The Ford Mustang has been an icon of American performance since its introduction in 1964. Stunning looks, rear-wheel drive performance, and

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affordability have been Mustang hallmarks ever since.

Another thing which the Mustang can boast about is of being the dream car of many a young boy.

I can still remember being just a youngster when my father brought home a shiny new Mustang Mach 1 Convertible in the 70's. Ok, so the Mach 1 was not the most loved version, but this was back in England. Anything American turned heads over there back then; my father's Mach 1 convertible literally stopped traffic.

Now you might think that I'm joking, but I recall a man running out into the road one day with his arms waving. We thought that he was in some kind of trouble, but when we stopped, he bent down and actually kissed the hood!

It was with this in mind that I went to pick up my test vehicle for the week, a beautiful platinum silver 2006 Mustang GT Convertible.

Anyone can see that the 2006 Mustang GT is instantly recognizable as a

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retro 60's Mustang. Ford was wise to choose this design as that was probably the best looking pony car ever built. In fact, you only have to look at the front to get visions of Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang running through your head.

Yes, the 2006 Mustang GT is one cool looking vehicle. It also sticks with the Mustang traditions of being rear wheel drive, super quick and surprisingly affordable. That last one worries me a little, as performance and affordability seldom go hand in hand without paying the price in some other area, namely quality.

From the outside, there appears to be nothing wrong; in fact, it all looks rather nice. The overall design is drop-dead gorgeous and the fit and finish of the body panels are quite impressive. The convertible top fits well and although it looks best when down, it also looks pretty good in the raised position. One thing which disappointed me slightly, was the

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covering for the top when down. It was rather awkward to fit and its design did nothing to inspire confidence at speed. In fact, I was constantly looking in my rear view mirror expecting to see it fly off.

The car has a good presence on the road and the Bullitt wheels not only looked good but they truly complimented the 60's styling cues. Together with that, being 18 inch in size, they also help bring the vehicle into the present.

Upon entering the vehicle, that classic Mustang look is further evident. The metal and black plastic look is reminiscent of the original cockpits and I particularly liked the steering wheel. Somehow the polished trim on the steering wheel manages to evoke the look and spirit of the original three-spoke wheel, whilst still delivering modern functionality. Just sitting there holding this wheel and eyeing the period looking instrument gauges almost sends you back forty odd years.The seating follows along the same lines and truly suit the vehicle. In fact, if it weren't for the headrests, I might have thought that Ford had found a

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warehouse full of old-stock seats. Of course, some things don't change that much and so the rear seats might appear large enough to take a human being, but only if they sit crossed legged. Volkswagen owners might be 70% likely to practice yoga, Mustang rear seat passengers will almost certainly have to.

Not to worry though, I look at it this way. The rear seats in a Mustang are really just for kids and I still remember back to when I was one of those. I squeezed into the rear of the Mach 1 with no problem, and I have no doubt that any kid will be more than happy to do the same in this model. After all, it's a Mustang GT Convertible that we're talking about here. What kid doesn't want to be seen riding around town in one of those?

Speaking of riding, it's about time I got around to what it's like to drive.

Although the Ford Mustang GT is also available with a V6 engine, my tester was powered by their 4.6-litre SOHC V8. This unit produces 300 hp and 320 lb ft of torque. Even though the vehicle weighs in at over 3600 lbs, punch this available power through its slick 5 speed manual gearbox and this pony gets up and gallops like a wild stallion.

The vehicle handles quite well most of the time, although I must say, it

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does suffer a tad with the shakes when rough roads or railroad crossings are experienced. This is a common problem with many convertibles and it usually tends to infuriate me. However, with the Mustang, in some weird way, it almost added to the charm, as it gave the vehicle a true classic feel.

All in all, I liked the 2006 Mustang GT Convertible. Its seductive power will plant a smile on any driver's face, and its stunning retro looks will put one on everyone else's.

There is obviously room for minor improvements, but too many of them would certainly drive up the price and might even detract from the vehicles charm. In my eyes, it is without a doubt, a modern day Mustang. It's not perfect but if you take into account its stunning looks and consider the performance per dollar aspect, it's an out and out winner.