Derrick Coley has owned his 1988 LX Mustang since he bought it new 20 years ago. At first look, tThe 'Stang doesn't appear to have anything extra-ordinary, save for its "bigs 'n littles" wheel-and-tire setup and the sinister stance the combination has created on the 'Stang.

No, there's really not much going on with this Mustang. Why am I even bothering to write anything about it?! I'll tell you after the jump...

I've known Derrick for just about as long as he has owned the car. Actually, at one time in our history (back when I campaigned my nitrous-gulping '84 around all over the streets of New York and New Jersey), Derrick and I were arch "racing" enemies.

We both believed we had similarly configured 'Stangs, and we both thought that a confrontation on the street or at the dragstrip would result in a damn-good race (of course, I knew I would beat Derrick's Pony, but then again, I know he had the same confidence about being able to shut my 'Stang down). It definitely was a good, friendly rivalry, with a lot of jaw-jacking back and forth, whenever we saw each other at the track or the local street hangout. The funny thing about our Mustang grudge was, Derrick and I never, ever actually raced. Not even once. It never happened. All we have left is wondering "what if?" Sorry about that, I got off on a Memory-Lane tangent.

By now, you've probably gone back and read the subtitle of this Blog another time...looked at the "More Rare than You Think..." statement and no-doubt are wondering what in the world could be making Derrick's 'Stang so special?

Maybe our Melvins out there are alrady all over the answer. Look closely. Don't you think that the car's color--its most-standout quality--could be the trait that gives this LX its maximum rareness? If you do, you're absolutely correct.

Derrick's hatchback rolled out of Dearborn with Sand Beige as its exterior color, which really is a pretty big deal. You see, back in 1988, Sand Beige was not available for 5.0-powered Mustangs--at all. It was a color that was assigned to 4-bangers only (stick and auto), so Derrick's car apparently was ordered by "somebody who knew somebody," and it was produced in 5.0/5-speed trim, with the not-so-common Sand Beige paint.

Let's face it Fox fans, you don't see many Mustangs like this one out there. And, for the record, this Pony hauls ass, too--on straight muscle, no nitrous, turbo or blower! Props, Derrick. Your 'Stang has always looked good (but deep down, you know my '84 would've got you--I'm kidding, buddy), and I'm really glad I had a chance to see it again.