It is a model synonymous with fun, freedom and performance. And today its fans around the world have every reason to celebrate, as the iconic Ford Mustang turns 60 years old.
The Mustang was first introduced at the New York World's Fair on 17 April 1964. It quickly managed to shatter stereotypes, setting a sales record in its first year of release with more than 418,000 cars. And it has been going strong ever since, with the Mustang being the world's best-selling sports car for more than 10 years.
To celebrate six decades of continuous production of the model, Ford is today introducing two new versions for Europe. The new Mustang California Special puts a modern twist on a special edition first introduced in 1968, while the new Mustang Nite Pony Package adds even more character with styling enhancements that stimulate emotion.
At the same time, heading towards an electric future in Europe, Ford is expanding its electric Mustang Mach-E family for the first time with the company opening the order books on 30 April for the stunning Mustang Mach-E Rally - the first EV to draw inspiration from Ford's participation in rally racing. To mark the Ford Mustang's birthday, the first details of the ordering process for the new Mustang GTD are also announced.
As part of the "Mustang Day" celebrations by Ford and Mustang enthusiasts, the "Ford Mustang Global Gallop" event is also part of the celebrations. Sixty Mustang ambassadors, journalists and bloggers will simultaneously take epic road trips to North America, South America, Europe, South Africa, South Africa, China and Australia to witness the enduring popularity of Ford's iconic sports car around the world.
Starting on April 17 and continuing throughout 2024, social media content creators who have already committed to the campaign include Andy To (@Andyto), Lauren Stoney (@lalafox92) and Uma Leoni (@Leonis.studios). Additional content creators, media and Ford Mustang ambassadors in markets around the world will be announced soon.
"Few cars have the history, heritage and global support as the Ford Mustang. And even fewer can boast 60 years of production-level support," said Jon Williams, general manager, Ford Blue, Europe. "Today's celebrations and new additions to the Mustang lineup capture the spirit of freedom and fun that have been cornerstones of Mustang's success for six decades - and now inspire technologies that will allow Mustang to gallop well into the future."
New Mustang. Same spirit
Ford today introduces the new Mustang California Special, a model for Europe that pays tribute to the much-loved special edition Mustang that first saw the light of day in 1968. This version captures the essence of West Coast American style with unique design features.
Available in eight striking exterior colour options, including Iconic Silver and Vapour Blue, the California Special version stands out for the distinctive stripes on its side surfaces that combine Medium Light Rave Blue and High and Low Gloss Black finishes. These carry a unique GT/CS inscription that is almost invisible in low light, but becomes much more visible in sunlight. Black bezels adorn the headlamps, while the 19-inch alloy wheels feature a machined surface with Rave Blue detailing, complemented by a GT/CS badge on the front grille and a GT logo on the trunk, both in the same color.
Inside the new Mustang California Special, the dominant elements are the Navy Pier upholstery and Ebony Black leather seats, with two-tone Raptor Blue and Metal Grey stitching running across the dashboard, doors, steering wheel and centre console, emphasising the exclusive nature of the model. The new Mustang California Special is available to order today in Mustang GT Convertible trim. Customers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic paired with the 5.0-liter V8 engine.
The new Nite Pony Package - also available to order today for the Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible with a choice of manual or automatic transmission paired with the 5.0-litre V8 engine - offers customers the option of styling their new Mustang with darker elements. This package includes Ebony Black painted alloy wheels, a black roof, mirror covers and headlight bezels, as well as black front and rear Pony badges that leave no doubt about the model's intentions.
Ready to play on asphalt or dirt
Customers in Europe can order the ground-breaking Mustang Mach-E Rally - which for the first time ever brings the freedom and fun of driving a Mustang on dirt - from 30 April.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally features dual racing-style exterior stripes, a unique front end design, a striking rear spoiler, and glossy 19" white alloy wheels inspired by Ford's long history of rally racing.
A twin-engine electric four-wheel drive system delivers a maximum torque of 950 Nm and 486 PS, 6, 7 while the specially tuned suspension is 20 mm higher than that of the Mustang Mach-E GT to increase the body-to-ground clearance.
Ford also confirmed today that the Mustang GTD, the boldest and most advanced Mustang ever, is coming to Europe. The ultra-high performance car, legally licensed for use on public roads, features cutting-edge technology such as active aerodynamics and semi-active suspension. It will be available for purchase in strictly limited numbers.
Attendees of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race that will take place on 15-16 June will have the opportunity to see the new Ford Mustang GTD while watching the purebred Mustang GT3 take part in the race. Expressions of interest in Europe for the Mustang GTD are expected to start this summer - more details will be announced soon.
A 60-year-old legend in progress
Since 1964 to date, seven generations of Mustang have been sold, totaling more than 10 million units. The iconic sports model has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music videos and video games and has become the world's most popular vehicle on Facebook.
The Mustang also holds a historic record in motorsport around the world, scoring its first Tour de France Automobile victory in its first year of production. Since then it has continued to win major victories and championships in sports car racing, drag racing and rallying.
The sporting spirit of the Ford Mustang continues to this day with the Mustang Dark Horse Spec R, GT4 and Mustang GT3 - which will lead Ford's return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this summer.
