Today Is the Ford Mustang’s Birthday

Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.

Mustang beginnings: the 1963 Mustang II concept and Bob Fria’s Mustang #002.

Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1^st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.

1968 High Country Special with the 428 Cobra Jet is one of nine built.

Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.

The best way for a Mustang to win in 1969 was to order a Mustang coupe with the 428 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack.

For the Mustang’s 50^th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.