When the Ford Mustang debuted in 1964, a new market known as pony cars was created. While the oldies are goodies, the 2010 convertible Mustang GT is one of my favorites.

Usually when a convertible is presented for my test drive, the Northwest weather performs its usual cold, downpour act. This time was no different! However, I did have the opportunity to experience the 2010 convertible Mustang GT last summer during a terrific sunny drive through the winding roads of central Oregon. So now I can report how the vehicle rides and drives topless as well as with the roof up.

This year’s GT model offers updated styling and exceptional performance enhancements. Some of the upgrades were previously offered on Mustang’s GT500 and Bullitt optional packages.

The interior of the 2010 Mustang GT has been vastly improved over the previous model. The instrument panel stretches from the base of the windshield to the top of the center console contains instruments with fully round dials. Most of the dash is attractive aluminum with molding that looks rich and is softer than the hard plastic panels in the previous model. The leather seats are sport oversize and the contrast stitching with an accent stripe make the interior beautiful. I drove a grabber blue GT and the interior was charcoal black with the grabber blue accent stripe. The interior was incredible. One optional feature that I found especially nice is the rear video camera with the image appearing in the interior rear view mirror. Reverse driving is made even easier with just one place to look inside the vehicle.

After a complete redesign five years ago, the 2010 Mustang is a refinement that brings the exterior looks back to the 1969 Mustang. The muscular rear fender lines and the four light grille resemble the older Mustang.

The 4.6-liter, 315 horsepower V-8 powered GT comes standard with 8×18 inch wheels, but my drive included the 19-inch aluminum wheels. The previous model’s Bullitt package was the inspiration for stiffer rear springs and recalibrated shocks, which reduce body roll during hard cornering. These changes definitely upgrade the ride and handling and made the 2010 Mustang GT tremendous fun to drive on the winding mountain roads in central Oregon. The well-matched five speed manual transmission is the only way to go in this new Mustang.

Because I did have the opportunity to drive the vehicle with both the top down in very decent weather and then put the top up to weather the storm, I am happy to report that the convertible top is extremely easy to maneuver. In the Northwest it’s also nice to ride in a convertible that you cannot hear the beating rain on the soft roof.

While other muscle cars have come and gone and some have returned, I can totally understand the reason that the 2010 Mustang GT remains at the top of the list of desired muscle cars. I had a hard time handing over the keys when my drive time was over!

Sally Hanson has resided in Kirkland 30 years and is a freelance automotive journalist who has test driven more than 1,000 vehicles over the past 20 years. She is scholarship chair for the Northwest Automotive Press Association and co-owns Juanita Bay Pharmacy with her husband, Don.