Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Galpin builds custom '69 Mustang right on the show floor

Drew Phillips — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Performance, Ford

Galpin Auto Sports '69 Mustang build - Click above for high-res image gallery

While those of us in the media walked around the show floor at SEMA looking for the cool, the crazy, and the just plain awesome, there were people doing actual work. Real work. No, we're not talking about the security people that wouldn't let us in the show before 9:00am no matter how we tried to convince them, nor the food vendors charging $40 for a lousy pizza. We're talking about the guys at Galpin Auto Sports who spent each day of the show building a custom 1969 Ford Mustang from scratch.

The Mustang started off at the start of the show in literally thousands of pieces, and every time we walked by, we could see that the car was just a little bit closer to completion. The 427ci V8 was already in the Mustang the last time we saw it, and while we left before we could see the car completed, everyone at GAS seemed pretty confident that it would be finished by the time the show ended this afternoon. From the looks of all of the individual pieces, the end product should be pretty cool looking. Check out our high-res gallery below to see just how many parts it takes to build a '69 Mustang.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Galpin '69 Mustang Build

SEMA 2009: Galpin builds custom '69 Mustang right on the show floor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tricked-Out Treat! Galpin Auto Sports builds Halloween-themed hearse

Drew Phillips — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc.

Galpin Auto Sports Halloween-themed Hearse - Click above for high-res image gallery

We generally don't think of a hearse as a great platform for customizing, but then again, we've never known Galpin Auto Sports to shy away from messing with anything on four wheels. That's why we weren't surprised to see this specially-built conveyance of corpses constructed by the Southern California customizer. The hearse features a Halloween theme including dozens of hand-painted skulls on the front and side, as well as a spiderweb grille. It's not all spooky, though, and Galpin has made the interior an inviting place to be, with a working barbeque, chilled cooler, and a flatscreen TV all in the coffin. Not a bad place to spend your last few hours above ground!

Gallery: Galpin Auto Sports Halloween-themed Hearse

[Source: Galpin Auto Sports]

Tricked-Out Treat! Galpin Auto Sports builds Halloween-themed hearse originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog visits the Galpin Collection

Drew Phillips — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Galpin Collection

In the past few years Galpin Ford has become perhaps the most well-known car dealership in the country. In addition to being the largest Ford dealer in the world, they host MTV's Pimp My Ride at Galpin Auto Sports and even have a dedicated showroom just for the Mustang. We recently discovered that they also have an incredible private collection of cars, and they were kind enough to let us in to take some photographs. Many of the cars represent the highlights of the Ford Motor Company and its related brands over the past several years, including Aston Martin and Jaguar. Entering the museum, you see a genuine Shelby Cobra race car, the original Saleen S7 show car, and a duo of Ford GTs including one painted matte black. There are, of course, several Mustangs including a few vintage Shelbys, the Hertz GT-H prototype (the only one equipped with a 5-speed manual!), and 2008 GT500KR chassis #3. Other tasty goodies include a Jaguar XJ220, a trio of Aston Martin DBSes, and Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's 1964 Orbitron show car. You can browse through all the photos in the high-res gallery below. Have fun.

Gallery: The Galpin Collection

Autoblog visits the Galpin Collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: The cars of CES

Chris Tutor — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, CES, Pontiac

Click above to view a high-res gallery of the cars of CES 2009

The doors to the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show don't officially open until Thursday morning, but we got a sneak preview of the setup going on in the LVCC's North Hall. That's where most of the automotive action will be concentrated and there are plenty of wild rides lining the halls.

You'll notice that in most of the photos, like the Galpin Scythe (above), the exhibitors' booths are far from complete. As the week unfolds, we'll bring you more from the floor and attempt to get our hands on some of the best car-related tech in Vegas. For Alex, the original KITT's here - or at least a close facsimile - and for all you Pontiac G8 ST fans, Azentek/Navigon has everyone's favorite stillborn ute on hand, although it could just be a Holden Commodore with a G8 nose job. We'll find out more tomorrow, so stay tuned.

UPDATE: We spoke with Azentek about their G8 ST. Apparently it is indeed one of the only G8 STs in existence. Donnie Zanney of Azentek says his company is just down the road from GM and, like a good neighbor, lets the tech company borrow a car every now and then. Unfortunately, yes, they have to give it back.

