An ongoing legacy of iterations and pivoting. Continuing innovation put simply!
The Mustang today stays true at it's core, as Lee Iacocca envisioned "the mule" over 60 years ago.
Bringing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity on the asphalt:
Inclusivity: The Mustang was a pioneer in addressing the exclusion of women from driving, as well as the limited budget of young baby boomers.
Lee Iacocca wanted a four-seater that was light, sporty, easy to drive and affordable for the young. From the design choices to the engine displacement, form has always served purpose throughout the evolution of the Mustang.
Today, women account for 20% of the proud owners of the Pony according to Joe Bellino. The car remains as popular and appealing to young drivers as it was originally intended.
Diversity: The Pony carved a niech in the car market with it's reduced size and countless options.
The emerging market segment of the young middle class in the 60's was thirsty for uniqueness, and the Pony overdelivered.
The bold decision of Ford to offer a palette of colors, optional equipment, design forms, engine, transmission, and interior options as well as AM Radio eventually paid off.
Rightfully so, today this approache has become the industry standard practice.
From the Eco Boost, to the GT, to the Convertible, the Super snake and the Mach-e.
True to its roots, today there is a Mustang for every taste!
Equity: Owning a car used to be a privilege for the few.
The MSRP of the Mustang in the 60's was half that of its chief competititors, namely the Plymouth Barracuda and Chevrolet Corvette. This achievement alone led to the democratization of car ownership.
The median yearly income of a Woman in the USA, in 1969 was 5,080$, and that of a man 8,670$. Anyone who was in the market for a car in 1965, knew that the Corvette costed 4,106$, the Barracuda around 4,000$ and the Mustang starting price was at 2,372$ for the hardtop.
It would require a woman only 3-4 years worth of savings in the late 60' to get a Mustang whereas the Corvette required 6-8 years. The pricing scheme of the Mustang was particularly helpful in leveling the plane field and closing the gender pay gap.
No wonder that the Mustang exceeded Ford sales expectations in it's first year alone, four times over. The Pony sold 400,000 units in 1965. This was miles ahead of the Barracuda that sold 65,000, and the Corvette with mearly 23,000 units sold. Eventually leaving its competition in the DUST!
Closing, in the words of the Legendary Carroll Shelby: "It was fun to blow off a Porsche with a 3900 donkey🐴. "
Never underestimate the outliers!
I wish you many many years of innovation and success, soon I wish to become the proud owner of the galoppin horse🐎 as well.
Happy Birthday my little Pony!
Every model tells a story, and no-one can tell a story quite like a Mustang.
Six decades of muscle car history celebrated with a gathering of over 700 models owned by those who love it most. To the enthusiasts, thank you for keeping the Mustang spirit alive. #Mustang60 #MustangGG
p.s. I ship cars. VP of DEALER SUCCESS for ShipYourCarNow/President of Don Brady Consulting INC 33.4k followers
3mo😎🌴