***Mustang's 45th Celebration -- AL declares Mustang Day!***

[68fastback]

I figured I'd start a new thread for the April 17th Mustang 45th celebration.

The official site is Birmingham AL and the state has declared the day "Mustang Day."

Here's an update from Ford Media today which has also has the click thrus for the various mustang families all on the same page.

NYIAS at Javits Center in NYC also overlaps the anniversay date somaybe something special will happen there too?

Anyhow, thought a thread dedicated to all 45th anniversary stuff and pics might be a good idea.

[Dad's72Mach]

Man I can't believe I have to miss this too!

[68fastback]

Yeah, wish I could make it down to Birmingham too! I bet it will be one big party!! I guess NYIAS will have to suffice for me. Got my fingers crossed they show *something* new performance-wise ...sure would like to see a Coyote 5.0 preview or something like that.

[Qwk_Chik]

I showed my '04 mustang at Barber Motorsport Park for the Stampede a few years ago. It's an awesome sight to see. There were 100's of mustangs there, every year and style. Plus folks were driving their stangs on the race track.

[68fastback]

Sounds very cool! I can't wait for the pics ...Ford will certainly do something special for the 45th.

[68fastback]

This is a compilation I put together based on Ford Media’s lookback on Mustang milestones over the past several weeks, leading up to the April 17, 2009, Ford and Mustang Club of America four days of festivities at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham AL to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOOK BACK AT LEGENDARY MUSTANGON EVE OF ICON’S 45TH ANNIVERSARY



MUSTANG FACTS: 1964 – 1973

• The original Ford Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964 at a price of $2,368 – a bargain even at that time.
• Dealers were inundated with requests for the vehicle. In Garland, Texas, 15 customers bid on the same Mustang, and the winner insisted on sleeping in the car overnight to guarantee that it wouldn’t get sold from under him before his check cleared the next day.
• 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.
• Not much more than a month after its introduction, Ford’s new Mustang was on the racetrack as the pace car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500 race.
• The early Mustangs have figured prominently in hundreds of notable films to date, beginning in 1964 with the James Bond movie Goldfinger, in which Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 chased a white Mustang convertible.
• Mustang-crazed parents bought 93,000 pedal-powered children’s Mustangs during the 1964 Christmas season.
• In 1965, the Shelby GT350 was introduced, with a 306 horsepower V-8 engine, giving the Mustang performance credibility.
• Mustang sales passed the one million mark in March of 1966. The 1966 Mustang was the first – and perhaps the only – car to park on the 86th floor observation deck of New York’s Empire State Building. Ford engineers disassembled a 1966 Mustang convertible and took it up in four sections using the building’s passenger elevators.
• Mustang-mania hit full force. The 289-cid V-8 “Hi-Po” engine became available. Carroll Shelby adapted the Shelby GT350 for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competition, and the GT350 went on to win three straight SCCA national championships.
• The 1967 Mustang was considered by many to be the high water mark for Mustang design in the 1960s. The 2+2 model went from a semi-notchback to a sweeping full fastback roofline. Separate triple tail lamps, a longer nose and a bigger grille made for a more aggressive stance.
• In 1968, the 428 Cobra Jet engine was introduced as part of an option package aimed at enthusiasts, and it helped make the Shelby GT500 become King of the Road – KR.
• A “steed for every need” philosophy yielded 11 different powertrain combinations in 1969. New models added to the lineup included hot rods like the 290 horsepower Boss 302, the 375 horsepower Boss 429 and the Mach 1, giving the Mustang its muscle car heritage. The Grande luxury model also was introduced.
• In 1970, a ram air “Shaker” hood scoop could be ordered on any Mustang equipped with a 351-cid or larger V-8.
• The 1971 Mustangs were the biggest Mustangs ever – nearly a foot longer and some 600 pounds heavier than the originals. The Boss 351, with its 351 “Cleveland” V-8 and Cobra Jet heads, debuted. The Mach 1 was available with a variety of powertrains, topped by the 370 horsepower 429 Super Cobra Jet.
• In 1973, the impact of gasoline shortages, rising insurance premiums and emissions controls brought the muscle car era to a close. The 1973 model was the last original Falcon-platform Mustang, and the convertible model was discontinued.