Gallery: CES 2009: The cars of CES

CES 2009: The cars of CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Galpin Accord Concept is loud outside and in

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Honda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Galpin Accord Concept

The Galpin Accord Concept is actually pretty tasteful for a Galpin Auto Sports vehicle, and even if the bright blue paint job doesn't get you more attention on the street than you can handle, the two tunnel-sized exhausts out back will do the trick. The carbon fiber roof and plinth for a rear wing will also get you all kinds of cred in certain parts of town. And while information is scarce, the Stoptech brakes up front will help you come back from the edge when the car's actual limits are exceeded. We don't what's hiding under that carbon fiber hood, but we'll take it on faith that the intercooler up front isn't just for show and that something turbo'd lies within. And then, because apparently racers can't hear the stereo when they're hard on the gas, the back seat has been replaced with a speaker array. You just can't be the fastest man on the planet without tunes, now can you? Ah, SEMA... Check it out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Galpin Honda Accord Racer

SEMA 2008: Galpin Accord Concept is loud outside and in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galpin Auto Sports unveils radical Scythe concept car

Drew Phillips — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show

Click above for a high resolution image of the Scythe Concept

Remember the mysterious Mustang-based "Project B" concept car that we spied at Galpin Auto Sports last month? The completed version was unveiled this past weekend during a celebrity-packed party at the shop's Southern California facility. We were spot-on with the specs of the car, including the twin-supercharged 5.0L V8 that is pushing out a claimed 1005 horsepower and the massive 16.5-inch Wilwood disc brakes. The Scythe also features unique composite body panels, a wrap-around pillarless glass cockpit, reverse opening vertical doors, and a voice-controlled computer that can offer up weather, traffic, sports, and more through a 3G network connection. Full details on the car can be found in the press release after the jump, and we'll be sure to bring you more photos when we see the car at SEMA in just a few weeks.

[Source: Galpin Auto Sports]

Continue reading Galpin Auto Sports unveils radical Scythe concept car

Galpin Auto Sports unveils radical Scythe concept car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spied: Mysterious "Project B" Mustang concept to debut at SEMA

Drew Phillips — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show

Click above for a high resolution image

Believe it or not, but the car above is based on the current generation Ford Mustang. We don't have a lot of details, but we do know that it's a Ford concept car codenamed "Project B" that is being built by Galpin Auto Sports and will debut at the SEMA show in November. Power will come from a twin-supercharged Mustang V8 that has been stroked to 5.0 liters. Massive wheels, 24 inches in the rear and 22 inches up front, engulf 16-inch Wilwood brakes. Our sources say that this will also be the very first car to feature Ford's second generation SYNC system. The concept definitely has an interesting design, and we're anxious to see the finished product in November. Check out more photos and drawings in the gallery below.

Gallery: "Project B'" Ford Concept Car

Spied: Mysterious "Project B" Mustang concept to debut at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galpin builds special Warriors in Pink Mustang for charity

John Neff — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Ford

click above image for more pics of the Galpin Warriors in Pink Mustang

Earlier this year, Ford revealed a special Warriors in Pink version of the Mustang. Only 2,500 were built and the sale of each went to helping fight breast cancer through donations to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure charity. As we all know, one special version of the Mustang is not enough, so Galpin Auto Sports of Pimp My Ride fame has gone and "Galpinized" a Mustang convertible that will be given away as the grand prize in the Warriors in Pink Mustang Sweepstakes.

The Galpin Warriors in Pink Mustang is a bit more flashy than its factory sibling, sporting hot pink rally stripes over black paint, pink headlight splitters, a new grille and spoiler, a lowered suspension and 20-inch pink and black rims. The Warriors in Pink logo has also been hand painted on the back between the taillights for a custom touch. Electronic upgrades like a Kenwood nav system with 7-inch touchscreen are also included, along with new pink and black leather upholstery. Unfortunately, an untouched 200-hp V6 sits underhood, but we suppose this car is meant to be seen rather than driven.

If you're interested in winning the Galpin Warriors in Pink Mustang, or just think fighting breast cancer is a good thing, you can enter the sweepstakes before December 31st by visiting FordCares.com.

[Source: Galpin Auto Sports]

Gallery: Galpin Warriors in Pink Mustang

Continue reading Galpin builds special Warriors in Pink Mustang for charity

Galpin builds special Warriors in Pink Mustang for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Galpin Auto Sports Ford Fusion

Drew Phillips — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Ford

The boys over at Galpin Auto Sports have made a name for themselves by creating some very over-the-top vehicles, and they've applied some of their handywork to a Ford Fusion we found at Ford's SEMA display that was particularly impressive. The 3.0-liter V6 has been pumped up to 400 horsepower via a turbocharger system and custom headers, which is always nice. The suspension, meanwhile, has been upgraded with H&R coilovers and Steeda Autosports front and rear sway bars. A 3d Carbon body kit is also accented with M&M Auto Arts Candy Orange racing stripes and custom black paint as well as a carbon fiber front splitter and rear wing. We also dig the new vented hood and the headlight covers that sculpt the Fusion's gaze into a mean scowl. Inside is a custom leather interior by Katzkin, a suede steering wheel and a custom 6-point roll cage. Yes, it's still a Fusion, but it's one seriously bad ass Fusion.

