Serena Channing and her hot-pink XD Fairmont Ghia have sparked a new generation of Iron Maiden enthusiasts. The vibrant color of the car was a joint decision between Serena and her seven-year-old daughter Laura, a budding go-karting champion. The entire project, from selecting the color to building the car, has been a family endeavor for these dedicated Ford fans.
When it comes to cars, the Channing family is all about Fords, with a collection of V8s and turbocharged vehicles. Even Serena’s daily driver is a BF Typhoon. The XD Fairmont Ghia holds a special place as Laura’s favorite, among other family cars. The family’s passion for cars extends to the youngest member, with Serena mentioning how her son showed excitement while she was around cars during her pregnancy.
The XD build journey began in February 2020 when the family acquired a rolling shell of the XD Fairmont Ghia. Stripping it down became a collaborative effort, with even young Laura getting involved in the process. Over the next ten months, Chris, Serena’s husband, dedicated himself to panel work, addressing body imperfections and giving the car a flawless finish in hot pink fuchsia candy paint.
Opting for a white trim in a car frequented by young children might seem bold, but for Serena, the combination of pink and white was a natural choice. The interior features marine vinyl that is easy to maintain and clean. The car’s functionality is enhanced with calibrated gauges and a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter for smoother gear changes during drag races.
The heart of the XD Fairmont Ghia is a 351 Clevo engine with 2V closed-chamber heads, a high-performance cam, and running on E85 fuel. The engine, built with assistance from experts like Bob Gurskie and Dave Gilroy, is paired with a manualized C4 transmission and a BorgWarner differential with 4.11 gears. The car currently delivers around 370 horsepower at the hubs on a street-friendly tune.
While the XD Fairmont Ghia is designed for both street and race applications, Serena has yet to push it to its limits on the track due to her recent motherhood. However, she envisions taking the car to the drag strip where it is expected to clock impressive quarter-mile times. Future plans may involve adding nitrous oxide to further boost the car’s performance.
Serena’s story exemplifies a deep-rooted passion for cars that transcends generations. With her daughter already embracing the thrill of motorsports, the XD Fairmont Ghia stands as a symbol of family unity and automotive enthusiasm. As Serena and her family continue to showcase their custom creations at events and shows, the hot-pink XD Fairmont Ghia remains a testament to their unwavering dedication to the Ford brand and the street machine culture.
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