The Ford Mustang Turns 45

Can you believe it? The iconic Ford Mustang has reached middle age–a cool 45 years old. The Ford Motor Company is commemorating the event with a four-day celebration in Birmingham, Alabama. The first Mustang was unveiled to the public on On April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The car, with its long hood, short rear deck and sporty features, caused quite a sensation.

“When the Mustang was unveiled, the reaction was so positive that there was no doubt it was going to be a success,” recalls Joe Oros, chief designer of Ford’s original pony car – dubbed the 1964 1/2 because it was launched at an unusual halfway point in the year.

The 1964 1/2 Mustang debuted at a price of $2,368 – a bargain even in 1964. Ford expected annual sales of about 100,000 units. But 22,000 Mustang orders were taken on the first day, and sales reached an astounding 417,000 in the car’s first 12 months on the market. Within two years, Mustang sales reached one million.

Happy Birthday, Mustang!

(photo credit: Newscom)