“This one is considered a ‘survivor’ car, which means it’s in its original condition and hasn’t been molested or modified in any way,” says Mustang owner Justin Forrest, with evident pride.

“It used to belong to an old lady in California who’d just drive it to the local shops and back.”

Justin’s car, a 1966 Mustang coupe in Signal Flare Red, will be part of a static display of about 120 classic and modern Mustangs and other American cars at the biennial Canberra Mustang Car Show on Sunday, February 27, from 9.30am on the Patrick White Lawns adjacent to the National Library of Australia.

Justin admits that his car’s age does mean it drives like “an old car”.

“It’s nice to cruise in it, putter along, enjoy the scenery,” he says. He also confesses that he’s quite looking forward to getting the car out of the rain that blighted the photo shoot, so he can dry it off with a special towel.

“I love Mustangs, the classic lines. It might be time to invest in another one,” says Justin. “It’s an addiction.”

The show will be hosted by the Mustang Owners Club of Australia Canberra District, and will feature cars from Canberra, the south coast and northern NSW. There will be a jumping castle, food, drinks and ice creams on sale, with proceeds going to the Pediatrics Unit at the Canberra Hospital.

Event co-ordinator Ian Jackson says the show is a “great opportunity to walk around some well-known and rare local cars, marvel at the condition and ask the owners about them”.

Justin says he’s happy to answer questions about his car, although he’ll be dressed as Patch the platypus on the day to help raise money for the Pediatrics Unit.