The Ford Mustang Then and Now #FordNAIAS #NAIAS

Years ago a friend of my husbands asked if he could borrow our truck for the week. He had a bunch of running around to do and needed a truck to do it. So hubs agreed and this meant one vehicle for us for the week. Well, I was a stay at home mom of three at the time and we lived in the country. I did not have plans for the week, but was bummed to be down to one car.  I may have expressed my concern for being stranded without a car at the time and he offered his car in return. I agreed and the next day he came to pick up the truck and handed me the keys to his car- a Ford Mustang convertible! 

That week I made every excuse to leave the house. I drove the kids to school instead of them taking the bus. I stopped over at friends homes for coffee and did a bit of shopping. I also just drove around for fun. The stereo cranked and the top sometimes down, I just drove and drove. It was amazing! Merging and passing in that car was so fast and easy, kind of felt like I was flying. I really miss it and was sad to give it back. 

This past week those memories came back as I saw the new Ford Mustang in Detroit.  The Ford Mustang is celebrating 50 years this year. 

Designing the 2015 Mustang started four years ago and followed a twisting path that featured ongoing iteration and collaboration between designers, clay sculptors, and engineers.

All-new shape, yet unmistakably Mustang
The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression, and when you see this car you immediately see a Mustang strong and true,” said Moray Callum, Ford executive director, design, The Americas.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

• A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
• The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
• Three-dimensional, tri-bar tail lamps with sequential turn signals
• Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car a more upscale appearance and a quieter cabin. The new top lowers twice as fast as before, and has a sleeker profile when folded for open-air motoring.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

Seeing the design process to create the new Ford Mustang was amazing! So many creative minds at work creating this great looking car. The time, research and technology involved is beyond anything I could have imagined. 

When a car has been around for 50 years, chances are it has touched almost everyone’s lives in one way or another.  The Ford Mustang has been in many movies, featured in games, as a toy and in many peoples garages for their automobile. 

Above you will see Barbie driving a Mustang, a pinball machine, a pool table and a Monopoly game all inspired by the Ford Mustang.

#MustangInspires

These two Ford Mustangs were sitting in the show room area of the Behind the Blue Oval and were attracting a lot of attention. 

I hope I get the chance to test drive one of the new Mustangs soon. I know my family would be thrilled, if I let them come along that is 😉

Do you have a story that involves a Mustang? I would love to hear about it below!

Disclosure: Ford Motor Company paid for my transportation, accommodations and food. I was not compensated for my time. I was not asked to write blog posts or promote NAIAS or the experience on social media. I did this on my own