That I've not seen the Fleet Mustang for a fair while probably says a lot about just how popular it has proved with various members of PH staff. Comments have varied from "bloody epic" to "awesome" and all types of praise in between, the Mustang a real feel-good car in a sea of very serious automobiles.
No hiding from these two!
Common themes from all who have borrowed the car (beyond the obvious) are the looks, the big comfy seats and the response from passers-by. Of course that is linked to how the Mustang looks when it rumbles down the road, and it's a rare privilege to be in a car in 2017 that members of the public are actually happy to see. Caterhams tend to do it, as do certain Aston Martins, but otherwise most shouty or expensive cars tend to be met with contempt from pedestrians. Yes, even when driven slowly. To be in a Mustang, a car which makes no claims to be environmentally friendly or anything other than a V8 muscle car, and to see people point and wave, is really enjoyable. Moreover, the fact that this car doesn't have an external badge on it - yet is instantly recognised as a Mustang - says how well done the styling is.
The general lairiness is, funnily enough, endearing the Mustang to a good many also. The threshold of the driver aids is fairly lax, meaning you do have to be on your toes - especially when it's greasy. But the Mustang feels inherently quite well balanced (if also rather big), and if going ever so slightly sideways in a V8 doesn't appeal then you're reading the wrong website.
There's a problem though, and it's from an unexpected place: the engine. Yes, it's still great having a V8 and a manual, and the performance is still fine, but it's the noise. Having gathered together V8s recently, the Mustang's fairly meek exhaust note was exposed. It's very subdued and lacks the kind of aural menace you would associate with a Mustang. While there will be a plethora of aftermarket alternatives, it is a little disappointing that the standard pipes are as quiet as they are. PH owners, what have you done with yours?
Going quite fast, not making much noise though
Where the Mustang did fare well was in an impromptu and informal comparison with the Jeep SRT we also had along in the test. Sure, they aren't conventional rivals, though if you have a pair of American V8s together it would be rude not to roll around and make lots of noise. Well, at least as much noise as can be made in a standard Mustang. Put simply, the Ford feels - in that context, at least - the more rounded car, where the engine is part of an appealing package rather than the only appealing point. Sorry, the Jeep just isn't very good.
Our time with the Mustang is nearly up though, meaning an even more frantic scramble for the keys. Fortunately I do have them for Bank Holiday Monday, and I'll be taking the Mustang along to GT101's meet up in Essex. There promises to be a wide variety of GTs and Mustangs on show, so please say hello if you see the Lightning Blue Mustang around. Although don't if your car has a louder exhaust, the jealousy might be too much!
FACT SHEET
Car: 2017 Ford Mustang GT
On fleet since: March 2017
Mileage: 7,219 (delivered on 3,251)
List price new: £36,345 (£38,525 as tested comprising £595 for Lightning Blue paint, £795 for Shaker Pro premium audio system with navigation, £495 for Climate controlled seats and £295 for reverse parking sensors)
Last month at a glance: Mustang (still) continues its charm offensive!
[Photos: Chris Teagles/Dafydd Wood