a staggering 1,288,600 units.

This Mustang is beautifully restored and finished in Rangoon Red with a black convertible top. The interior boasts the optional premium Pony interior package in a Palomino beige hue. Optional equipment includes a 225-horsepower 289-cubic-inch V-8 engine, three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, a centre console and AM/FM stereo. Other options include Magnum 500 wheels, grille-mounted fog lamps, bright rocker panel mouldings, back-up lamps, dual exhaust trumpets which exit through the rear valance panel, a power top and dual side-view mirrors.

The Vintage Car Club of the Khartum Shriners has been hard at work on the raffle, selling tickets and making the Mustang available at automotive events in and around the Winnipeg area.

“So far ticket sales have been going quite well and we’d like to thank all the people who have supported this raffle and wish everyone luck,” Allard says.

The Mustang is valued at $35,000 and tickets are $40 each.

Only 3,500 tickets were printed. The draw is slated for Oct. 26, but if tickets sell out early it will be drawn on Aug. 31.

Look for the Mustang at local events throughout the summer or stop in at the Shrine Centre located at 1155 Wilkes Ave. You can also call 204-925-1430 to purchase tickets.

You never know — with just one lucky ticket you could be cruising in your very own classic Ford Mustang convertible!

57ford@mymts.net