Of the numerous cars that are driven by students from Rio Americano, many cars come to mind for their beauty and unique characteristics. This car of the month is no exception. 

Rio Senior Christian O’Kelly drives a beautiful 2002 Mustang GT that he has named Jolene. Jolene is painted in a gray tone, has a V8 engine, and has a racing fin in the back.

O’Kelly’s car has had much work done on it.  Its been worked on its stirring rack, engine, cooling system, and sound system. All completed by O’Kelly himself.

“It’s something that I find fun trying to figure out its issues,” said O’Kelly. He also feels that working on cars is a peaceful pastime, especially with the sound of rain hitting his garage. 

O’Kelly grew up in a small Oregon town where everyone drove beaten up cars. He thought that was what everyone had, but when his cousin rolled up in their bright red Mustang of the same model O’Kelly was inspired. 

O’Kelly bought his Mustang last November all the way up in Vancouver, Washington. Although it was missing many parts and had to endure a rain storm it still made its journey home to Sacramento.

This is not O’Kelly’s first car, as a matter of fact this is not his first Mustang either. He also has had a 2008 Mustang. This is where O’Kelly got his hands on experience with cars.

One of the fun things to mention about the car is its cooling system. O’Kelly is in the middle of fixing up his car and hasn’t been able to get all the parts he needs yet.

However, when hot weather rolled into town a couple months back, he used his ingenuity to come up with a solution. In his dash he has made a control to the car’s fans with a red wire that is connected to a small switch at the end. It’s really clever and fun to show friends. 

O’Kelly’s car is exciting to watch. As he starts the car you can feel the rhythm of the engine roar into action. Then it smoothly rolls onto the street and flies away like an eagle.

Jolene may be loud but she is fair to her driver and her driver is fair to her. O’Kelly said,

 “it has its quirks and a tendency for overheating but I feel like that makes the car more special.”

O’Kelly posing with his car.