Mustang Museum Update
OK, since I've been asked formally, I'll respond with what I have told some of you already. The Mustang Museum is, and always has been, dependent on Ford Motor Company for a substantial contribution to make the Museum a reality. Need I really tell you how bad of financial shape Ford is in? I do not anticipate Ford recovering from their current condition until 2007 at the earliest. In the next couple of years they certainly aren't going to put up over $10 Million for this project.

The question of where the money has gone has also been answered; in fact I'm surprised that those of us who happen to be members of MCA didn't mention my letter that was posted at the MCA website for over a year.

Nevertheless, here's the abbreviated version: This project required many professionals be hired (and paid) to conduct various tasks necessary on a project like this. These include real estate developers, surveyors, consultants like Sverdrup Corporation (the people that assist Disney Productions when they are considering a new building project), and graphic artists. As one example, when we walk into the office of the President of Ford Motor Company, it is bad form to have a concept sketched on the back of a napkin! Real presentation, professionally produced, are mandatory. And it costs real money. The money that was donated was seed money to begin this process. I hope no one believes these individual and club donations were going to build the actual Museum. The money collected wouldn't even have paid for the pouring of a concrete floor.

Some of the comments made by folks are unfortunate, if not slanderous. This organization is a 501C non-profit corporation. As such, full disclosure is made to the Internal Revenue Service each year. We are audited by a major auditor, Purvis and Gray, the same one that audits National Parts Depots books. To infer that money has been misspent is reckless.

As far as money apparently going down a rathole, I understand that frustration. My wife and I have personally put more money in this project than any club. At times, it seems to us we have "wasted" our money. But we are also business people and know that there are some investments that take time. We believe this is one of them. If not, I would have resigned a long time ago. To constantly listen to discouraged people share their disappointment is not what I accepted this position for. Nevertheless, that is my job at this time.

It is also my job to keep contacts open with appropriate people at Ford while time passes. I hope for a good recovery for the men and women of Ford Motor Company, and, in turn, a renewed opportunity for the Mustang Museum. As far as I am able, I will be a part of the solution.

Kevin Marti
President, Mustang Museum Incorporated

Kevin Marti
Marti Auto Works
www.martiauto.com

Webmaster's Note:
This letter was written in 2002.  It has reproduced in Mustang Times and Mr. Marti has also reproduced it on several forums when asked about the Museum.  Many people and clubs have donated money to the Mustang Museum project and we are entitled to an explanation as to the progress.  The museum website: http://mustangmuseum.org was active in the late 1990's and was beneficial in keeping us updated.  The website has been gone for years.  I have offered to recreate the website at my cost if Mr. Marti would give me the information and access to the domain name.  I have made this offer on 2 separate occasions, and have not received any acknowledgement from him.    Jack Wolff  (2/6/2005)