Indy NXT driver Hailie Deegan recently took possession of a restored 1966 Ford Mustang, a vintage car she purchased late last year. The 23-year-old racer’s enthusiasm for her new vehicle quickly drew attention during a recent gas station stop, where she found herself the focus of multiple conversations, including a surprising dispute about the car’s engine.
Unexpected Attention at the Gas Station Highlights the Vintage Mustang’s Appeal
Known more for her racing career than car collecting, Deegan shared on Snapchat how the classic Mustang sparked interest from strangers during her first fill-up. Unlike her preference for vintage cars over modern supercars, this encounter showed how much curiosity is still alive around classic automobiles.
During the stop, several people approached her, eager to talk about the Mustang and its restoration. One conversation even escalated into a debate about the specific motor inside the car. Deegan explained the situation in her video:
“I was just at the gas station, and this is my first time filling up my new car. I did not realize how much of a hot commodity I was gonna be at the gas station. I had four separate conversations of like older people coming up to my car, ask questions about it. I know quite a bit of info about it, but not everything.”
“And they want to know everything, ‘Here’s this, here’s that…’ It was like a lot – ‘How many motors in it?’ They almost started to argue with me over what motor,” Deegan added with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘It’s this motor’, and they’re like, ‘Are you sure it’s not this one? Let me check on the side.’ The side sometimes has the logo of the motors… I need a whole production to go to the gas station in this thing,” she light-heartedly said, concluding the anecdote.
The Story Behind Acquiring the Historic Ford Mustang
Earlier this year, Deegan visited Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a People Magazine photoshoot alongside her brother Haiden Deegan and father Brian. She documented the experience in a YouTube VLOG posted in mid-March, where she included footage from the day after the shoot when she visited the home of a restoration specialist connected to a fellow Formula Regionals driver.
It was this connection that led her to the 1966 Mustang, which had been undergoing careful restoration. Deegan revealed she purchased the car for a significantly lower price than expected, describing the deal as unexpectedly favorable:
“I got it for a steal. I felt like I was stealing it from the people, with the price that they took. It was great for me. But for them, I felt like, this doesn’t feel right, how much I’m buying this car for,” she said.
Navigating a Challenging Transition in Her Racing Career
Alongside her passion for vintage cars, Deegan is in the midst of an important shift in her professional racing path. Having spent years competing in NASCAR’s Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards, she moved to open-wheel racing this year, joining HMD Motorsports in IndyCar’s feeder series, Indy NXT.
This adjustment has proven demanding. Deegan has consistently found herself finishing near the back in races, often only advancing positions when other drivers face mechanical difficulties or incidents. Despite the struggles, she maintains a patient and focused attitude, prioritizing learning and steady progress over immediate success.
Significance of the Vintage Mustang and Future Prospects
Hailie Deegan’s acquisition of the vintage 1966 Mustang adds a unique layer to her identity beyond the racetrack, highlighting her appreciation for automotive history. The strong interest and conversations sparked by the car underscore how classic vehicles continue to fascinate enthusiasts of all ages.
As Deegan adapts to the challenges presented by Indy NXT competition, her passion for vintage cars like the Mustang provides a distinct counterbalance to her intense racing schedule. Her journey suggests a deeper connection with car culture that goes beyond professional motorsports, potentially shaping her public persona and personal interests in the years ahead.