I'll be the first to admit I'm a sucker for a nice looking Mustang. Take this week for instance. I spotted a sharp looking Mustang several times on my way into the office. I eventually gave in and decided to stop and talk to the owner. The car, a 2006 4.0L V6 Coupe, features Lambo doors, headrest monitors, DVD system, navigation system, a dual exhaust, modified spoiler, GT headlamps/grille, hood scoop, upgraded interior package, and some head-turning rims. I took some time to speak to the owner. Turns out she's selling the car. Best of all, it only has about 27,000 miles on it. The car is located here in Los Angeles and is one sharp looking ride. A special thanks to the owner for letting me check it out.

This Tuesday the guys over at AutoWeek magazine selected their favorite vehicles at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The awards consisted of Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant, and Most Fun. Of course they picked the new 2010 Shelby GT500 as the "Most Fun" ride on display. I mean really, what's more fun than 540 hp at your disposal? Well, maybe 640 hp. Anyway, the runners up included the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept, BMW Z4, Jaguar XFR, and Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss.

In a press release making the rounds, AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch Mandel said, "There was no lack of high-emotion cars throughout the show. Perhaps none is more emotional than the rebirth of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 5.4-liter, super-charged V8 produces 540 all-American, unapologetic horsepower. Its throaty rumble and tire-smoking torque will put a smile on the most somber faces- even those in Congress." Well Dutch, we can only hope.

The "Best in Show" award went to the Audi Sportback Concept, "Best Concept" went to the Cadillac Converj, and the 2010 Ford Taurus was awarded the title of "Most Significant" vehicle.

Photo © Ford Motor Company

I stop by American Muscle from time-to-time to check out their accessories for late-model Mustangs. Somehow every visit results in me buying a few more Mustang goodies for my car or office. Not too long ago I got one of those 1965 Mustang Wall shelves. Oh, and then there's those Ford Racing Bullitt Pedals I've been eying. Anyway, this week the guys over there told me they're offering up some free copies of their 2009 Mustang Calendar. Yes, free. I know, it doesn't get much better than that.

The 2009 American Muscle calendar, which is a collaboration between American Muscle and Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine, features some sharp looking Mustangs and some pretty looking Mustang ladies. To claim one, you'll need to enter the code above when you place your order. For more info, visit the American Muscle site.

On Monday ROUSH Performance named Lance Cunningham Ford in Knoxville, Tenn. its top dealer for 2008. In a press release issued by the company, ROUSH said this is the second year in a row the dealership has been top dealer. Joe Thompson, vice president and general manager of ROUSH Performance said, "Those guys over at Lance Cunningham Ford are awesome and really good at what they do. They faced some very stiff competition this year from Grand Prairie Ford and Brandon Ford and they met the challenge."

Here's a breakdown of the Top 10 ROUSH Performance dealers of 2008:

1. Lance Cunningham Ford (Knoxville, Tenn.)
2. Grand Prairie Ford (Grand Prairie, Texas)
3. Brandon Ford (Tampa, Fla.)
4. Columbine Ford (Rifle, Colo.)
5. Gary Yeomans Ford (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
6. Galpin Auto Sports Ford (North Hills, Calif.)
7. Town & Country Ford (Madison, Tenn.)
8. Town & Country Ford (Bessemer, Ala.)
9. Imperial Ford (Milford, Mass.)
10. Gordie Boucher Ford Lincoln Mercury (Janesville, Wis.)

The company says that even though the overall market for vehicle sales has slowed significantly, many dealers are discovering that the demand for performance vehicles and parts remains high. “Obviously 2008 was a challenging year for everyone in the auto industry, but we had another strong year at ROUSH and a lot of that was due to the hard work done by our entire dealer base,” said Thompson.

Related:

• 2008 Ford Mustang Sales - A Year in Review
  
• All About The ROUSH Mustang
  

Photo of ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang © Jonathan P. Lamas