Network
The history of the Ford Mustang has been studied and dissected by everyone from marketing majors to American historians; that’s how important and successful the Blue Oval’s pony car was. Many historically-significant cars are either owned by Ford itself, or by high-end collectors who pay top dollar to have a piece of motoring Americana in their garage.
The Detroit Free Press reports that this past weekend, Ford held a classic car show at its Dearborn headquarters, drawing thousands of spectators from across the area. The automaker had two special surprises for those that made the trip, including the first Mustang ever sold to a member of the public, and Henry Ford II’s unique prototype Mustang.
The first Ford Mustang ever sold; a turquoise convertible.
Henry Ford’s prototype Mustang was built to the exact specifications of “Hank the Deuce” as he was often called. It featured, among other things, a hi-po 289 K-code V8 engine, a four-speed transmission, red pin striping, and a custom leather interior of the caliber one might expect the owner of Ford to be accustomed to. The car was built in February of 1964, prior to the first cars rolling off assembly line, at the time there were rumors of a black Mustang prowling the streets of downtown Detroit, this could have been that mythical car. Hank gave the Mustang to his chauffeur, and it changed hands a few more times, eventually the car ended up with Art Cairo, who put it on display for the crowd.
But perhaps even more significant is the first Mustang ever sold, and it all happened by chance. Gail Wise had just completed college and wanted to buy her first car, but when she went to the Ford dealer they didn’t have any convertibles on the lot. But they did have one in the background, a yet-to-be-unveiled Ford Mustang, and Wise bought it on the spot, two days before it was officially revealed to a ravenous public. A possible oversight by the dealer, Wise was driving the car on the streets of Chicago before Ford had officially unveiled it to the public. No wonder she recounts feeling like a celebrity everywhere she went as the car garnered so much attention.
Over 1,000 cars were on display at the show. Having just one ultra-rare or unique Mustang at a classic car show can be a big deal; but having two historically-significant Mustangs at the same Sunday show? That’s something special.