MUSTANG FACTS: 1974 – 1982

• The completely redesigned Mustang II was introduced in 1974. Compared with the 1973 model, the Mustang II was 19 inches shorter and 490 pounds lighter. It was available in a notchback, including a luxury Ghia model and a 2+2 fastback. For the first time, there was no V-8 engine and no Mustang convertible option available.
• An orange 1973 Mustang Mach I was featured in a prominent role in the action movie Gone in 60 Seconds, which debuted in 1974.
• In 1975, V-8 power returned to the Mustang. But the 302-cid V-8 engine produced only 130 horsepower and came only with an automatic transmission.
• The Cobra II package joined the lineup in 1976, replete with non-functional hood scoop, racing stripes and front and rear spoilers. Available in white with blue stripes, blue with white stripes, and black with gold stripes, the Cobra II was intended to recall the looks of the famed Shelby Mustangs.
• In an attempt to appeal to convertible fans, fastback models became available with T-Top removable glass roof panels. A new Sports Performance Package added a four-speed manual transmission to the 302-cid V-8.
• In 1978, the new King Cobra model was the first Mustang to wear a 5.0 badge – the metric equivalent of 302 cubic inches.
• The new “Fox” platform made its debut in 1979. The new model was longer and taller than the Mustang II, yet it was 200 pounds lighter. A sleek, “Euro” design replaced many traditional Mustang styling cues. Engine choices included a 2.3-liter four-cylinder,
  a 2.8-liter V-6, a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder and a 140-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8.
• In 1980, the 302-cid V-8 engine was dropped and replaced by an economy-minded 119-horsepower, 255-cid V-8 derivative.
• In 1981, performance headed to the back burner, as the turbo four-cylinder was dropped from the Mustang engine lineup and new emissions controls dropped the 255-cid V-8’s power to 115 horsepower.
• In 1982, the Mustang GT returned after a 12-year absence. The 5.0-liter V-8, which delivered 157 horsepower was also back, and optional T-Tops returned.

MUSTANG FACTS: 1983 – 1993

• By 1983, the Mustang convertible was back. And so was the “Boss,” as Ford’s pony car steadily returned to its roots as a performance vehicle, following the gas crisis and tighter emissions standards that influenced the Mustangs of the 70s.
• In 1984, Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team created the Mustang SVO. It sported a front fascia with fog lamps, functional hood scoop and a unique dual-wing rear spoiler. A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced 175 horsepower.
• Also in 1984, a special V-8 powered Mustang GT was created to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Mustang. It was a special limited edition done in Oxford White with a Canyon Red interior.
• In 1985, Mustang received a 5.0-liter high output V-8 that made 210 horsepower when mated to a manual transmission. New Quadra-Shock rear suspension provided better acceleration and reduced wheel hop on fast takeoffs.
• Mustang’s V-8 traded its carburetor for sequential multi-port fuel injection in 1986.
• In 1987, the Mustang was restyled with a new “aero-look” body. The 5.0-liter V-8 produced 225 horsepower.
• For its 25th Anniversary, all Mustangs produced between April 17, 1989 and April 17, 1990 sported the familiar running horse on the dashboard with “25 Years” inscribed underneath.
• In 1990, Mustang sported a driver’s-side airbag as standard equipment.
• In 1991, entry-level Mustangs received an improved 105-horsepower, twin-plug 2.3-liter four-cylinder with distributorless ignition. All V-8 models came with new five-spoke 16 x 7-inch cast aluminum wheels.
• The stealthy Mustang LX 5.0 developed a cult following in 1992 and outsold all other models combined. Wire-style wheel covers and whitewall tires disappeared from the options list.
• In 1993, Ford’s new Special Vehicle Team (SVT) introduced the limited-production SVT Mustang Cobra with subtle but distinctive styling cues and performance upgrades. The low-volume 1993 Cobra R, developed to be used as a race car, sold out prior to production.

