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Ford Mustang: Designing a Car for the Sixties:
In the early 1960s, Ford designed the Mustang, a mass-market car that combines utility with sports car styling. Ford's market research identified growing demand among young drivers, sports car enthusiasts, and families who needed a second car. The Mustang's flair appealed to those motorists, and the new car became an instant success after its mid-season debut at the New York World's Fair in April 1964.
Mustang owners could customize their cars with many factory options, reflecting Ford's belief that motorists increasingly thought of their cars as personal, individualized possessions Mustang sales reached more than one million by 1966. As baby boomers reached driving age, the Mustang's market success led to a new class of sporty, everyday cars known as "pony cars."
This exhibit is made possible by the generous support of the Guenther and Siewchin Yong Sommer Endowment.
A Mustang and Lee Iacocco on the cover of Newsweek, April 20, 1964:
Lee Iacocca, general manager of the Ford Division, guided the development and marketing of the Mustang. His understanding of niche markets and his talent for promotion and salesmanship inside and outside Ford Motor Company made the Mustang a success. By modifying the Ford Falcon chassis instead of retooling the assembly line, Iacocca also helped to make the Mustang profitable. |