It started out as a daughter's project, but when the 1967 Straight Six Mustang coupe arrived in the country, it was a job inherited by Dad.

'Originally, we got the car in from the United States around 2004, but it needed some work, so it sat in my garage in Auckland for a few years,” says Charles Quintal.

'It ended up being left to Father to finish, and we decided we'd get it done.”

And though the car may not have been christened with an official name, Charles says it gets called things every now and then.

'When it attacks me I do have a name for it!”

The beautiful classic has been a bit of a labour of love for Charles and wife Heather, who have been spending the better part of four years slowly getting the car roadworthy – and show-worthy.

'Originally it was just going to be a daily driver-cruiser car, but it ended up winning so many prizes that it's turned into a bit of a show car,” says Charles.

'It's won more than 36 prizes, including firsts, seconds and thirds.”

The prizes Charles is most proud of include People's Choice at an All Ford Day in Tauranga, an Ocean Ford in Ohope and an Auckland Mustang Owners Club Car Show.

It also took home second place at Concours d'Elegance at the Ellerslie Classic Car Show one year.

'Oh yeah, I'm quite proud of all of our trophies - it's quite hard work when you have to grovel underneath the car to clean it all,” says Charles.

All-in-all, the rebuild took around three-and-a-half years and Charles says there was no hurry to get it done.

'We didn't rush it, we thought there was no use rushing something when you're liable to make mistakes.

'It was quite a costly rebuild. I haven't even added up all the bits of paper, I think I'd have a shock!”

The coupe is a 'true American classic”, Charles says, as they kept the original six-cylinder engine instead of swapping it out for a V8.

'We decided we wanted to keep it the same as there aren't many of them on the road, which is why it's a true classic car.”

And the car isn't toted out for shows then put back into the garage under a dust cover.

'It gets driven around on the club days and sometimes we go up to Auckland just for a cruise. It's not a trailer queen, it does get around.”

Charles will be showing off his gorgeous 1967 Straight Six Mustang coupe at the BOP Mustang Club's All USA Day on November 15 at Classic Flyers. The BOP Mustang Club's chosen charity for the All USA Day this year is Good Neighbour.