Celebrating 60 Years of the Ford Mustang: A Look Back at its Iconic Legacy

⛔ THE LEGEND 💣 - The Ford Mustang, one of America's iconic muscle cars, is a name that resonates deeply with automotive enthusiasts worldwide. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Ford Mustang, prompting us to embark on a nostalgic journey through its rich history. Since its debut in 1964, the Mustang has captured hearts and minds with its unique blend of power, style, and performance. This milestone anniversary not only celebrates the Mustang's illustrious past but also introduces exciting new developments that continue to captivate fans everywhere.

Ford approached Lee Iacocca and designer Michael Leone to come up with a special design for the Mustang’s 45th anniversary, based on the then-new fifth-gen 2009 Mustang GT. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

Reflecting on the Mustang's 45th anniversary, which was marked in a memorable way fifteen years ago, we remember the special edition that bore the name of automotive luminary Lee Iacocca. Known for his influential role in shaping Ford's history, Iacocca's collaboration with designer Michael Leone resulted in a unique design for the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang, based on the fifth-gen 2009 Mustang GT. This special edition, limited to just 45 units, showcased a blend of sophistication and performance that resonated with collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang  boasted a striking appearance, with smoother lines, a slanted grille, sunken headlights, and a special color of Iacocca Silver. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

The exterior of the 45th Anniversary Mustang boasted a striking appearance, with smoother lines, a slanted grille, sunken headlights, and a special color named Iacocca Silver. The collaboration with Southern California's Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters brought expertise in composite construction, elevating the Mustang's bodywork to a level reminiscent of aerospace and supercar standards. 

Partnering with Southern California's Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, Ford tapped into composite construction expertise, elevating the Mustang's bodywork to aerospace and supercar standards. (Picture from: Motortrend)

Performance enhancements included a racing handling package from Ford Performance, high-performance Brembo brakes, and a choice between a stock 4.6-liter V8 engine or a supercharged version with 400 horsepower, both paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

Inside, the interior was mostly stock save for leather seats with diamond stitching and headrests that had Iacocca’s crest. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

Inside the cabin, the 45th Anniversary Mustang featured leather seats with diamond stitching, adorned with Iacocca's crest on the headrests. A leather-wrapped steering wheel replaced with an "I" emblem added a touch of exclusivity to the interior. With only 45 units produced, each carrying a price tag of $89,850, these limited-edition Mustangs quickly became prized possessions among collectors.

The Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang offers a choice between a stock 4.6-liter V8 engine or a supercharged version with 400 horsepower, each paired with a five-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Jalopnik)

Over the years, these rare Mustangs have found new homes through auctions, showcasing their enduring appeal and value. From the first unit fetching $125,000 at auction to subsequent sales at various prestigious events, including Barrett-Jackson and Mecum auctions, these cars have continued to command attention and admiration. Iacocca himself was gifted number 32, and he only ever put 220 miles on it. After he passed in 2019, his family sold the car at an auction in January 2020 for $49,280.

The legacy of the 45th Anniversary Mustang extends beyond its exclusivity; it symbolizes the passion and innovation that define the Ford Mustang lineage. As we celebrate 60 years of this automotive icon, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the Mustang, knowing that its legacy of performance and style will continue to inspire generations of enthusiasts to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | MOTORTREND | BARRET-JACKSON | MECUM ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.