Mustang Clubs Keep Pony Passion at Fever Pitch

In 40 years, Ford has sold more than 8 million Mustangs, and Mustangs have inspired so much passion among owners that they have created more than 250 enthusiast clubs devoted to the car.

In 40 years, Ford has sold more than 8 million Mustangs, and Mustangs have inspired so much passion among owners that they have created more than 250 enthusiast clubs devoted to the car.

"Competitors have come and gone but Mustang stands alone," says Jim Padilla, Ford executive vice president and president of the Americas. "That's because over 40 years, no one has been able to match Mustang's combination of style, performance and affordability. One thing Mustang owners and club members have made clear is this: As long as Mustang retains its integrity, they'll keep us "king of the hill" in the segment."

Dave Marchand, coordinator of the Mustang/Thunderbird Club Center at Ford, estimates there are at least 35,000 members involved in Mustang clubs internationally, even in countries where the car currently is not sold. One reason for the sustained popularity of Mustang and the success of Mustang owners clubs he says is the attainability of vintage cars. Whereas Barrett-Jackson Auctions sold a 1970 Mustang Boss 429 for $126,900 and a 1965 Shelby GT350 SR fastback for $151,200 in January 2004, one can easily find a V-8-powered 1965 Mustang with highly desirable options in good cosmetic and running condition for less than $10,000.

"(Mustang enthusiasts) know every nut and bolt and every serial number," J Mays, Ford group vice president, Design, explained in a recent newspaper interview, adding that Ford consulted several Mustang clubs while designing the all-new 2005 Mustang that launches in the fall of 2004. "They want you to act as a curator, not as a designer."

The largest Mustang club is the Mustang Club of America, which has 160 local chapters in North and South America. The club and its chapters organize more than 70 national and regional Mustang shows every year. A typical show weekend includes a Friday open-track drive at a local racetrack. Saturdays and Sundays are usually reserved for parking the Mustang, polishing the car and talking to other club members at the show. This year's main Mustang Club of America event is a Mustang 40th Anniversary celebration at Nashville Superspeedway, April 15-18. More than 3,500 Mustangs are registered for the event and more than 100,000 guests are expected for a weekend that will include vintage racing and street cruises.

Mustang enthusiasm doesn't know national boundaries. There are Mustang clubs in Canada, England, France, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, South Africa and many other countries. There is even a Yellow Mustang Registry that caters to the more than 3,000 Mustangs wearing factory yellow exterior paint. In addition to Mustang clubs, there are two nationwide Mustang Racing sanctioning bodies, Fun Ford Weekend (FFW) and the National Mustang Racers Association (NMRA). Drag racing events sanctioned by these organizations are held throughout the United States and allow Mustang owners a chance to compete against other drivers on the racetrack.