Chicago Auto Show Blog

Today Ford is celebrating the production of its 10-millionth Mustang, a Wimbledon White GT V8 model convertible. The first Mustang produced in 1964 was the same color and model. In fact, the first Mustang ever sold was sold right here in Chicago, before its debut at the World Fair and two days before it was set to go on sale. As of 2015, Gail and Tom Wise still owned it, and fans may even remember seeing it on display at the Chicago Auto Show. It’s in perfect condition.

 

 

Local Chicagoland new-car dealers even stress the importance of Mustang’s history and what today’s news means – not only for Ford Motor Company, but for local customers. A good example: River View Ford dealer Principal and 2018 Chicago Auto Show Chairman John Hennessy is not just a local Ford dealer, he’s an enthusiast. He owns a ‘65 convertible, ‘93 SVT, ‘94 Shelby; and ‘66 GT in original green. 

 

According to Ford, the Mustang is the best-selling sports car since 1966 and is sold in more than 140 countries. As of July, Chicago Mustang sales have increased this by 8.1 percent compared to year ago, and market share continues to be strong with Mustang representing 31.8 percent of the sports car segment, compared to 24.2 percent last year. 

 

  

“Mustang is the heart and soul of this company,” said Jim Farley, president of global markets, Ford Motor Company. “I bought my first car – a black ’66 Mustang Coupe – at an engine re-manufacturing shop where I worked in California. I then thought it would be a good idea to drive it back to Michigan to my family’s vacation home…without a driver’s license at age 14. Mustang stirs that kind of passion more than a half-century after its introduction – for millions of people around the world.”

  

Ford eludes to more Mustang performance and personalization for the 2019 model year, along with new technology and special editions. Mustang BULLITT returns with an exclusive 480-hp, 5.0-liter V8 engine, plus distinctive design and trim. Classic California Special returns with design and trim enhancements. 

 

Rev-matching downshifts come to the 6-speed Mustang GT, while EcoBoost gets an optional quad-tip fully active exhaust. All-new custom-tuned 1,000-watt B&O PLAY high-performance sound system and available Apple CarPlay compatibility for Ford+Alexa and Waze via SYNC 3 will satisfy audiophiles.

 

 

Mustang Shelby GT350 ascends to a new level of greatness on the track and off with custom-engineered Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, plus recalibrated ABS and MagneRide suspension for dramatically improved traction and lateral acceleration. Other highlights include new interior appointments and optional factory-painted stripes. An available tech package includes all-new custom-tuned, high-performance 12-speaker sound from B&O PLAY, plus heated mirrors with Blind Spot Information System and Cobra puddle lamps. 

 

The Ford Mustang, now in its sixth generation, is one of the most iconic cars ever produced. 

 

 

Timeline of Mustang Development

1965 - Shelby GT350 introduced; Mustang 2+2 with full fastback roof debuts

1968 - Mustang 390 GT stars with Steve McQueen in “Bullitt”, 428 Cobra Jet engine debuts

1969 - High-performance Boss 302 and Boss 429 introduced

1974 - Mustang II debuts

1979 - Euro-styled “Fox” platform Mustang debuts – without traditional styling

1982 - Mustang GT returns after 12-year absence

1984 - Mustang SVO debuts

1993 - Limited production SVT Mustang Cobra debuts

1996 - 4.6-liter Modular V8 replaces 5.0-liter engine in GT and SVT Cobras

2000 - Third SVT Mustang Cobra R

2003 - Mustang Mach 1 model returns with ram-air “Shaker” hood scoop

2011 - All-new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter Coyote V8 Mustang GT debuts

2012 - First Boss 302 since 1971 returns with 440 horsepower V8

2015 - All-new 6th generation Mustang, first with independent rear suspension

2016 - Shelby350/GT350R with flat-plane crank 5.2-liter V8

2018 - Gen. 3 5.0-liter Coyote engine and new Performance Package I and II

2019 - Limited-edition Bullitt Mustang capable of 163 mph

 

 

2019 Mustang Bullitt on display at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show

 

Do you own a Mustang? Share a picture with us with the model year @ChiAutoShow or @DriveChicago! Hosts of Drive Chicago Radio (Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. on WLS-AM) may feature this in an upcoming segment.