The King Of The ‘60S: The Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is perhaps the most iconic car ever built, and its launch in 1964 was an instant success, with 303,408 units sold in its first year of production.
Designed to cater to young people looking for their first car, the Mustang was priced under $2,500 and featured power options, luxurious interiors, bucket seats, and a floor-mounted gear shifter. Though the design team achieved most of its goals, the car weighed over a quarter of a tonne more than its target weight due to the use of components from the Falcon and Fairlane, which affected its handling abilities.
Despite its handling issues, the Mustang's straight-line speed and comfortable interior make it a car that's still enjoyable to drive, especially with the roof down. The 1966 Mustang Convertible, for instance, comes with a 4.7-litre V8 engine that generates 225 bhp and a 3-speed automatic transmission, making it an ideal car for cruising. The car's handling, while not the best, was not a concern when it was launched. Instead, it was designed to be a car that was cool and affordable, catering to a new generation of drivers.
The Mustang's design was the brainchild of Project Design Chief Joe Oros, who wanted a car that would appeal to women and men alike. His vision included a Ferrari-like front end, a heavy-looking motif centred on the front, air intakes on the side to cool the rear brakes, and a sporty design that looked related to European cars. Today, the Mustang's design remains timeless and not dated, with the latest Mustang bearing a resemblance to the original car. The brake lights of the first-gen Mustang, for instance, can be seen on today's model, and the design of the 2021 bumper follows that of the original.
The Mustang's interior is also surprisingly comfortable and luxurious, making it a car that can be used daily. This particular model features the Interior Decor Group, which earned the name "Pony Interior" due to the embossed running ponies on the seats and armrests. Lowering the roof of the Mustang can be done electrically, and the blue and cream interior beautifully complements the car's exterior.
The Mustang is a car that has stood the test of time, and even today, it remains an object of desire for many. Its iconic design, comfortable interiors, and straight-line speed make it a car that's still enjoyable to drive, and while it may not handle like a modern car, it was never intended to be one. Instead, it was designed to be a car that was cool and affordable, catering to a new generation of drivers.
As our Dream Rides are charged per vehicle, and not per person, this Mustang in particular is incredibly good value. With seating for four, you can take a trip to the 1960s in style - along with your friends and family - and raise money for a great cause in the process.
