From the Curator: Mustangs
This April, the Kansas City Auto Museum showcases one of Ford’s most iconic lines of cars: the Mustang. Developed by Lee Iacocca, vice president and general manager of Ford, the first Mustang debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair. This new sporty car was created with young buyers in mind. Its instant popularity established its presence in the market as a new genre of cars, known as the pony car. With seven generations since 1965, Mustang’s look and performance have evolved while maintaining a strong fan base and inspiring other pony car models. Today, the Mustang is regarded as an impressive performance car.
Kansas City shares a special connection to the Mustang through its longtime production at the Ford Assembly Plant in Claycomo. From 1964 to 2004, more than six million Mustangs were built right here in the metro, making the city an essential part of the Mustang’s legacy. For decades, this hometown connection fueled local pride, supported thousands of jobs, and linked Kansas City to one of the most enduring icons of American automotive design.
From Chad Sneed, Owner of Sneed Ford, Gower, Missouri: “Few cars have left an imprint on automotive history like the Ford Mustang. Since its debut in 1964, the Mustang has represented freedom, performance, and innovation. As a Ford dealer, we take pride in being part of a legacy that continues to inspire car enthusiasts across generations. We’re thrilled to see the Kansas City Automotive Museum celebrate automotive icons like the Mustang, keeping the spirit of performance alive for enthusiasts of all ages. Whether it’s a classic Fastback or the latest GT, the Mustang remains a symbol of American ingenuity. We look forward to seeing more Ford legends on display and invite all Mustang fans to visit the museum—and of course, stop by to experience the latest chapter in Mustang history firsthand!”
On display this month:
- 1965 GT Convertible “GT350 Tribute”
- 1970 Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible
- 1976 Mustang II Cobra II
- 1987 GT Convertible
- 1996 Convertible
- 2008 “Borderline” Custom Mustang Fastback
- 2009 Convertible GT
Don’t miss what’s coming next! In May, we’re shifting gears as Hot Rods take center stage, celebrating these bold, high-performance machines that define American car culture.
And if you love classic cars, mark your calendar for April 26, 2025 for Dancing With The Cars: Roaring 20s, where we’ll be showcasing the iconic automobiles that shaped the Jazz Age. Join us for a night of vintage elegance, stunning 1920s era classics, and a celebration of automotive history like no other! Register HERE
See you at the museum!
Butch Papon