‘Almost classic’ 2004 Ford Mustang Convertible represents perfect summer prescription
Bill Ritzel’s 2004 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. The vanity plate tells onlookers that are not seeing his ‘32 Ford Roadster. (Charles Bolinger photo)
By Charles Bolinger
Editor • While it does not fit the Antique Automobile Club of America’s (AACA) definition of a classic, in three years, Bill Ritzel’s 2004 Ford Mustang will qualify. Ed. Note: This article originally ran in the May 28, 2026 issue of the Times-Tribune.
In late April, Ritzel rolled his ‘other’ convertible out for a reporter’s inspection. His first one is a 1932 Ford Model B ‘Deuce Roadster’ that this reporter inaccurately described as a T-Bucket. It was reviewed last year.
This Mustang, one of 142,000 models built for the marque’s 40th Anniversary, is also one of 44,000 GT Convertibles made that year,and one of about 19,000 finished in Redfire (Ford code G2) while the interior is upholstered in Rhodes Cloth (Ford code 9).
“A 2004 Mustang is not a classic car. It will never be one,” said Ritzel. His definition of a true classic car stems from the Classic Car Club of America’s definition – “Fine or distinctive features; cars made between 1915 and 1948; not mass-produced.”
Ritzel also said some people may call a Mustang a muscle car but he said the way this car is optioned, he would disagree with that assessment. However, he said that some more ‘performance-oriented’ Mustangs could easily be in that class.
In general, he said if you’re labeling a vehicle as a muscle car, it should not have any extra weight, so no air-conditioning, no power steering, no power brakes or any kind of power assists. His Mustang weighs 3,379 pounds while his roadster tips the scales at 2,200 pounds.
Two thousand and four also marked the end of the fourth-generation Mustang.
If Ritzel had to quantify it, he would call it a collectible car.
“It’s a clean, sport, attractive car with low miles, rust-free and no accidents,” he said. He added that he puts about 2,000 miles per year on it.
Another quality Ritzel said is essential is the car’s history or provenance. His car has one-family ownership for more than 20 years; it’s always garaged and well-maintained; everything works properly; it has no leaks; it has documentation and the original window sticker.
Another facet is that the car’s options are desirable.
Mustangs also have universal appeal among most demographics and anyone can drive one when equipped with an automatic transmission.
The aforementioned Redfire paint was the car’s third best-selling hue that year and color selection can be critical to a car’s popularity.
A peek at the car’s 4.6L SOHC V-8, Ford’s Modular engine. In this application, it generates 260 horsepower and 302 pounds-feet of torque. (Charles Bolinger photo)
Under the hood is Ford’s modular 4.6L SOHC V-8 engine with fuel injection, making 260 horsepower, 302 lbs-ft of torque and breathing through dual exhausts. Backing the motor is Ford’s 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission and a 3.27 rear end with limited-slip, what Ford calls Traction-Lok. It even has Ford’s Mach 460 premium AM/FM stereo with compact disc, clock and sub-woofer sound system.
“I bought this one last year; I’ve had it almost a year,” he said. “I wasn’t going to buy it; I saw an advertisement for it and it really looked nice. I thought, ‘Jamye [his wife] doesn’t necessarily like to get out in the hot rod – it’s a little in-your-face, it’s a little noisy, it’s a little rough riding and the hair thing,” he said. He said he would have preferred to own something to go to car cruises with, especially when the weather is iffy and he doesn’t want to get the roadster wet.
The car’s interior looks ready for a road trip, with the dual-cowl dashboard. Two thousand and four marked the final model year of this generation of Mustang. (Charles Bolinger photo)
“This is nice for her [sic] and I to go get ice cream or take the grandkids someplace or do something like that. It’s just not as aggressive a car as the roadster is.”
He said the sellers were in Brighton. They drove there in his 2004 Ford Ranger pickup, which he bought new.
“If the Mustang’s as clean as my truck, I might be interested,” he thought on the way to Brighton.
The seller, 87, greeted them upon arrival. Ritzel bought it after seeing its care, its provenance, etc. While they were all at the bank doing the paperwork, the owner asked Ritzel if he minded that the seller and his wife left the bank first because they didn’t want to see the Mustang leave without them in it.
Ritzel noted that Mustangs have excellent owner support, clubs, websites, etc. Extended parts availability is also a big plus for Mustang owners.
It’s no secret that the cars have been popular since creating the ponycar class in 1964 but the Mustang has proven to be a survivor. They are the only car-based product Ford currently sells in North America. The Mustang will attain its 70th Anniversary in 2034. This 2004 Mustang is Ritzel’s 107th vehicle.
Never meant to be a huge cargo hauler, the Mustang convertible’s trunk is best used when the car’s top is in place. (Charles Bolinger photo)