MUSTANG FACTS: 1994 – PRESENT

• The 1994 Mustang, which ushered in the fourth generation of Mustangs, was dramatically restyled to evoke its pony car heritage. The hatchback style was dropped, leaving the two-door coupe and convertible. The SVT (Special Vehicle Team) Cobra launched with a 240-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8.
• 1995 was the final model year for the 5.0-liter V-8, which began life as the 260- and later 289-cid engine. The second SVT Cobra R was introduced with a 300-horsepower 5.8-liter V-8 and five-speed manual transmission.
• In 1996, Mustang GTs and SVT Mustang Cobras were equipped for the first time with 4.6-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V-8, which produced 305 horsepower.
• Ford’s Passive Anti-Theft System became standard on all models in 1997.
• In 1998, the output of Mustang GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 was increased to 225 horsepower.
• A redesigned Mustang debuted in 1999. It sported sharper lines, pronounced wheel arches plus new hood, grille, fascias and lamps. The SVT Mustang Cobra became the first Mustang with independent rear suspension. The 4.6-liter DOHC V-8 produced 320 horsepower.
• In 2000, the third Mustang SVT Cobra R was produced in a 300-unit run. It came with a 386-horsepower, 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 mated to Mustang’s first ever six-speed transmission.
• Inspired by the 1968 movie, the first Mustang Bullitt GT model was offered. It featured unique side scoops, 17-inch “Bullitt”-styled wheels and lowered and specially-tuned suspension.
• In 2002, production ended for two of Mustang’s closest competitors: Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
• The Mach I returned in 2003 with a 305-horsepower V-8 under a signature ram-air “Shaker” hood scoop. The supercharged SVT Mustang Cobra produced 390 horsepower.
• In 2004, Ford produced its 300 millionth car – a Mustang GT convertible 40th anniversary edition. The 2004 models were the last cars built at Ford’s fabled Dearborn Assembly Plant, which built Mustangs since the car’s 1964 introduction.
• In 2005, production of the all-new Mustang moved to Flat Rock, Mich. Plant. The Mustang’s V-6 engine was increased to 4.0-liters and the V-8 increased to 300 horsepower.
• The V-6 “Pony Package” debuted in 2006. GT models got 18-inch wheels, and owners could configure instrument panel lighting in 125 different colors, an industry first, using Ford’s MyColor instrument gauge.
• In 2007, Ford introduced a special “Warriors in Pink” Mustang, designed to help raise funds for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure breast cancer research. The vehicle lineup also included the Mustang Shelby GT and the Shelby GT500KR. The second limited-edition Mustang Bullitt was introduced in November.
• The 9 millionth Mustang – a GT convertible – was built in 2008 and sold to an Iowa farmer.
• The 2009 Mustang features a glass roof option and special 45th anniversary badging.
• The 2010 Mustang was introduced in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It cleverly combines modern technology with Mustang heritage and a V-8 with even more horsepower and even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound. It will be available at Ford dealerships later this spring.

I liked this quote in the latest info release on the development of the new GT500, but back in 2005 ...speaker is Hau Tai-Tang:

“Automotive legend Carroll Shelby was driving one of our convertible test mules, and I was riding in the passenger seat when a young man pulled up to us in a Camaro. He looked over and saw an 82-year-old man driving a funny looking Mustang, and he wanted to race us,” recalls Thai-Tang. “Needless to say he lost the race. When he finally caught up with us, he did a doubt [sic 'double?'] take. He realized that it was no ‘ordinary’ 82-year-old and no ‘ordinary’ Mustang!”

[Johnny Dangerously]

Thanks Dan!


`

[68fastback]

Originally Posted by Johnny Dangerously

Thanks Dan!


`

I was thinking that experience (the Hau Tai-Tang quote at the end) must have stuck in his mind because he prolly had to clean his shorts after being a passenger with CS in a drag race -- especially since he knows CS can barely see. I think I'd remember that too ;-)

[68fastback]

Ford Press Releases: April 16, 2009:

• FORD MUSTANG MAKES MOVIE MAGIC FOR 45 YEARS - April 16, 2009
• THE GREAT MUSTANG DEBATE: 1964½ OR 1965? - April 16, 2009
• CLOSE-KNIT TEAM LISTENS TO, IMPLEMENTS CUSTOMER INPUT IN CREATING 2010 MUSTANG - April 16, 2009
• ORIGINAL 1964½ MUSTANG OWNERS HEAD DOWN MEMORY LANE, ALABAMA FOR PONY CAR’S 45TH ANNIVERSARY - April 16, 2009
• MUSTANG CELEBRATES 45 YEARS AS KING OF THE AMERICAN ROAD - April 16, 2009