Before retiring in 2008, Harry worked for the Coca-Cola Company for 18 years and at the Adolph Coors Brewing Company and Schlitz Brewing Company as an environmental engineer. Harry was also a reserve officer at the Jefferson County Sherriff's department and the Denver Police Department.

He was an active member of Pleasant Retreat UMC and of The Mustang Club of East Texas. Harry believed in giving back to the community through volunteer work, charitable donations, and involvement and participation in community activities.

From an early age, Harry enjoyed his cars, fast and sporty. He began the restoration of this 1965 mustang hoping to replicate the one seen in the Steve McQueen movie, "Bullet". Soon after Harry's passing in 2010, the car and engine was handed off to Mustangs of East Texas by Harry's wife. With help from many contributors and vendors, this classic beauty will be restored to its former glory, and beyond. The car will then be sold or auctioned with proceeds benefiting those in need, in honor of Harry and his family.

The Plan...
The Ott car is a 1965 Mustang Fastback. It will be painted Wimbledon White and have Guardsman Blue LeMans stripes as a Shelby GT 350 Tribute. The 302 Ford crate engine will produce approximately 340 horsepower featuring a billet front end with all billet pullies, polished alternator, power steering pump and AC compressor. The transmission is a reshly rebuilt Top-loader sporting a Hurst Competition Plus Shifter. The black interior will remain as the factory supplied.

The Team...
The sponsor list is just beginning, but we have received monetary donations and work from the following: Lindsey Bradley, Mark Whitt, Joe McMurrey, Mitch Ardoin, Craig Chesley, Jerry Christopherson, Curtis Warren, Art Scott, Paul Scott, Roger Arrick, Larry Priest, Eddy Franks, Eddie Siler, Jim Ellis, Mark Ramsey, Les Jeffcoat.

The Sponsors...
David Kee Toploader Transmissions, San Antonio, Texas - Transmission
Old Air Products, Ft. Worth, Texas - AC Components
Siler Paint and Body, Tyler, Texas - Paint and body work
English Color, Tyler, Texas - Paint Supplies
Ortigo Performance, Tyler, Texas - Motor work

Initial Condition The car is going to need some TLC. There is some sheetmetal work to do, sandblasting, drive train work, brakes, interior, the works. There are plenty of parts to buy too, and many donations to the cause.

DriveTrain The 302 Ford crate motor was donated along with the car by Mrs Ott. Randy at Ortigo Performance has provided much of the work here. It will produce approximately 340 horsepower and feature a billet front end with all billet pullies, polished alternator, power steering pump and AC compressor. A freshly rebuilt Toploader transmission by David Kee is next in line and a Hurst Competition Plus shifter will be added to finish it off.

Bodywork Initial sheetmetal work is being performed by Jerry Christopherson and Curtis Warren. Front and rear torque boxes, and two front sub frames were replaced.

Painting Eddie Siler is handling the paint. Here the car is on a rotisserie for prep work. Wimbledon White is the color. Guardsman Blue LeMans stripes will be painted on after that, followed by a healthy layer of clear.

Rear Axle Mark and Eddy put the finishing touches on the rear axle assembly. 2.79 gears rebuilt, housing painted nicely with epoxy red 3rd member. New drum brakes and brake cables. New wheel bearings.

Group Build Day #1 March 31, 2012 was the first group build day. Rear end, fuel system, front and rear suspension, deck lid, rear bumper and some underdash stuff. Group shot: Left-to-right: Curtis, Roger, Paul, Jim, Craig, Eddy, Mitch, Larry, Mark, Art, Lindsey, Rod, Mark, Larry, Danny, Jerry, Gary.

Group Build Day #2 May 12, 2012 was the second group build day. Clutch and transmission connected to engine, and into the engine compartment. Brake lines fabricated and installed. Glass. Door window molding installed. Car now on lift ready for the next phase. Group shot: Left-to-Right: Larry, Mitch, Jim, Curtis, Robert, John, Roger, Eddy, Rod, Larry, Jerry, Mark.

Engine Fire Up and First Run This video has stopped working due to bit rot.

Finished 8/4/2012

Mustang Monthly Magazine Article Sept 2012 issue of Mustang Monthly featured a short article about the Ott car project entitled "Pay It Forward Too". Mustang Monthly Magazine Article (article now gone)

Tyler Today Magazine Article Winter 2012 issue of Tyler Today Magazine ran a nice article on the Ott car project. Download the Article.

The Raffle! After completion, the Ott car was quickly snatched up by Tyler Ford, then donated back to be used for the 2013 raffle car at the 2012 East Texas Auto and Cycle Show. Proceeds from the raffle car benefited the East Texas Crisis center. The car generated an incredible amount of excitement and publicity with spots on local radio and even a helicopter view of the car driving down an east Texas highway for the TV news. Ticket sales were phenomenal topping out at $140,000. Add that to the $35,000 sale price and total proceeds were $175,000!! All of this benefits the Crisis Center and its noble work in East Texas.