Bailey Slemp’s 2000 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Bailey Slemp’s Mustang Story:
“Hi, my name is Bailey Slemp. I found my 2000 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, now known as “RubyY2V,” abandoned at a shop in Sevierville, Tennessee. It was sitting for nearly a year because of how far gone the car’s condition was in. The owner of the car was contacted and was asked what he was wanting to do with the Mustang. He said it was his son’s car, but that he had already purchased a different car for his son so the Mustang was no longer needed.
"With help, there was contact with the owner once again and he was asked if he would take my cash offer for the Mustang. He replied, ‘I don’t need your money. The title is in the dash. If you can get the car open, it’s yours.’
“Needless to say, some time was spent on the car and the title was eventually obtained! However, there were no keys to the car. The gentleman then said, ‘Send me the title and I’ll sign it over and send you the keys.’ Taking a leap of faith, I did just that -- and just three days later I received a package in the mail that changed my life. In it there were the keys and the title to my very own Mustang! That’s just the beginning of my own Cinderella story, as I was in near tears driving to the courthouse to get the title put in my name.
“Since owning the car, I have nearly restored it fully -- everything from cosmetics to mechanical to the motor in just a mere 18 months. Since being in my possession, the car has been repainted in its original color, Laser Red, and the motor was swapped with another 2-valve V-8 with less mileage on it. I’ve also added a new convertible top, lowered it three inches (now sitting on Weld Wheel Prostars with a street/drag set up), swapped out the interior with ’03 Terminator Cobra seats, as well adding the iconic amber taillights that many have come to love.
“The goal with the car was to restore it to make it look like it was driven fresh off the lot in the year 2000, with some of my own personal flair. I drive the car around three-to four times a week, as long as it’s dry outside! Along with all of that hard work, dedication and support from friends and family, I was granted the honor of getting to represent the year 2000 in the Ponies in the Smokies 2021 – ‘The 58’ Display.
“I have given my Mustang the name ‘RubyY2V,’ and it has been my outlet in life. It has allowed me to meet amazing people, see fantastic cars I had only seen in magazines, and to be able to live the lifestyle I’ve always desired. It’s an absolute honor owning a Ford Mustang and watching one of my very own turn from what looked like a junker to a car that’s a show-worthy queen. The Mustang is such an iconic and timeless car that I cannot wait to see it continue to progress and carry on the tradition of one of the most popular muscle cars of all time.”
(photo credit: Ford Performance)
