'The Honey': 1964½ Ford Mustang serves as memory maker, storyteller for Utah family

'The Honey': 1964½ Ford Mustang serves as memory maker, storyteller for Utah family

(Jeff Giles, KSL.com Contributor)


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This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

Editor's note: This is part of a series at KSL.com featuring some of Utah's coolest cars. If you own a customized vehicle — from sports cars to semitrucks — email jormond@deseretdigital.com with a photo of the vehicle and a brief description for consideration.

HEBER CITY — Cars themselves seldom tell a story on their own. The 1964½ Ford Mustang coupe, however, is a classic car that oozes charisma and character all while telling its own unique story.

Dennis Bowthorpe has always been a car guy. He's owned his 1964½ Ford Mustang, known as "The Honey," since he ordered the car in 1964.

After several years of ownership, it was taken over and driven daily by his mother-in-law, Virginia Peay, in Provo. She drove it until she was 80 years old, despite the rough nature of the car.

"It was always endearing to me because that (car) was my childhood memory of Grandma Peay," Bowthorpe's daughter Rachel said. "She drove The Honey around Provo with no power steering and a really heavy clutch.”

Another one of his daughters, Holly, said, "I remember all of us screaming girls crammed in the backseat while grandma drove us around BYU."

Following Peay’s passing, Bowthorpe took over the Mustang again wanting nothing more than to keep it in the family.

The car is the 289 model with a four-speed transmission. Its motor is completely original and the whole power train has more than 500,000 miles on the clock.

The old Ford was originally a darker blue, but the color was changed shortly after it was given to Peay. Though it won’t win many drag races on Main Street, its powder blue paint never ceases to make onlookers smile and wave.

Dennis and Annette Bowthorpe have loved and used their 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang coupe for its entire existence. Twenty years ago, Dennis built a separate garage specifically for his "The Honey" with the hope of doing a full restoration one day. (Photo: Kelly David Sansom of Gallery Photography)
Dennis and Annette Bowthorpe have loved and used their 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang coupe for its entire existence. Twenty years ago, Dennis built a separate garage specifically for his "The Honey" with the hope of doing a full restoration one day. (Photo: Kelly David Sansom of Gallery Photography)

The car is original with a few light modifications, including a cup holder and organizer custom-built by Bowthorpe himself for convenience.

Back in 1964, seat belts did not come standard in the backseat of the Mustang. After an emotional outburst by one of his grandchildren years ago, because the child wasn't able to put a seat belt on, Bowthorpe opted to install seat belts so all of his grandchildren felt comfortable.

The Honey took on an even greater meaning for Bowthorpe and his family following a massive stroke in 2006 that left him completely paralyzed on his left side and confined him to a wheelchair. Just a few weeks ago, Bowthorpe fell in his home, suffering a broken back and ankle and is now confined to a care center.

"We never knew how special this car would end up being when we were kids," Bowthorpe's daughter Sharie said. "I'll always see it as a part of my dad."

The old Ford is now regularly maintained by Bowthorpe's children and grandchildren. They say even when its beloved owner is gone, The Honey will continue telling its own unique story as only a classic Ford Mustang can.

Author’s note: As my hero and the reason why I love cars, I am proud to call Dennis Bowthorpe my grandpa.

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Jeff Giles

About the Author: Jeff Giles

Jeff Giles is a current student at Utah State University and avid car enthusiast. He may be contacted at jeffgiles94@gmail.com.

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