Surprising an 83-Year-Old Ford Mustang Superfan

As we celebrate Global Mustang Week, I can’t help but think of how true the statement, “Everyone has a Ford Mustang story,” is. I recently hosted a special event at which that statement truly came to life.

83-year-old Belle River resident Paul Mailloux’s story began with his first Ford Mustang, a 1966 model, igniting a decades-long passion for the iconic car. Over the years, Paul has owned at least 10 Mustangs, most recently a 2013 model. His favorite? A 1968 Mustang Shelby with a Mustang 428 Super Cobra Jet engine – a vehicle that still holds a special place in his heart. His most recent Mustang obsession is the Dark Horse, and he has even visited local dealerships to explore making his dream of owning this vehicle a reality.

A Shared Love of Mustang

Paul comes by his love for the Ford vehicle honestly. One of his brothers, Frank, owned a 1921 Model T, which remains in the family to this day. Another brother, Bob (Robert), a Ford retiree, spent his career at both the Windsor Plant and Essex Engine Plant – where the Mustang’s 5.0L V8 engine is built – and owned several Mustangs himself. Throughout their lives, the brothers bonded over their shared love for cars. These memories have taken on an even deeper meaning since Frank’s passing in January, becoming a source of comfort for Paul and a reminder of their shared passion.

Throughout my career at Ford, I have worked in several positions that have centered on Mustang production. It’s safe to say that I know this vehicle inside and out and have experienced its global 61-year legacy firsthand. As a family, we’ve owned a number of Ford vehicles, including several beloved Mustangs. Now, our children share the same sentiment that my husband and I have shared for decades.

Planning the Surprise

A few months ago, my son Tony (TJ), a registered practical nurse at Seasons Belle River Retirement Community, where Paul lives, shared a touching story. Paul had spotted Tony’s Mustang in the parking lot and eagerly asked around to find its owner. From there, the two bonded over their shared love for the car, exchanging stories about their favorite models and features. A generation-spanning friendship was born.

Tony told Paul about my previous role as plant manager at Flat Rock Assembly, where we produced the Mustang Dark Horse, and it sparked an idea. We knew we had to jump on the opportunity to do something special for Paul.

Inspired and excited – and just in time for Global Mustang Week and the Mustang’s 61st birthday – the Ford of Canada and Seasons teams came together to coordinate an unforgettable moment for Paul and the other residents. Our ultimate goal? To surprise Paul with an unforgettable ride in his dream car.

A Magical Mustang Moment

On Tuesday, April 15, we surprised Paul with a showcase of classic Mustangs and a stroll down memory lane – courtesy of Windsor’s dedicated Mustang enthusiast community. Local members joined us with their vintage rides – including a 1966 red convertible, 2023 Ford GT convertible, and 2015 red convertible – to share in the excitement and make this a truly special event. The look on Paul’s face, as that Mustang convoy drove up with our engines roaring was priceless, especially when he realized they were all there for him!

While we may not have been able to hand over the keys to a brand-new vehicle, Paul enjoyed the next best thing – a ride in the one and only Mustang Dark Horse. I was honored to be behind the wheel and share in his excitement! I felt privileged to learn more about Paul, his life story, and his love for Mustang during our short drive. We shared many touching moments over the course of the morning, and he was thrilled to discover our shared passion for racing.

We may not have hit top speed on the streets of Belle River, but we did feel the wind in our hair as the sun broke free of the clouds. I think we were equally thrilled and exhilarated to hear the roar of the Dark Horse as we finished our Mustang journey together.

Paul’s enduring love for Mustangs is not just about the cars but also about the connections and friendships that come along with them. This event was a true testament to the power of the Mustang community. His friends and family also came out to witness this celebration firsthand – it was an emotional day filled with laughter, excitement, and tears.

I know I can speak for myself and Tony when I say this event was beyond our wildest dreams. At Ford, our customers are like family, and anytime we can show our appreciation for their loyalty and their passion is a win for me. To bring this event together in celebration of such a loyal fan alongside my son was a beautiful way to acknowledge Mustang’s 61st anniversary.