Juan Martinez’s 1970 Ford Mustang is a killer homage to a rare classic Mustang, the “Twister Special.” When he got his 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1, he had a plan in mind. Having been a long-time, die-hard Ford man, he well knew the history of the Mustang, and the Twister Specials in particular stood out above the rest to him.
Juan Martinez transformed his 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in to a homage of a rare classic Mustang called the Twister Special. Tim Palazzolo, of GAP Racing, handled the Martinez Twister tribute project. (John Jackson)
In 1970, Ford planned to build 100 Special Edition Mustangs, with 10 of those Mustangs going to race tracks across the nation.
Tim Palazzolo, of GAP Racing, handled the Martinez Twister tribute project, and said of the special edition car’s history, “The idea was presented to Ford’s Special Promotions Division by American Raceway International.”
Although Ford originally planned to produce 100 Twister Specials to the Kansas City Sales district, the Dearborn Engine Plant was able to manufacture only 48 of the Super Cobra Jet engines and another
48 of the 351 Cleveland engine, bringing the total produced to 96. All 96 of the Twister Specials were built in “Grabber Orange” with black side racing stripes, custom “Twister Special” rear quarter decals and a shaker scoop.
Once Martinez owned the ’70, he brought it to Palazzolo and his team to turn it into his own replica Twister Special. The car was stripped down to the frame and completely rebuilt, although not much was needed in the way of body repairs.
“A few body panels were replaced but overall the car was a very solid foundation,” Palazzolo said.
GAP technicians installed a 392 Ford Crate engine, stainless headers, a custom aluminum radiator and fan, and shaker scoop (inset). (John Jackson)
The factory bucket seats and rear seat were recovered and detailed to include the Twister Special logo stitched into the upholstery. (John Jackson)
All Twister Special Mustangs were built with custom “Twister Special” rear quarter decals. (John Jackson)
The classic Twister Special Grabber Orange paintjob was applied and soon after, the powertrain came together.
Next, the guys at GAP installed a 392 Ford Crate engine, stainless headers, stainless exhaust, a custom aluminum radiator and fan, a serpentine pulley system and Vintage Air a/c. The AOD overdrive transmission was built by Circle D Transmissions, as well as the converter. Next, the GAP team put in the stainless fuel tank, a 3.89 in the Ford 9in housing, and a Global West Front and rear springs for a more aggressive stance.
They decided to install frame connectors, sway bars and a traction bar setup to “give it the ability to handle the 475 hp,” Palazzolo said. To stop that much power, they installed complete disc brakes, hidden behind the Magnum wheels, which sport Goodyear tires.
The factory bucket seats and rear seat were recovered and detailed to include the Twister Special logo stitched into the upholstery.
The gauges were rebuilt, dash and doors got fresh wood-grain work, and new carpet, stereo, trim and scoop were installed.
Martinez loves to take the Twister lookalike on the road, driving it “all over Houston.” His favorite place to take it, though, is to car shows when he is with his favorite passenger, his grandson.
Up next for Martinez and the team at GAP Racing is his 1969 Mustang project, code name “Stampede.” If it turns out as fantastic as his ’70 Twister homage, perhaps he will share that beauty with us, too.