Ford’s Pony Car Just Proved Once Again Why It’s a National Treasure

Ford has sold more than 10 million Mustangs around the world since the model first rolled off the line in 1964. It’s easily the most prolific of America’s muscle car legends.

Like Levi’s jeans, Coca-Cola and many other star-spangled exports of global impact, then, the Blue Oval’s pony car is emblematic of US culture. It’s an icon.

Of course, I say all this as the owner of a 1967 model, so my opinion is more than a little bit biased. Still, I’m not alone in my recognition of the Ford, as it has now earned a second mention as a vehicle of merit.

Hagerty Drivers Foundation

Federally recognized history

That’s because the 1965 Mustang convertible you see before you just landed a spot on the National Historic Vehicle Register. It’s a special status reserved for automobiles of significant historical and cultural importance.

Since the Hagerty Drivers Foundation and the U.S. Department of the Interior co-opted the initiative in 2014, it’s resulted in the documentation of 37 different vehicles being permanently archived in the Library of Congress. This Ford’s is the 38th.

It’s a fitting classic Mustang to make the cut. The Wimbledon White droptop was used for the Disney-designed Magic Skyway that Ford ran at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. 

In other words, this particular car served as the first public introduction to the now-iconic pony. For the reveal, Ford mounted 23 Mustangs on tracks as part of a ride that took passengers from prehistoric times into the space age. Over six months, more than 40,000 sat behind the wheels of these cars.

Hagerty Drivers Foundation

Suffice it to say, Ford’s effort was followed by quite a splash. Before launch, it was estimated that annual numbers would come in at around 150,000 units. After its first year on the market, the Mustang had more than doubled predictions with more than 418,000 sales, setting a new industry record.

A second ‘Stang of significance

Now, as mentioned, this isn’t the first Ford Mustang to join the NHVR. Before this most recent induction, the Driver’s Foundation previously recognized the 1968 Mustang GT made famous in the film Bullitt.

Hagerty Drivers Foundation

If you’re not already familiar with the story of that particular pony car and how it finally resurfaced years after its initial disappearance, it’s worth checking out. Steve McQueen fans in particular are sure to appreciate the tale. 

Even more important than the Bullitt car’s Hollywood connection, though, is that this makes for two very distinct examples of how the Mustang has made an indelible mark on American auto culture. 

After all, although it’s a fellow first-generation example, it couldn’t be more unlike its droptop counterpart. Beyond its battered physical condition and fastback body style, the Bullitt Mustang touts 390 cubes of V8 power and a four-speed manual transmission. 

Hagerty Drivers Foundation

It’s a kind of juxtaposition that demonstrates the breadth of the Ford’s impact. Moreover, with two entries on a list comprising everything from innovators like the Chrysler Turbine Car to stars like the DeLorean DMC-12, the Mustang is definitely making a case for why it’s an American treasure.

Hagerty Drivers Foundation

1965 Ford Mustang Magic Skyway

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