After Detroit and
Chicago, it’s the time of the Big Apple. And, the excitement is palpable
among car lovers. There are several new cars and revamped models which
will showcase at the New York International Auto Show. But, I am
interested in the car that will complete its 50th anniversary this year.
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( 1965 - Engineers taking the
convertible Mustang to the 86th floor )
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( A 1966 Mustang
convertible on 86th-floor of the Empire State Building, NYC ) |
Exactly fifty years ago,
Ford introduced the world to Mustang at the New York World's Fair. The
car was launched in style at the top of the Empire State Building in
1965. As the building was completed in 1931, its elevators weren’t
equipped to handle a modern car. And, so, the car was cut into three
main sections to fit the elevator.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the car, Ford will imitate the ’65 stunt. A prototype of 2015 Ford Mustang will be separated and taken to the observatory on the 86thfloor. The Mustang chief engineer, Dave Pericak, informed “Like all good craftsmen, our team is measuring twice and cutting once to make sure we can get this Mustang up in the elevators.”
It will be reassembled in just about six hours and will be on display for 2 days. You can visit the Empire State Building observation to see the new Mustang convertible from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., April 16-17.
Not only NY, but other parts of the nation are equally excited for this 50 year old beauty. The Mustang Club of America has organised events at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway from April 17-20. Mustang Serial Number One and the Mustang I Concept Car, which are a permanent at The Henry Ford Museum, will be hitting the road to join the Anniversary Celebration at both the tracks.