Mustang Archives Tour
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Internal executive correspondence, known as “Blue Letters,” from 1962 outlines the business rationale for the Mustang, then known as “Special Falcon,” due to strong competition.
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Internal executive correspondence, known as “Blue Letters,” from 1962 outlines the business rationale for the Mustang, then known as “Special Falcon,” due to strong competition.
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Archival objects highlighting Mustang's first generation are seen here, as well as artifacts from the years leading up to Mustang’s launch, including the pre-production Mustang I prototype, an experimental mid-engined, two-seater. -
Mustang’s introduction at the 1964 World’s Fair is seen here through photos, a press release, and other materials. The car’s debut came with a chance for visitors to take a ride in Mustang, and several other Ford vehicles, along the Magic Skyway, a collaboration with Disney. -
Only five months after its debut, Mustangs prepared by Alan Mann Racing snapped Jaguar’s five-year run of victories in touring-class races, finishing first and second in the grueling Tour de France championship series—a 10-day, 3,500-mile, eight-race, eight-hill climb event. The two Mustangs that finished were part of a group of only 19 entrants to finish out of the 56 who started the race. The Mustangs captured nine trophies at some of the most famous European tracks — Le Mans, Reims, Rouen and Monza. The winning Mustang was driven by Peter Proctor and Andrew Gowan. -
Here, Mustang’s launch is seen through the pages of the Ford Times, a former long-running lifestyle magazine published by Ford from 1908 to 1993 which was recently uploaded to the Ford Heritage Vault. -
“Mustangers” as Mustang fans are affectionately called, began forming Mustang clubs almost as soon as the car was available. The first Mustang clubs were sponsored by Ford dealers, but they allowed any car owner to join, except for clubs in California which only allowed Mustang owners. Clubs host events and car shows to bring “Mustangers” of all ages together to share their love of the car and their community. There are more than 300 active Mustang clubs around the world today. -
Almost as soon as it was introduced, Mustang was embraced in pop culture, becoming the famous chase vehicle from the 1968 film “Bullitt,” and it was also included in the James Bond films and even “Charlie’s Angels.” -
The 1973 Mustang II was a complete redesign. The second-generation Mustang was significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Mustang II was actually quite technologically advanced for its time with rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes, well-appointed interiors and full instrumentation as standard equipment. The third generation, known by fans as the “Fox body” Mustang, was launched for the 1979 model year. This Mustang had significantly more leg and shoulder room than the Mustang II. -
The Mustang Cobra II was introduced in 1976 and confused some as there was no official Mustang Cobra I at that time. The Cobra II was followed by the King Cobra in 1978 and the Mustang Cobra in 1979. -
The “Fox body” platform was one of the most long-lived and successful platforms for the Mustang nameplate with production running from 1979 to 1993. -
Mustang’s motorsport heritage was prominent from the very beginning and continues through today. It has used connections to Indy as a pace car on several occasions—including one month after launch — and many other forms of racing—drag racing, sports cars, rally, NASCAR—to help build its brand and promote its sporty image. Mustang has gone from Total Performance to Dark Horse and GT3. -
One of Mustang’s most-remembered moments occurred when Ford disassembled and then reassembled one of the cars atop the Empire State Building in 1966. Ford re-created that feat in 2014, the Pony car’s 50th anniversary, with the launch of the sixth-generation Mustang. -
The sixth-generation Mustang went global in more than 100 markets around the world with both left- and right-hand drive configurations in 2015. -
In 2018, Ford celebrated the production of the 10 millionth Mustang at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The Mustang family expanded for the 2021 model year with the launch of the all-new electrified Mustang Mach-E. Ford recently launched the seventh-generation Mustang in 2023 and it’s the most exhilarating yet! With the limited-edition Mustang GTD and the performance-centered Mustang Dark Horse. -
The current seventh-generation Mustang recently launched with the car’s first new performance series in more than two decades, the Mustang Dark Horse. -
Ford has partnered with influencer and actress Sydney Sweeney, a Mustang and Bronco enthusiast, to create a line of workwear that celebrates Mustang’s history, as well as a custom-designed Mustang that was won by a female Mustang enthusiast who challenges expectations in her daily life.
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