How the Ford Mustang made its way to the top

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Few cars have captured the imagination of the world as the Ford Mustang. Run in 1964, it was the perfect four -wheel symbol of fun and freedom at a time when road trips were in fashion and the United States roads were racing the way for new automotive adventures. With its sharp lines, long and chrome details, the car became an instant cultural icon, starring in Goldfinger The same year was released.

FordThe formula for Mustang was simple: a thunderous engine in the front and a clean design that would attract a new mobile generation up. The recently designated design vice president, Gene Bordinat JR, realized the vision with a car that shared the proportions of a European sports car: his short and wide butt gave him a crouched and ready to obtain a stipulated posture. “We talked about the sports car was not too masculine, too male,” said Joe Oros, Ford’s car and truck at that time, said years later. “I had to attract both women and men.”

A new Mustang cost around $ 2,400 in 1964 (around $ 24,000 today), which was won by the nickname the “blue neck supercar”. Ford sold 418,000 models in its first 12 months; Six decades later, it is the best -selling coupe of all time. Now, following the 60th anniversary celebrations of Mustang, the model is back on the radars of the collectors.

The success of Mustang in the competition has helped consolidate its convenience. In 1964, he assured a victory in the tour of the Tour de France tour. Ford went on to promote a long -term association with Shelby, who produced more powerful and light road versions, such as the GT350, a road car “ready for the race” designed to face competitors such as Chevrolet Corvette.

The original GT350H, a special editing model produced exclusively for the Hertz rental car company, obtained the nickname of “Rent-A-Race”. Only 1,000 were made. That car now has prices that are 10 to 20 percent more than regular GT350 for rarity, according to Hagerty car insurer. A GT350H in early 1966 was sold at an auction per RM Sotheby’s in 2020 for $ 274,400.

Mustang is a muscle symphony and could

But the most popular models are those that have appeared in cinema or television. The Mustang has starred innumerable films: in 1999 he appeared with Pierce Brosnan in Thomas Crown’s issueand appeared in BullittIn what some have considered the best car persecution scene of all time. Highland Green Mustang GT390 Fastback that Steve McQueen drove through the San Francisco hills is one of the most expensive Mustangs ever sold at an auction: it was for $ 3.74mn in mecum auccs in 2020. The Mustang has also appeared in the action movies Diamonds are forever (1971), Basic instinct (1992), Transformers (2007) and John Wick (2014).

However, it is possible to choose an early model of good condition for less than £ 20,000, and you can find restoration projects for less, with easily available pieces on both sides of the Atlantic. In the United Kingdom, look for V8 pilgrim for restored classic fusegs or with oxfordshire headquarters Modurstang For service, adjustment and restoration. In the United States, Florida headquarters Speed It offers restored and subtle Mustangs, as well as the specialist Mustang based in Oklahoma Jason Engel, who has built more than 600 models.

“It is the only car that everyone speaks when they see one, even if they are not a car person,” says Mustang Collector Sam Gray, owner of a Mach 1 of 1969, who is resting with Modurstang, and a tune 2019 5.0 5.0 GT. “I couldn’t think of a better way to travel from A B.”

For a contest status or early contest order with an interesting origin, you must expect to pay between £ 50,000 and £ 150,000: in 2022, a 1968 SHELBY GT500 convertible was sold, previously owned and restored by the US car collector. UU. . by Wide arrow auctions in New York for $ 160,000. Finished in Highland Green, the car wears a white racing strip along the sinizers and a black leather interior.

With the values ​​that continue to climb, the Mustang remains a safe bet for investors. “They are a symphony of muscle and power,” says Gray. “I have loved them since I was a child, but I never feel too comfortable. They are a wild horse, after all. ”