Miguel Sánchez
On January 30, one of the most beloved and appreciated people for the followers of the Ford Mustang in our country passed away in Vitoria at the age of 67. Just one among her various dedications. Being a man happily remembered by all the friends, relatives and neighbors of Miranda de Ebro with whom we have been able to speak. And it is that One of the best marked characteristics in the life of Julio Santamaría was his multifaceted character.. Thus, in the first place his professional endeavors were towards architecture.
Work in which he stood out as a person aware of the function of buildings and urban planning. Paying special attention to the needs of people with reduced mobility. Furthermore, he did not only focus on creating an architecture for the present. far from it, he was also interested in the past rescuing the urban history of Miranda de Ebro. In this way, Julio Santamaría made it clear that only by studying and guarding what precedes us can we properly think about the future.
A vision that he also knew how to bring to the field of motorsports. Where he stood out as one of the most active members of the mustang club. At this point, many of you will remember Julio Santamaría for his appearance in various reports for publications such as Motor Clásico, Auto Bild or even this same header. In that sense, the presence of Julio Santamaría was a constant in the recurring Mustang rides. Being known and recognized by the guild of fans of this model thanks to its encyclopedic knowledge about it.
Something that also led to mechanics, being a visible face in the creation of the Mustang Fastback '65 Restomod. Laborious creation gestated for years starting in 2002. Where a group of friends with Julio Santamaría among them worked meticulously on a Mustang inspired by the Shelby 350 GT created for the conquest of the American SCCA. Five years were necessary to give him an injection. With a restomod approach that, for the peace of mind of the most purists, can revert the modifications to their original state with just a few days of workshop.
Undoubtedly a true virguería, which is and will be one of Julio Santamaría's greatest contributions to the Mustang legacy in our country. A man who will be remembered by his family and friends along with the love for this model, being a great loss for the panorama of classics in our country. From here our memory and affection for all those who leave here.
Images: Unai Ona / Mustang Club
