“Ford Division confirmed today that it will introduce a new line of cars this spring,” said the press release issued Feb. 6, 1964, by Lee Iacocca, Vice President of Ford Motor Company.
“The new line of cars will be called the Mustang … no further details on the new car line will be revealed until the time of its public introduction.” The pavilion and ride took three years to build. Ford contracted with WED Enterprises, the creative arm of the Walt Disney Company, to create a 12-minute ride featuring its products. Ford Galaxies, Lincoln Continentals and Fairlanes were all expected to be in the ride, but the surprise in 1964 as the all-new Mustang. Twelve Mustangs were part of the ride in 1964, and the location is known for four of those original cars.
At the Fair, the Mustang was on display in and around the Wonder Rotunda, and visitors could ride in an all-new Mustang convertible on the Magic Skyway ride. This ride was designed by Walt Disney and his staff to be “a fantasyland of the past, present and future.” The convertible would take visitors through a nearly half mile, twelve-minute ride depicting “millions of years of life on Earth.” The almost 15 million visitors who took the ride were thus able to inspect the Mustang’s interiors and familiarize themselves with its many available options and accessories.
To honor the Mustang’s first birthday, Ford executives including Henry Ford II, Lee Iacocca, and Don Frey, returned to the Wonder Rotunda at the World’s Fairgrounds. This celebration coincided with festivities across the country to honor the many accomplishments of the Mustang and its growing community of owners. Mustang set the industry record for sales during the first year with more than 418,000 units, breaking the previous record set by the Ford Falcon in 1960, and more than quadrupling the expected sales total of 100,000 for the Mustang. During the celebration at the Wonder Rotunda, the Mustang received the Tiffany Gold Model for Design Excellence and the Industrial Designers Institute’s bronze medal. The Mustang was the only car honored by Tiffany and one of only four honored by the IDI.
Walt Disney (left) and Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion
Walt Disney (left) and Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion
To honor the Mustang’s first birthday, Ford executives including Henry Ford II, Lee Iacocca, and Don Frey, returned to the Wonder Rotunda at the World’s Fairgrounds. This celebration coincided with festivities across the country to honor the many accomplishments of the Mustang and its growing community of owners. Mustang set the industry record for sales during the first year with more than 418,000 units, breaking the previous record set by the Ford Falcon in 1960, and more than quadrupling the expected sales total of 100,000 for the Mustang. During the celebration at the Wonder Rotunda, the Mustang received the Tiffany Gold Model for Design Excellence and the Industrial Designers Institute’s bronze medal. The Mustang was the only car honored by Tiffany and one of only four honored by the IDI.
What followed was one of the largest automobile and product launches in history. Officially under development since 1961, the Mustang was introduced through billboards, television specials, commercials, and most importantly in-person contact. Mustang’s grand debut came on April 14, 1964, for the press and April 17, 1964, for the general public. The official unveiling took place at the largest exhibit at the New York World’s Fair, the Ford Pavilion also known as the Wonder Rotunda.
