CREDIT: JENNIFER DOEDE
Students would take time after classes to help modify the Ford Falcon throughout the 2016-2017 school year.

Over 100 students and faculty worked for over 2000 hours to modify a 1967 Ford Falcon to commemorate Fanshawe's 50th anniversary.

“It's a piece of art,” said Don Bester, an instructor at the school of transportation technology and apprenticeship.

Don Bester explained that the reputation and brand management department approached the school of transportation technology and apprenticeship last September and asked if they would modify the vehicle for such a momentous occasion in the school's history. A 1967 Ford Falcon was specifically chosen because it shares its birth year with Fanshawe.

The vehicle was shipped from California in late October and the school of transportation technology was given a budget to start working.

When restoring the car, several modifications had to be made to turn the vehicle into a symbol of pride for Fanshawe. The first major change revolved around the suspension system. Both the front and rear end were completely redone, including a triangular fourinch suspension system in the rear of the car.

The car's original engine was also swapped with a Boss 302 5.0L engine that is usually used for high performance Ford Mustangs. This beefy crate engine allows the car to generate just over 440 horsepower. As a result of the increased horsepower, it was also essential to replace the standard brakes with a Wilwood power break kit to increase stopping power.

The car's cosmetic enhancements include a new paint job and chrome accents to ensure that it catches the eyes of any one who passes by.



Bester explained that students would take time after classes to help out with the modifications. On one particular night, students were at the school painting the vehicle until 5:30 a.m. According to Bester, the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) would provide snacks to the faculty and students who took time throughout the night to work on the modifications.

The interior for the car was also redone by Dixie Auto Trim and the College's mascot Freddie the Falcon was stitched into the seats. The car also had a new audio system put in it from Fox Auto Sound. Both of these companies are located within London.

Bester explained that a plethora of sponsors made the project possible.

Fanshawe's president, Peter Devlin, had the opportunity to make his entrance to the third annual president's breakfast in the Ford Falcon.

“Driving into the president's breakfast this morning in a 1967 Ford Falcon, completely renovated by the faculty and staff, was exhilarating,” Devlin said. “To me, the car represents our 50 year history and is also a powerful symbol of the strength and the power of Fanshawe College in the learning that we deliver here.”

The modified Falcon made its official debut at the Fanshawe Live concert on Sept. 9. According to Bester, the vehicle will be on display at recruitment events for the College in the future.

“I'm proud of it,” Bester stated when discussing the finished product. “I think it represents our school of transportation very well and what our students can do.”

Building a car from the ground up: A time lapse restoring a 1967 Ford Falcon CREDIT: PETER SOLARIK Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger version of each image.