Indy NXT driver Hailie Deegan recently acquired a fully restored 1966 Ford Mustang, which she purchased last December. Her excitement over the classic car has been clear, as she experienced unexpected attention from strangers during a recent gas stop, sparking lively debates about the vehicle’s engine and features.
Deegan has always preferred vintage cars over supercars, and this Mustang marks a new chapter in her collection. However, her initial outing with the vintage vehicle turned into a surprising social event when multiple people engaged her in detailed conversations about the car’s specifications, leading to humorous disagreements.
Unexpected Fan Interest and Debates at a Gas Station
On her first fuel stop with the Mustang, Hailie Deegan found herself at the center of curiosity. Several older individuals approached her, eager to discuss the car’s restoration and technical details. Some even challenged her knowledge about the engine, questioning which motor was actually installed in the Mustang. Deegan recounted the experience in a Snapchat video, saying,
“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.”
—Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT driver
“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.
—Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT driver
How Hailie Deegan Found the Vintage Mustang at an Unbelievable Price
Earlier this year, during a photoshoot and interview session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with People Magazine, Hailie shared more about the Mustang’s restoration journey in a YouTube vlog. Alongside her brother Haiden Deegan and their father Brian, she documented the occasion and later visited a local car restorer connected to her Formula Regionals peer.
At this restorer’s workshop, Deegan discovered the Mustang she eventually purchased. Reflecting on the deal, she admitted it was surprisingly affordable, almost to the point of feeling like she had gotten away with something.
“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.
—Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT driver
Deegan’s Transition into Indy NXT and Continued Growth
This Mustang arrives at a time when Hailie Deegan is confronting significant challenges in her open-wheel racing career. After spending many years competing in NASCAR’s Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and ARCA Menards, she recently switched to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports. The transition has been difficult, as she struggles with the nuances of open-wheel machinery.
So far, Deegan’s results show a steep learning curve; she often qualifies and finishes at the back of the pack, except when rivals face mechanical problems or incidents. Nonetheless, Deegan remains focused on steady improvement rather than pushing for immediate top results, valuing the experience and lessons learned each race.
Why the Vintage Mustang Matters Beyond Its Looks
The attention Hailie Deegan’s 1966 Mustang has drawn highlights the ongoing fascination with classic cars, especially those that are carefully restored to their former glory. The lively debates she faced reveal just how passionate enthusiasts can be about details like the engine type and authenticity. For Deegan, this car is more than just a collector’s item; it symbolizes a connection to automotive history and a different side of her personality outside the racetrack.
As she continues to develop her career in Indy NXT, the vintage Mustang serves as a reminder of patience, heritage, and pride in craftsmanship. Deegan’s enjoyment of classic vehicles may also inspire her fans and fellow racers to appreciate automotive traditions alongside modern motorsports.
