Marking its 40th anniversary and the unveiling of the much anticipated 2005 model, this year has given Mustang fans everywhere reason to celebrate.
Conceptualized in 1963 and released in April 1964, the Ford Mustang coupe played right into America’s growing hunger for an affordable and powerful sports car.
Designers Joe Oros and David Ash designed the original Mustang to be a car like no other. Afterward, they found immense success.
The success continues today.
Next fall, Ford dealerships will begin selling the new 2005 model, which ironically looks much more like the 1960s model than the 1990s model.
Nick Simoneaux, a mechanical engineering senior and president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, said he did not like the 2005 model at first, but it is growing on him.
“I especially like what the special edition looks like,” Simoneaux said. “They’re getting a lot more power and the GTs are getting improved cylinder heads.”
Simoneaux said he believes the new models will sell very well, especially since Chevrolet has put the Trans-Am and Camero on hold.
“Some potential buyers [of the Trans-Am and Camero] may be interested in the Mustang instead,” Simoneaux said.
Receptionist Christina Bercegeay at Hollingsworth Richards Ford agreed that the new models will sell quickly. She also said the car has been attracting young and old buyers.
“We’ve had so many people coming in wanting to buy them,” Bercegeay said. “Buyers are very enthusiastic.”
Bercegeay said the dealership will be receiving two new model Mustangs sometime in September or October.
She also added Ford is bringing back the two-seater style, which will have bucket seats. Ford has not made the two-seater Mustang since the 70s, Bercegeay said.
Though many are excited about the “retro” look, some have mixed feelings.
Brent Fodera, an editorial consultant at the LSU Health and Science Center in New Orleans, said although he has only seen pictures, the 2005 edition loses points for originality.
“When the ’94s came out I thought they didn’t go far enough with the retro look, but this is too much like the ’69,” Fodera said. “The ’94 looks like a bar of soap trying to be a muscle car; this looks like a muscle.”
Joe Taylor, a mechanical engineering senior and owner of a 1994 Mustang, said the new models are appealing because of their old look, and because they are still rear wheel drive, which is better for acceleration.
“When you hit the gas, you really get pulled back in your seat,” Taylor said.
For Taylor and several others, newer Mustangs satisfy their appetite for good cars. But for some like Fodera, antiques are still the most admirable.
“My Mustang can still get up every morning and take me to work or to the park or the the pool hall,” Fodera said. “In fact, it even got me and my best man to my wedding on time.”
Josh Rosby, a biochemistry senior owns a 1967 red coupe. Unfortunately, Rosby ran a stop sign and all but totaled the car.
Although Rosby said mustangs do not drive that well and they get horrible gas mileage, he loves them anyway and will eventually fully restore his vintage passion.
“It’s Americana,” Rosby said. “It’s as American as you can get.”
And from the looks of the 40th anniversary celebration, which brought thousands to the Nashville Speedway, and the excitement about the new model, America’s obsession with Mustangs will not fade.