We all start down the path to automotive addiction in different ways. Martin Ostrowski of Ruhrarea, Germany, built his passion for Ford’s pony car from the ground up — literally.

“My grandad used to operate a junkyard, disassembling cars and selling the parts” says the 47-year-old. “I spent a lot of time there as a kid, building machines from unused parts to drive or automate something. Even just sitting in the old cars and pretending to bring them back to life and to drive them, formed my perspective on cars in later years.”

Martin, who says he has worked “a gazillion jobs,” lists coal mine mechanic (working 1,100 meters in the ground), foundry work producing transmission cases for Mercedes, and production facilities of Opel in Bochum Germany as just a few stops on his career path. The latter of these a direct result of an earlier passion with the marque.

“My first real car was a 1976 Opel Ascona B,” Martin, who in time would title eight Opel Asconas, explained. “These cars were affordable in 1988 in my area and I loved the shape. Before I had my driver’s license, I used my saved money to buy the Opel, then customize, repaint, and lower it. Unfortunately the car was totaled on the very day I got my license.”

Although he would escape this accident without serious injury, Martin’s luck and future focus would change a few short years later when another accident would take him down a different road.

Changing Direction

“I could have been paralyzed but I was lucky and recovered completely within a year,” he confessed. “During that time I reeducated myself to a new professional career as a software architect, for which today I am Managing Director of my own company, serving the IT business.”

As you would expect from a tech-savvy car guy with a passion for cool iron, it wouldn’t be long before another screamer would fill a spot in the corral.

“The car I loved first was a Ford Mustang fastback from the early ’70s. I first saw it when I was 13, as my brother’s best friend owned one and took me on a ride. Since then the horse was engraved on my heart and knew one day I would have one,” he explained.

Martin’s search began on eBay for a drivable coupe since fastbacks were not affordable. Undeterred, a ’67 fastback in Edmonton, Alberta in Calgary fit both his budget and wish list. A deal was struck.

“I bought the car and imported it to Germany in 2009,” says Martin. However, German technical and safety inspection deemed the car unsafe and in need of repair before it would be approved for driving. A restoration was at hand.

Rebuilding  A Dream

“In 2012 I dry-iced the floor for inspection and re-paint and discovered small holes and removed the interior to check for more,” he says. Additional issues would soon follow however leading Martin to go full restomod. Today his 408-powered screamer has no problem passing inspection or anything else occupying the well-travelled roads of Germany.

“I’ve since added a ’69  Mach 1 428 CJ,” Martin said with a hint of exuberance. “The car arrived a few days ago and the disassembly has already started with help from the 428 Cobra Jet Registry.

“I am really looking forward to put this car on the rotisserie and get started,” Martin, who admits a few liberties will be taken, added. “The engine will be rebuild completely with the date-correct bottom, but with performance intake, cam, and heads to a streetable 650 horsepower.”

That sounds like a good time to us!

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Providing motivation for Martin’s projects is this 408 as well as twin daughters Linda and Laura.

Martin, a member of the First Mustang Club of Germany, emphasizes that he lives classic cars, he doesn’t just collect them.

“I use them on sunny days, because I love the time travel when you sit inside, put on the right music and drive them. If you are doing it for profit, you’ll only find disappointment.” Martin added. “Give me some regular meet-ups to celebrate the lifestyle of our classics, regular car guys, some beer, and BBQ, and I’m there.”

That message transcends any international language barriers.

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