Ford’s iconic Mustang turns 50 this year and to mark that milestone, the big American coupe will be celebrated with a special display at the 2014 Motorclassica at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from 24 to 26 October.
Mustang is Ford’s most famous nameplate and its introduction in 1964 is widely credited as the start of car ‘personalisation’, thanks to an endless list of accessories that buyers could choose from.
Adding to the possible permutations, over the years the Mustang has also been available in fastback, coupe and convertible body styles.
Enthusiasts will also cite the Mustang as the world’s first ‘Pony Car’ and, as V8 engine sizes grew, the fast Ford was instrumental in kicking off the Muscle Car era of the late ’60s and early ’70s.
“Ford’s Mustang is certainly iconic, it’s easily Ford’s most recognised and revered nameplate across the globe,” Motorclassica Event Director Paul Mathers said.
“Five decades of production is a tremendous achievement and, thanks to that famous ‘personalisation’ accessories list, there must have been millions of different combinations built along the way.
“At Motorclassica we’re featuring the landmark models from the very earliest and original Mustang to the most sought-after and valuable, like the Boss 302 and 429s and a Shelby GT-500KR.”
Rarest of all, there’s a 2007 Shelby Mustang “Fender” special edition – as in Fender Guitars – which is one of only two in the world!
Also on show at Motorclassica will be a Mustang Mach 1, an original Shelby GT 350H former Hertz rental car and a Mustang Eleanor, the much-modified fastback made famous by the 1974 film ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’.
And finally, there’s the newly-completed toolroom replica of the famous EXP 500 “Green Hornet” machine.
From: To
Royal Exhibition Building
9 Nicholson Street Carlton 3053