L.A. Auto Show: Ford will customize your Mustang right there on the show floor

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Whatever else happens, the 2010 Ford Mustang is the car of the moment. And to make sure it’s the car of tomorrow as well, Ford has just come up with another twist: Visitors to the Los Angeles Auto Show can get on the computers at the Blue Oval’s stand and customize a 2010 Mustang electronically.

Then they get a chance to see it become reality in the Mustang Garage. Available accessories include wheels, stripes, spoilers, hood scoops and side scoops -- all in a variety of colors and finishes.

One design will be selected every hour, and a car will be built in front of the crowd to show exactly what the customer stipulated. Technicians from Galpin Auto Sports (of ‘Pimp My Ride’ fame) will install the chosen accessories on either a V-6 convertible or a Mustang GT coupe. Once the car is complete, the newly customized Mustang and the ‘designer’ will have their picture taken together.

Mark Conforzi, chief designer of Ford’s vehicle personalization department, believes he knows what customers want these days: ‘Anything that looks technical is in fashion. More machine-like, low-gloss, technical-looking surfaces are a strong trend, and in the right application they look very cool,’ he said.

-- Colin Ryan

For photos of production cars from the show, click here.