With the Fourth of July just around the corner, it’s that time of year to celebrate all that is American. Sure, the fireworks and barbeques are fun, but we at CarLocate want to celebrate another American classic: the Ford Mustang. 

What is more American than the original pony car? Mary Tyler Moore drove a 1970 Mustang on her hit T.V. show and so did Uncle Jesse in Full House. It’s been featured in movies ranging from Goldfinger to Fear, from 2 Fast 2 Furious to High School Musical 2. And I bet more than a few will be on the road this Fourth of July, flaunting their iconic Mustang emblems.

The Ford Mustang began production way back in March of 1964 in Dearborn, Michigan. Known as the 1964½ model, the original Mustang cost a mere $2,368 and was available as either a notchback coupe or convertible. The unique styling of the 1964½, its longer hood and shorter rear deck, introduced America to the first pony car. The Mustang was unique and affordable and Americans loved them. To be sure, over 125,000 were sold in the 1964 model year.

Today, the Mustang packs more punch than its predecessor.  The basic engine choice for the 1964½ model was a 2.8-liter OHV which produced 101 horsepower, quite a way off from the 2012 Mustang, which offers a standard 305 horsepower 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine.

But no matter the changes that have been made, the Mustang remains an icon in American history. In fact, it is the only pony car to remain in continuous production over its forty years of manufacturing and redevelopment. Now on its ninth generation, the Mustang is Ford’s third oldest production model.

So while you are out and about this weekend, keep an eye out for Ford Mustangs: the quintessentially American car.