Gallery: Galpin Autosports Ford Fusion

SEMA 2007: Galpin Auto Sports Ford Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pimping Comes Standard: Galpin Lincoln Navigator LUX

John Neff — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Lincoln

click above image to view high-res version

Galpin Auto Sports is known for its custom tuning packages that transform all sorts of Fords into limited edition rides that would make Xzibit proud. Their latest offering is the Navigator LUX, which ups the luxury quotient of Lincoln's largest offering. The model it's based on is a Navigator 4x4, which is only available with a 300-hp 5.4L V8 and six-speed auto. To become a LUX, the Navi gets 27-inch Lexani wheels with accents that match the new Oxblood Red paint job. Much of the chrome trim has been muted by the rich red color, which makes the one-off Custom Strut grille stand out that much more.

The real deal is on the inside where a $10,000 5.5 carat Lex Diamond clock is embedded in the dash, a classy touch that should help this big SUV retain its resale value just fine. What are diamonds without champagne, though, so Galpin modified the rear center console with auto-rising champagne and flutes. Most of the interior trim has been replaced with finer leather, better wood and a custom fiberglass enclosure in the rear. In-car entertainment is more than taken care of by a custom-installed laptop, 10.4-inch touchscreen LCD, another 23-inch screen in the rear and an Xbox 360. The press release after the jump doesn't give up the goods on price, but we imagine the Galpin Auto Sports Lincoln Navigator LUX lives up to its name in every way, including its pricetag.

[Source: Galpin Auto Sports]

Continue reading Pimping Comes Standard: Galpin Lincoln Navigator LUX

Pimping Comes Standard: Galpin Lincoln Navigator LUX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galpin's Boss 302 Mustang massage

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford

click image for mini gallery of 3 high res photos

With auction week about to explode in Scottsdale, it seems fitting to be talking about a car that might end up going across the block in 30 years. Taking a page out of automotive history, Galpin Ford in North Hills, California is one of those dealers known for adding some of their own tuning magic to factory performance cars. Just like the Yenko and Baldwin-Motion Chevys, Royal Pontiacs, and Grand-Spaulding Dodges, Galpin has built a reputation for doing things to their showroom vehicles to make them stand out at the local dragstrip or cruise night. They've been doing these specials for a long time and eventually built Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) in nearby Van Nuys to handle all of these tuner car projects.

At SEMA this year, they showed another new version of everybody's favorite tuner blank canvas, the Ford Mustang. This particular pony car was cloaked in the same Grabber Blue paint, shaker hood, rear louvers, jutting front lip, flat black hood and stripe package that defined Ford's Boss 302 back in 1970. And what self-respecting Mustang would be caught dead showing off all that Boss 302 garb without something under hood to back up the promise? Not this Galpin 'Stang, that's for sure. Galpin searched through the Ford performance parts catalog and picked out a new 302 crate motor for this project. Mated to a Tremec 5-speed, it should give modern mod-motor Mustang mourners something to brag about.

This particular car is for shows only right now, but shows an outside the box kind of thinking that makes Galpin special. Sort of a reverse resto mod. We liked it when we saw it in Vegas, but with approximately 6,000 other custom Mustangs on hand, it was hard to single this one. Especially when it was sitting next to the display of GT500s.

[Source: Galpin Auto Sports via Jalopnik]

Galpin's Boss 302 Mustang massage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galpin Auto Sports joins new Pimp My Ride on MTV

John Neff — Sun, 28 May 2006 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Etc.

West Coast Customs is out and Galpin Auto Sports is in on MTV's new season of the Xzibit-driven car makeover show Pimp My Ride. Galpin is well known for customizing all manner of Ford product for decades and has a rich history as one of the Blue Oval's most colorful dealerships. In addition to the design talents provided by Galpin's own Beau Boeckmann, the new season of Pimp My Ride will also feature a familiar face in Mad Mike, who used to work for West Coast Customs and host the show shotgun style with Xzibit. Check out this page for some examples of Galpin's past work (like the above "deceased" themed F-150) before the new season airs on June 15th.

[Source: Inside Line]

Galpin Auto Sports joins new Pimp My Ride on MTV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 May 2006 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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