Rev Up Those Engines for National Mustang Day
The Ford Motor Company made its official debut of the now-iconic Mustang at the World’s Fair in New York on April 17, 1964. This “pony car,” which was named after a World War II fighter plane, the P-51 Mustang, was initially priced at $2,368, and 400,000 were sold in its first year alone, blowing away all predicted numbers.
In honor of National Mustang Day, let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic models, and those that even graced the airwaves in TV and film.
First Promotional Photos and Commercials
Promotional shot of a red 1964 Ford Mustang convertible parked in a forest clearing with a couple sitting by a pine tree, 1964. This first series of the popular pony car is generally referred to as “1964 1/2 Mustangs,” because they were not rolled out in October of 1963 with the rest of the new 1964 Ford cars.
FPG/Getty Images
Aston Martin in Bond Movies and Other Silver Screen Appearances
Tania Mallet, who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger (1967), poses with her 1964 Mustang.
Courtesy Everett Collection
Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) outrunning the cops in downtown Las Vegas in a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1.
The classic San Francisco car chase scene in the movie Bullitt (1968) featured Steve McQueen driving a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, affectionately known as the Bullitt. Ford reintroduced the 2008 Bullitt after the Mustang’s revival in 2005. The Bullitt’s design was modified to mirror the classic 1968 shape featured in the movie. As in 1968, the car was stripped of badging, scoops and spoilers. The only location on the car boasting the name of this beast is the faux gas cap on the trunk. This limited production run was only available in 2008 and 2009.
And on the Small Screen…
Farrah Fawcett lights up the small screen in her 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II in Charlie’s Angels’ debut episode, “Hellride.”
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
And who could forget Brandon Walsh’s (Jason Priestley) new (old) 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible ride on Beverly Hills, 90210?
So get out there and celebrate this American icon today! Don’t own a Mustang? Maybe just crank Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” instead.
Stars & Cars
April 2018
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