What are some of the most unique late-model Mustang’s on the road today? Is it the fast and lethal 2003 SVT Cobras or maybe it’s one of Steve Saleen’s latest muscle bound Steeds? When you think of rare and unique Mustangs, the limited edition Roush models cannot be denied.

Jack Roush and his team of engineers have been behind some of the most potent and unique Mustangs to ever hit the highway. Roush is no stranger to Mustangs and performance. He successfully built and raced numerous Capri’s, T-birds and Mustangs throughout the 80’s and early 90’s. Roush built motors powered the official 1979 Mustang Indy 500 Pace Cars and his prototype twin turbo 25th anniversary 5.0 models almost saw production in the late eighties. The original styling cues from this “prototype” eventually found their way onto Ford’s first SVT Cobra back in 1993. When Ford began work on the SN-95 platform and decided to build the famed 95’ Cobra R, they asked for Roush’s assistance on both projects. After the Cobra R project, Roush started his own brand of aftermarket parts and “tuner” cars. These Roush “tuner” cars are now available under full-factory warranty and offer the purchaser the exclusivity of owning a true “turn key and drive” production hot rod.

Manny Dubon of North Hills, CA. knows just how rare and unique a Roush Mustang really is. He enjoyed driving a run of the mill 4.6 GT until a 2003 Roush Stage 2 model caught his eye at a local Ford dealership earlier this year. He snatched up the Roush quickly and started the transformation from potent stocker to custom car show winner.

Manny’s super clean Stage 2 gets a lot attention whether he’s hitting the local cruise spots like Bob’s Big Boys or showing it off at numerous Southern California car shows. In two recent car shows, his gorgeous white Roush has taken home a 1st and 3rd place trophy in the Signature Class. He credits these wins to his attention to detail and the fact that he washes his car just about every other day. This was quite evident when we met up with him one early Sunday morning. When we pulled up in our Cobra, he was hard at work wiping down his Roush’s tires in preparation for our picture shoot. Manny puts a lot of effort into his Stang and believe us it shows!


The overall appearance of this Roush is simply intimidating. The stock Stage 2 exterior screams “performance” all over. Exterior cosmetics include a “35th Anniversary” style hood scoop and a complete Roush “aero” body package. The 6-piece body kit includes a functional Roush rear wing and full spoiler treatment. In fact, the 2003 Stage 2 owners receive the same front spoiler as the Stage 3 owners. The Roush front spoiler is actually a complete Roush bumper and not some “cheesy” add-on piece that attaches to a stock GT bumper. Side rocker panels include provisions for a side exit exhaust system. Manny added his own personal touch by swapping out the stock chrome grille “Pony” for one painted like an American flag. To keep the local cruise busting authorities at bay, Manny equipped only the rear windows with custom 5% tint. Take our word for it, this car looks fast even when it’s not moving!



The stance of Stage 2 is low slung and mean with the help of Roush lowering springs and huge “Corvette size” BF Goodrich G-Force KD’s at all four corners. Front meats measure 265/35/18 while larger 295mm width steamrollers out back keep traction controlled during frequent stop light romps. Stunning 18-inch “Argent” wheels expose “red hot” painted calipers and beefy aftermarket cross drilled/gas slotted rotors that effortlessly bring Manny’s ride to smooth stops.


When asked about his Roush’s handling characteristics, Manny simply smiles. He has good reasons for smiling! The Roush Stage 2 package transforms the stock GT suspension into a serious performer capable of lateral acceleration approaching the 1.0 g mark. This is territory broached only by a few select production cars and is a standard goal for most purpose built racecars. Roush specified anti-roll bars, high-rate springs, rear control arms and Billstein valved struts/shocks give Manny the confidence and ability to stick with all but the most exotic super cars in the corners. In addition, Manny had aftermarket camber caster plates installed to allow for a more precise front-end alignment and improved wear for his massive tires. Optional Roush sub-frame connectors help keep his chassis stiff and performance ready.


Power comes from the standard 260 HP 4.6 Mustang engine equipped with a Roush fender mounted cold air induction kit. Exhaust gases escape through a Bassani dual converter x-pipe and Magnaflow cat-back system, which exits at the rear of both side rocker panels via stainless steel tips. A Saleen “Power Flash” module replaces the stock PCM computer code with new performance settings. The “Power Flash” also allows Manny to run better performing 3.73:1 gears instead of the stock 3.27:1 ratio. To give his tidy engine compartment an improved look, Manny installed Roush nameplates on top of both valve covers. Manny says a blower is in the works to elevate his Stage 2’s power levels to Stage 3 and beyond.


A stock white-faced gauge cluster and pair of aftermarket Autometer “Phantom” gauges monitor the engine vitals. In addition, An Autometer shift light keeps the revs within reason and allows Manny to pay full attention to the road during spirited driving.


Manny’s trophy winning interior includes three viewing monitors, two are visor mounted 5.6” Nesa screens, while the third is a 5.6” IDD Vision screen mounted near the dome light for convenient back seat viewing. A TV tuner and DVD/MP3 player allows passengers a plethora of in-car entertainment during long Southern California road trips. Manny’s son Michael really appreciates the entertainment and has no problem with joining Dad on frequent cruises. The stock Mach 460 sound system has been ditched for a complete Infinity sound system, Sony “Explode” CD changer, 800-watt Power Stream amp and two 10” competition kickers mounted in the trunk. To say the least, things on the inside are just as exciting as things on the outside!

Other creature comforts include Corbeau “Legacy” seats and matching 3-point safety harness belts. An optional short throw shifter allows Manny to easily bang through the gears. Just incase you forget, embroidered floor mats, a dash mounted emblem and Jack Roush’s actual signature remind you that your in a special edition Roush. A standard trunk mounted Roush tool kit reminds us of how all cars should be equipped.

Manny really enjoys the looks and inquires he gets while driving his Stage 2 Roush. Some people know exactly what he’s got and compliment the car for what it is but others are simply taken back with awe and ask, “What is it?” Manny just smiles and responds, “It’s a Roush!” You would smile too, if you had a trophy winning limited edition Roush Stage 2! Great job, keep up the good work Manny!