Classic Raw Horsepower

Cars from the 60s are not considered just cars...they are classics! From the moment they rolled off the assembly line, they made their mark in automobile history: Mustang. GTO. Camaro. Charger. Barracuda. The list goes on. Cruising in an American made 60s classic car was, and still is, an irresistible thrill!

This Day in History: April 17, 1964

Today, focus is on the Ford Mustang, which was first shown to the public at the 1964 New York World's Fair. It was a smash hit! No wonder in 1964, Motor Trend's Car of the Year award went to the entire Ford lineup, recognizing its combination of design, engineering excellence, and performance.

It began with a vision...

A car that would seat four people, have bucket seats, a floor mounted shifter, be no more than 180 inches long, weigh less than 2500 pounds, and sell for less than $2500.00. ~1961, Lee Iacocca

It evolved into...

1962 Mustang Prototype

1963 Mustang Prototype

The First Production Mustang to Roll Off The Assembly Line

The Ford Mustang was heavily advertised during the latter part of it's development. On April 16, 1964, the day before it's release, Ford ran simultaneous commercials at 9:30 pm on all three major television networks, ABC, NBC, and CBS. The following day, April 17, 1964, people "attacked" the Ford showrooms. Everyone was in a frenzy to be one of the first to own the Mustang. Ford sold over 22,000 Mustangs the first day. By the end of the year, Ford had sold 263,434. By the end of the Mustang's first anniversary, April 17, 1965, Ford had sold 418,812 Mustangs. The Mustang had made a name for itself, and it was here to stay!!!
Source: History of the Ford Mustang

And stay it did indeed!

2015 Ford Mustang

2015 Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition pays homage to 1964
 

2016 Ford Mustang

2016 Ford Mustang to Offer Nostalgic Trim Package

The Mustang is one of Ford’s classic and most well-known vehicles. This iconic car has been the target of the arts and music for decades and has appeared in hundreds of movies.

 

Was the Mustang named after a horse?

Related Articles:

Cars in the 1960s

Of Half a Dozen Pony Cars of the 1960s, Only Ford Mustang Remains

How did the Ford Mustang get its name?

How the Mustang Became a Legend