Ford Mustang

Since its roaring debut in 1964, the Mustang has been synonymous with power, performance, and an unrivaled driving experience. Get ready to rev your engines as we explore the heart and soul of the Ford Mustang

This page is your gateway to the exhilarating history, design evolution, and enduring legacy of the Ford Mustang muscle car. From the classic models that sparked a revolution to the cutting-edge iterations of today, join us on a journey through the storied past and thrilling present of this automotive icon.

Contents

1. History of the Ford Mustang
   
2. First Mustang Sold (Video)
   
3. How To Transport a Ford Mustang
   
4. National Mustang Day
   

 

History of the Ford Mustang

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Every great story has a memorable beginning, and the origin of the Ford Mustang is no exception.

1964 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is a very famous & popular American sports car built by the Ford Motor Company beginning in 1964.

The first cars were built in Ford's Dearborn, Michigan factory on March 9 of that year and the car was first shown to the public on April 17 at the New York World's Fair. [1]

It did not cost a lot of money, but it was still very fancy and looked like a much more expensive car. People could order their Mustang with many options and body styles, such as a convertible, 2+2 (fastback), or coupe.

'64 Mustang engine

Many different engines were available, from the 170 CID six-cylinder to some of Ford's biggest and most powerful V-8 engines in later years. This meant car buyers could have a Mustang that saved gas or a more powerful and fast car. More than one million Mustangs were sold in only two years.

The Mustang is still being sold today and is still very popular. It was so popular and so different when it was introduced that the Mustang and other cars from other makers which looked like the Mustang were given the name "ponycar." The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by Ford from March 1964 until 1973. The introduction of the Mustang created a new class of automobile known as the pony car. [2]

The Mustang’s styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular and inspired a host of competition.

'64 Mustang interior

It was initially introduced on April 17, 1964, as a hardtop and convertible with the fastback version put on sale in August 1964. At the time of its introduction, the Mustang, sharing its underpinnings with the Falcon, was slotted into a compact car segment. With each revision, the Mustang saw an increase in overall dimensions and in engine power. The 1971 model saw a drastic redesign to its predecessors. After an initial surge, sales were steadily declining, as Ford began working on a new generation Mustang.

With the onset of the 1973 oil crisis, Ford was prepared, having already designed the smaller Mustang II for the 1974 model year. This new car had no common components with preceding models.

 

First Ford Mustang sold to Gail Wise

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Before the Ford Mustang officially hit showrooms on April 17, 1964, a 22-year-old schoolteacher named Gail Wise unknowingly made history. On April 15, 1964, she walked into Johnson Ford in Chicago looking for a new car and left behind the wheel of a brand-new Skylight Blue Mustang convertible. It was two days before the Mustang’s official launch, making Gail the first retail buyer of what would become one of America’s most iconic vehicles. [3]

The Mustang legend began with Gail Wise □
First buyer. Pure history.
□ https://t.co/0mrwf7VRoT#FordMustang #GailWise #CarHistory □
Video by arthurliceaga7780 on Youtube pic.twitter.com/0NwYAh5dC9

— Viceroy Auto Transport (@ViceroyAuto) February 2, 2026

At the time, she simply wanted a fun, stylish car. Little did she know, that convertible would become a piece of automotive history. Gail kept the car for decades, eventually restoring it with her husband, and today she proudly shares her story at Mustang events nationwide. Her purchase marked the beginning of a legendary legacy and proves that sometimes, history is made by being in the right place at the right time, with the top down and the engine running. 

Gail Wise, recognized as the first owner of a Ford Mustang

 

How to Transport a Ford Mustang by Auto Carrier

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Something has come up which requires you to send your muscle car somewhere without you and driving it is not an option. Its time to ship your Ford Mustang Pony and you have no idea where to turn to or who to call.

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 speeding up the highway

Lets face it. You want a quality Auto Transport Carrier but you do not want to spend too much money. The cheaper the auto carrier, the better for your pockets as the customer. That is where Viceroy Auto Transport Services comes in. We specialize in Nationwide routes and would love to be a part of getting your Mustang picked up and delivered. Our preferred auto carrier network of available direct vehicle hauling drivers are ready to make your next automotive transportation delivery a breeze.

Here are the most common ways to get your Ford Mustang transported:

Open Auto Transport

Hauling your Ford Mustang on an open-air auto carrier is the most popular way of shipping automobiles in the auto transportation industry. All Auto Shippers active on the road are required by law to have full insurance cargo coverage through every single one of their loads.

Ford Mustangs loaded onto Open Car Carrier

The price is fairly competitive as well. Always ask your car shipping logistics agent for all insurance documents which should be included in your final quote or estimate. On an open-air car hauler, expect your Ford Mustang to be loaded on with about 4 to 9 other cars, trucks, vans or S.U.V.s. Most open-air car haulers are built to transport up to nine vehicles in some cases. Sometimes, even up to 10 units depending on weight and size of each automobile. Open Auto Transport is by far the most economic and safest way to reliably ship a Ford Mustang.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed auto carrier trailers will usually cost a bit more than an open auto carrier hauler but in the end is well worth it depending on your car shipping needs. This is definitely true if you're transporting an exotic, classic, luxury or antique vehicle which cannot come under the risk of elements during the automotive shipment process. In this case, you are moving the Ford Mustang and the option of going Enclosed Carrier is completely up to you.

Ford Mustang in Enclosed Transport Trailer

When looking into this option, make sure to ask for a soft sided enclosed trailer to ship your Ford Mustang as they will be at a reduced rate compared to a hard-sided enclosed auto transportation trailer. Again, this option should usually be reserved for the more higher-end Ford Mustang such as the Ford Cobra or Ford Shelby as the cost is a bit more than the standard rates issued by the average open car shipper.

As always, remember to ask your auto shipping logistics agent for all information regarding your assigned carrier shipping your Ford Mustang including all Insurance docs to verify that your valuable Ford Mustang will be insured during transport. Viceroy Auto Trans runs a fleet of Both Hard Side and Soft-Sided direct driver Enclosed Auto Carrier Trailers which operate Nationwide. Your Ford Mustang would be in good hands shipping within our Enclosed Auto Carriers.

 

April 17: National Mustang Day

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Every April 17, car enthusiasts across the U.S. and beyond celebrate National Mustang Day, marking the anniversary of the Ford Mustang's debut at the 1964 New York World's Fair. This iconic vehicle quickly became a symbol of American automotive innovation and culture.​ [4]

A Historic Debut of the Ford Mustang

Introduced by Ford on April 17, 1964, the Mustang was an immediate success, selling over 22,000 units on its first day. Its combination of sporty design and affordability appealed to a wide audience, solidifying its place in automotive history. ​[5]

60 Years of Mustang Legacy

In 2025, the Mustang celebrates its 60th anniversary. Ford is commemorating this milestone with events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, including track experiences and showcases of special edition models. The Mustang Owner’s Museum also hosts gatherings, uniting fans and owners in celebration. ​

2018 Ford Mustang

Join the Celebration

National Mustang Day invites enthusiasts to take their Mustangs on the road, participate in local events, or simply share their passion online. Whether you're a longtime owner or an admirer, April 17 is a day to honor the enduring legacy of the Ford Mustang.​

Related Links

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• History of the Chevrolet Camaro
• History of the Dodge Charger
  
• History of the Pontiac GTO

         

References

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1. Wikipedia: Ford Mustang
2. Volo Cars: History of the Mustang
3. Chicago Sun-Times: Gail Wise
4. National Mustang Day: April 17
5. Mustang Memories: Tom Cotter Recalls