Home FEATURE Fast N’ Loud TV star visits South Main Iron, buys rare 1969 R-code Mach 1 Mustang

Fast N’ Loud TV star visits South Main Iron, buys rare 1969 R-code Mach 1 Mustang

by MyParisTexas
0 comment

Ryan Whitaker, owner of South Main Iron, got the surprise of a lifetime on Saturday when TV star Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud and Gas Monkey walked into his store in downtown Paris.

Rawlings is the owner of Gas Monkey Garage, located in Dallas, and star of Discovery Channel’s Fast an’ Loud. He buys, restores and resells forgotten, derelict American cars, everything from 1931 Model A cars to ’73 Trans Ams.

“We knew he (Richard) was the buyer of the Mustang but we never thought he would actually turn up,” said Whitaker. “We just thought he’d send his employees to get it.”

But when Rawlings walked in with Dennis Collins, also of Gas Monkey fame, they were all left speechless.

Rawlings and Collins made the trip to Paris to look at a 1969 R-code Mach 1 Mustang  4 speed, which was owned SMI office manager Brittany Barney Burns’ husband Zach.

“Zach really set the whole thing up,” said Whitaker. “It had been sitting in a field for years when he acquired it and he messaged Rawlings letting him know they had done their research and it was genuine. It was his idea to do the deal at the shop.”

While to many the car may seem like nothing but a rusted “shell,” to Rawlings it was a rare opportunity they couldn’t pass up on.

“R-codes aren’t exactly just laying around,” said Rawlings on a Facebook LIVE to his 3 million viewers. “It’s pretty rad.”

Whitaker said it didn’t take long for them to make a deal and load up the car.

“Richard bought it then re-sold it on the spot to Dennis,” laughed Whitaker. “Dennis said he plans on fully restoring it and then re-selling.”

Whilst at South Main Iron, the duo also took a tour around the historic building and Rawlings even purchased a motorcycle for himself off Whitaker.

“It was just so cool. They were both very down to earth guys and loved what we had done with the building. They didn’t mind taking photos with fans and we’re just super blessed to have been given the opportunity to meet them both.”

“This place is rad,” said Rawlings about South Main Iron on the video that’s now be viewed over half a million times. “I can’t wait to party here when they get their amphitheater done. Be sure to follow South Main Iron.”

Related Articles