Ten Ford Mustang History Makers
The People Behind the Success of the Ford Mustang
With 40 plus years of collective pavement beneath its wheels, the Ford Mustang has proven time and time again to be a top performer. It’s the people working behind the scenes, however, that are the true American legends; people such as Carroll Shelby, Steve Saleen, Lee Iacocca, and Donald Frey. Nor can we fail to mention the hard work of all the factory workers in places such as Dearborn, Michigan and Flat Rock, Michigan. Without their hard work, the Mustang would have never made its way into the driveways of consumers. Although we couldn't possibly include them all, what follows are ten Ford Mustang History Makers.
1. Lee Iacocca
Photo © Ford Motor Company
To many, Lee Iacocca is considered the father of the Ford Mustang. In essence, he is the business man and marketing guru behind the Mustang’s initial introduction into the marketplace. Iacocca joined Ford Motor Company in the early 1950s and quickly worked his way up through the ranks. In the early 1960s, while working as Ford’s General Manager, Iacocca pitched his vision of a fun-to-drive compact car to Ford board members. This car would eventually become the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang. On his 40th Birthday, October 15, 1964, Iacocca was made President of the Ford Division.
2. Donald Frey
Photo © Ford Motor Company
Donald Frey was the Chief Engineer for Ford’s car programs during the time the 1964-1/2 Mustang was created. He is credited with conceiving the first prototype, the 1962 Mustang I concept, which was a mid-engine two-seater roadster. As part of Lee Iacocca’s Fairlane Committee, Frey headed up all engineering aspects of the first Ford Mustang as Product Manager. He was eventually promoted to Vice President of North American Product Development, and oversaw the development of all Mustangs until his departure from the company in 1968.
3. Carroll Shelby
Photo © Ford Motor Company
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