Please correct me if the above headline is wrong!

"Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!" There were many strange things in 1984's Ghost Busters, and there may be some strange ones here in Georgia. A new Roush Mustang wins Best in Show at a Mustang Show, against many fabulous cars that were lovingly rejuvenated by caring hands and a love for the vehicle that is unparalleled. The winner, even with the modifications made to what is already one of the most dynamic and daring conversions of the latest Mustang is not in my opinion a best in show candidate, I can see giving it a best in class against its contemporary competition.

Best in Show denotes that the fit and finish of the winner is beyond reproach. The body panels have a totally flawless fit and the paint is perfect with no orange peel and a mirror like finish. The engine compartment is with out a smudge or dust and the engine accessories are properly installed and visually appealing. The interior must be perfect without flaws and any sign of use or wear. The tires and wheels have to be clean and dust free inside and out, not even a blade of grass on the tires. The tie breaker is usually underneath, where most people do not look or see, where those of us that have put in the ultimate sweat equity in cutting out rusty panels and replacing them with new, while improving on the fit and finish that 40 years ago was not an issue. New cars then, were replaced every two or three years. Think of the restorer that has chased every last detail down to inspection chalk marks and correct parts for the period of the car. Then there is the Hot Rodder, who may have built a clone of the car he had at one time, or built the one he could not afford as a youth. He now drives it with pride and a few welding spatter scars. Lets not belittle all the professional builders out there who create the dreams for those that have the money but lack the time or ability to do it themselves, they help many to realize a dream of the old cars today. 

I drove recently a 306 HP V6 Mustang that would have put my 66 Shelby to shame in every way, performance, fit and finish, comfort, reliability, You name it the new car is superior. What sets the new cars apart from the veterans in the here and now, is the essence of what all that old metal experience on the road to today. Every car has a story, not all of them are able to keep their story intact, all the senior cars have an experience that a new car cannot match.  Lets keep the modern classics in perspective they are fine automobile, but in my opinion they need to gain the patina of time and the scars of experience. Every thing being equal don't you think we should give the nod to the veteran? Let me know how you feel about this.