Pounding its way onto 300 select Texas and Oklahoma dealership lots, the 2006 Ford Mustang Stampede Edition is poised to become a desired collector's item. A mere 500 of them are to be sold to the public, with each one being accompanied by an authentically engraved and numbered plaque. "[The Ford] Mustang has a long tradition of offering special packages like the Twister and California Special," said Mark Grueber, Ford's marketing strategy manager for the Southwest region. "We have a special Texas Edition F-150 and Super Duty, and Mustang is such a part of the Texas landscape, we thought it would be a natural fit."

The Stampede package builds upon the existing V6 Pony Package (17-inch, painted-aluminum wheels and a pony grille with integrated fog lamps) with the addition of 9-inch wide silver racing stripes, exclusive Stampede insignia (including a Stampede Edition gas cap), chrome pony spinner caps, chrome exhaust tips, and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the Interior Upgrade Package (IUP) includes the MyColor™ Instrument Panel Display that allows the driver to choose from up to 125 color backgrounds colors with a touch of a button, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The stereo setup comes standard as the Shaker 500 audio system features a six-disc CD player. If that isn't enough to make the ears bleed, then the Shaker 1000 audio system is available as an option with more power to crank it up. The IUP also includes six-way power seats and carpeted front floor mats with a one of a kind brushed-chrome Mustang emblem.

"A lot of customers are looking for something unique," Grueber said. "They want to "Texasize" their vehicles. The Stampede gives them the opportunity to own something unique."

With the wide spectrum of Special Edition Mustangs hitting the market, it seems Ford is positioned quite well to gain a following in multiple market niches. The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 captures sports car dreamers and enthusiasts, while the Ford Mustang Stampede Edition captivates those with being set apart in mind.