Toni with Alvin and their P-51 Mustang

Toni and Alvin's love story began in high school, and as the high school sweethearts embarked on a journey through life together, they discovered their mutual adoration for automobiles. Alvin's obsession with Fords was infectious, and Toni quickly found herself captivated by the allure of these vehicles. With each passing day, their dream of owning their very own Ford cars grew stronger. Alvin witnessed his friends cruising in impressive Ford models, and he couldn't help but wonder when it would be his turn to own his dream car.

When the redesigned fifth-generation Mustangs hit the market, Alvin's patience reached its breaking point. The retro styling reminiscent of the 1960s fastback Mustangs captured his heart. It was as if Ford had breathed new life into the iconic pony car, and Alvin couldn't resist its allure. Intrigued by Roush's performance Mustangs, Alvin fell deeper into Ford enthusiasts’ world.

Alvin's dream of owning a Mustang came with a dose of reality. He knew that purchasing a brand-new Mustang would strain their finances. His responsible side urged caution, reminding him they couldn't afford such an extravagant purchase. But Alvin's heart yearned for the exhilaration of driving a Mustang, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was his turn to experience the thrill of owning a Ford.

Together, Toni and Alvin evaluated their financial situation and made necessary changes to accommodate their dream. They trimmed unnecessary expenses, prioritized their savings, and calculated a budget that would allow them to make Alvin’s Ford dream come true.

Ford Dreams Take Flight

In late 2007, 151 new 2008 Ford Mustang GTs were disassembled practically down to their unibodies, then hand-rebuilt with Roushcharger supercharger systems, upgraded internals, aero kits, and custom details inside and out. With 510 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the Roush Performance P-51A Mustang was the highest horsepower Mustang that the company had produced at the time and was the first time that Roush technicians upgraded internal engine components.

Meanwhile, having made Alvin’s Ford dreams a reality, the couple arrived for a service appointment for his Stage 3 Roush Mustang, only to find one of these rare Roush P-51A Mustangs found its way to the dealership. One thing quickly led to another, and before she knew it, Toni arrived at the dealership to find their license plates on the new Roush P-51A Mustang!

The purchase became more than just a car; it became an investment for the future. Alvin's devotion to keeping the Mustang in pristine condition resulted in the car accumulating a mere 1,400 miles over the years.

A Chance Meeting

The Ford Thunderbird was a 2-seater personal luxury car introduced in 1954 as a direct competitor to the Corvette, although with more luxury refinements than sporty performance. The new design shared some characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single circular headlamps, tail lamps, and modest tailfins. The Thunderbird had a sleeker shape and featured a hood scoop and a 150 mph speedometer not available on other Fords.

While Toni admired Alvin's passion for Mustangs, she harbored a deep love for Thunderbirds. The elegance of the Thunderbird's design always captivated her. Whenever she spotted a tri-five T-Bird, she couldn't help but marvel at its beauty. Toni and Alvin often expressed their dream of owning a Thunderbird, albeit with a wistful "maybe someday" attached to their aspirations.

Toni and Alvin have been loyal visitors to Fast Lane Classic Cars for years, making it a must-visit destination whenever they find themselves in the St. Louis area. During a recent trip with friends, their eyes were immediately drawn to a captivating white '57 T-Bird in the parking lot. Unfortunately, they soon discovered that the car had already been sold and was being prepared for shipment to its new owner. Disappointed but hopeful, they couldn't help but think, "maybe someday."

With Toni's 1957 Thunderbird

Deeper Into the Story

When Toni learned she had a rare and fast-growing cancer, everything changed in their view of life. The everyday worries didn't matter as much anymore. They realized they wouldn't always have endless tomorrows or "maybe somedays." This made them understand that enjoying the present is important and sometimes eat dessert first, not put off pleasures until the future.

As they strolled through Fast Lane, marveling at the exquisite automobiles on display, Alvin stumbled upon exciting news. A '57 Thunderbird was en route, scheduled to arrive at the dealership within the hour.

At that moment, Alvin's mind began to formulate a plan. Although it would be heart-wrenching for Alvin to part with his cherished possession, his Roush P-51 Mustang, he was driven to do so by the immense pride in making Toni’s Ford dreams come true.

Surprise on Main Street

After exploring Fast Lane's treasures, the group ventured to the charming shops on Main Street St. Charles. Alvin, however, concocted an excuse to park their van at the far end of the street, secretly seizing the opportunity to return to Fast Lane.

There, he laid eyes on Toni’s dream vehicle—a pink 1957 T-Bird—for the first time. Overwhelmed by its beauty, Alvin couldn't contain his excitement. "The moment it turned the corner, I was in awe. I knew Toni would be absolutely speechless. So I spoke with David and shared the story of my P-51."

Meanwhile, the rest of the group grew curious about Alvin's sudden disappearance. Austin, Fast Lane's porter, drove Alvin back to the Main Street shops in the Thunderbird as a surprise for Toni. Toni recalls the moment, saying, "It was beyond belief. I couldn't fathom what was happening. I hadn't considered that he might negotiate or make a deal for it."

Then came Alvin's revelation: "I think this could be ours," he said. Toni, taken aback, questioned him, "What do you mean?" Alvin clarified, "Well, I think we've worked out a deal where I'm trading our Roush for this beauty."

At Fast Lane Classic Cars, we thrive on turning dreams into reality. Alvin and Toni's story deeply touched us, and we're thrilled to see them step into their dream Ford Thunderbird. Here's to their joyful journey ahead!

If you enjoyed this article, check out this one on the Fast Lane Blog: 1965 SHELBY COBRA REUNION.