Press release
DEARBORN, Mich., April 6, 2009 - Thousands of Mustang enthusiasts from all over the world will converge in Birmingham, Ala. on April 17, 2009 - officially declared "Mustang Day" by the state of Alabama - to celebrate the 45th anniversary of an American icon: the Ford Mustang.
Ford and the Mustang Club of America will mark the 45th anniversary of America's favorite pony car with a four-day celebration at the Barber Motorsports Park. The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their beloved steeds, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators.
"For four and a half decades, Ford has connected with more than 9 million owners celebrating their individuality, passion and love of the Mustang," said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "Mustang created the segment and remains America's number one muscle car delivering a fast, fun and affordable car that personifies the freedom of the open road."
Adding to the 45th anniversary celebration will be an epic Mustang convoy road-trip from the west that will travel across America's heartland bringing Mustangs from all over the United States to attend the big event in Birmingham. The convoy - which will begin in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 11 - is expected to grow to 500 cars from all over the country. The final day's drive is expected to nearly double in size with people from the entire eastern seaboard joining in.
"For an enthusiast, driving their Mustang across the country with hundreds of others is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Sam Haymart, president of Mustangs Across America, Inc. "There is nothing quite like the magic and camaraderie that grows from the event. It really captures the American spirit that has made this country great."
Steven McCarley, president of the 11,000-member Mustang Club of America, says the 45th anniversary festivities are expected to draw Mustang fans from all over the world.
"We have people coming in from 15 foreign countries, including Australia, Denmark and France," he said. "And some of them may be bringing their cars with them." Also in attendance will be nine original owners of the 1964½ Mustang and their historic pony cars.
"I can hardly believe my sweet car is 45 years old," said Laki Malamatenios, one of the original 1964½ owners from Grass Valley, Calif. "I remember when I first bought it, people used to stop me all the time and ask what kind of a 'Ferrari' I had, and I used to say, 'This isn't a horse, it's a pony.'"
photo:Ford
DEARBORN, Mich., April 6, 2009 - Thousands of Mustang enthusiasts from all over the world will converge in Birmingham, Ala. on April 17, 2009 - officially declared "Mustang Day" by the state of Alabama - to celebrate the 45th anniversary of an American icon: the Ford Mustang.
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| 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang |
Ford and the Mustang Club of America will mark the 45th anniversary of America's favorite pony car with a four-day celebration at the Barber Motorsports Park. The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their beloved steeds, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators.
"For four and a half decades, Ford has connected with more than 9 million owners celebrating their individuality, passion and love of the Mustang," said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "Mustang created the segment and remains America's number one muscle car delivering a fast, fun and affordable car that personifies the freedom of the open road."
Adding to the 45th anniversary celebration will be an epic Mustang convoy road-trip from the west that will travel across America's heartland bringing Mustangs from all over the United States to attend the big event in Birmingham. The convoy - which will begin in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 11 - is expected to grow to 500 cars from all over the country. The final day's drive is expected to nearly double in size with people from the entire eastern seaboard joining in.
"For an enthusiast, driving their Mustang across the country with hundreds of others is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Sam Haymart, president of Mustangs Across America, Inc. "There is nothing quite like the magic and camaraderie that grows from the event. It really captures the American spirit that has made this country great."
Steven McCarley, president of the 11,000-member Mustang Club of America, says the 45th anniversary festivities are expected to draw Mustang fans from all over the world.
"We have people coming in from 15 foreign countries, including Australia, Denmark and France," he said. "And some of them may be bringing their cars with them." Also in attendance will be nine original owners of the 1964½ Mustang and their historic pony cars.
"I can hardly believe my sweet car is 45 years old," said Laki Malamatenios, one of the original 1964½ owners from Grass Valley, Calif. "I remember when I first bought it, people used to stop me all the time and ask what kind of a 'Ferrari' I had, and I used to say, 'This isn't a horse, it's a pony.'"
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| Three Mustang Indy Pace Cars: 1964, 1979, 1994. |
photo:Ford