In anticipation of the 2015 Washington Auto Show, representatives from Ford Motor Company fanned out across the Capitol to deliver commemorative models of the latest Mustang to the 150-odd members of Congress whose districts produce parts for the iconic muscle car.  

The automotive swag took Rep. Mike Quigley back to a simpler time — an era of kid-free living, and working odd jobs (construction, fast food) to scrape together just enough scratch to put him behind the wheel of his first American-made ride.  

“You know how in those romantic movies the music swells up and a light shines down from above on your beloved? That’s how I felt,” the Illinois Democrat said of the dreamlike state he entered upon spying the Army green, hard-top 1966 Mustang that stole his teenage heart.

“It’s still my favorite car I’ve ever owned,” Quigley told HOH.  

The love affair only lasted a short while; Quigley said he had to relinquish those cherished wheels once he shipped off to college.  

Since then, Quigley estimates he’s owned at least three other Mustangs, including a 1975 model that continues to stick out in his mind. And he’d be happy to return to the fold in the future.  

“What I would like to do … once I take care of all my kids’ student loans, is buy a red 1965 Mustang and fully restore it,” he said. “I’d like to come full circle.”  

As for the keepsake, Quigley said it’s already been given a place of honor. “It’s on display in the front of my office,” he said.  

Quigley wasn’t the only one to score some new office bling.  

A Ford aide said the replicas were distributed to the 50 senators and roughly 100 House lawmakers who represent districts that contribute to the continued success of the flagship vehicle.  

Fellow recipients included: Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell, and Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (assembly); Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., and Sens. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., and Mark S. Kirk, R-Ill. (head lamps); California Democratic Rep. Janice Hahn and Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein (wheels); Rep. Mike D. Rogers, R-Ala., and Sens. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., and Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala. (radiators); Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Niki Tsongas and Sens. Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren (fasteners); South Carolina Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott (emissions sensors); and Tennessee Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. and Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker (alternators).  

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