Dearborn, Michigan -- When Pat Nelson was 12 years old, he bought his first car for $15 and a baseball glove. He kept the car in a garage about a mile from home, so his parents wouldn't know about it.
"Every other kid had a bicycle. I had a car and worked on it, even though I didn't know anything about cars," said Nelson, a 60-year-old resident of Houston. "I was always fascinated with parts."
He still is. Nelson, and thousands more like him of all ages, are the reason for the steady growth of Ford Motor Company's Performance Group.
From racing wheels, to power packages, to spoilers and complete 5.0L engines, this special unit within Ford Racing Technology sells race-related parts to enthusiasts, like Nelson, and is enjoying its best year ever, thanks to the 2005 Mustang.
"The new Mustang has rejuvenated our business," said Jamie Allison, program manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. "Our business has climbed steadily since we started in 1984, but this latest pony car has dramatically accelerated our growth."
This year, overall sales are up 15 percent and are on pace to reach a record $50 million. The on-track success of the Mustang FR500C racecar, known as the "Boy Racer," coupled with Ford's introduction of bundled components into Mustang Performance Packs are driving the group's sales.
"It's been amazing. We've had guys with brand new (Mustangs) come in and drop several thousand dollars on major modifications," said Joe Charles, performance parts specialist for Parkway Ford outside of Atlanta.
Mustangs, new and old, account for 70-80 percent of Ford's performance parts business. Customers tend to be men between the ages of 18 and 65, says Paul Jannes, parts manager, Tommie Vaughn Ford in Houston.
"Some drag race, others build street rods, and some just like to add components to enhance the look or performance of their cars," he said.
Tommie Vaughn Ford has seen dramatic growth in performance parts sales since it began offering them in 1982.
"A good month back then was $10,000. Now we do about $400,000 a month," said Jannes.
Nelson, a Goodyear Tire and Rubber retiree, bought an engine block, wheels, valve covers and other parts from Jannes over the past year. Most items are destined for his 1991 Ford Mustang LX. He also owns a 1994 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup. And he does not intend to give up his hobby anytime soon.
"I am already putting together another list of parts to purchase. I just enjoy working on my cars," said Nelson. "I think (the performance parts business) is always going to be there. Since Henry Ford raced his first racecar, it hasn't changed."
"Every other kid had a bicycle. I had a car and worked on it, even though I didn't know anything about cars," said Nelson, a 60-year-old resident of Houston. "I was always fascinated with parts."
He still is. Nelson, and thousands more like him of all ages, are the reason for the steady growth of Ford Motor Company's Performance Group.
From racing wheels, to power packages, to spoilers and complete 5.0L engines, this special unit within Ford Racing Technology sells race-related parts to enthusiasts, like Nelson, and is enjoying its best year ever, thanks to the 2005 Mustang.
"The new Mustang has rejuvenated our business," said Jamie Allison, program manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. "Our business has climbed steadily since we started in 1984, but this latest pony car has dramatically accelerated our growth."
This year, overall sales are up 15 percent and are on pace to reach a record $50 million. The on-track success of the Mustang FR500C racecar, known as the "Boy Racer," coupled with Ford's introduction of bundled components into Mustang Performance Packs are driving the group's sales.
"It's been amazing. We've had guys with brand new (Mustangs) come in and drop several thousand dollars on major modifications," said Joe Charles, performance parts specialist for Parkway Ford outside of Atlanta.
Mustangs, new and old, account for 70-80 percent of Ford's performance parts business. Customers tend to be men between the ages of 18 and 65, says Paul Jannes, parts manager, Tommie Vaughn Ford in Houston.
"Some drag race, others build street rods, and some just like to add components to enhance the look or performance of their cars," he said.
Tommie Vaughn Ford has seen dramatic growth in performance parts sales since it began offering them in 1982.
"A good month back then was $10,000. Now we do about $400,000 a month," said Jannes.
Nelson, a Goodyear Tire and Rubber retiree, bought an engine block, wheels, valve covers and other parts from Jannes over the past year. Most items are destined for his 1991 Ford Mustang LX. He also owns a 1994 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup. And he does not intend to give up his hobby anytime soon.
"I am already putting together another list of parts to purchase. I just enjoy working on my cars," said Nelson. "I think (the performance parts business) is always going to be there. Since Henry Ford raced his first racecar, it hasn't changed."