The iconic Ford Mustang, a symbol of American automotive innovation and style, turns 60 this year. To celebrate this milestone, Ford has revealed a series of exciting tributes that honor the Mustang’s rich heritage and its journey from the 1964 New York World’s Fair to today’s cutting-edge models. 

From special edition packages and retro-inspired designs to advanced performance features, Ford’s celebrations capture the essence of what makes the Mustang a beloved classic. Here’s how Ford is celebrating the Mustang’s 60th Anniversary, blending nostalgia with a modern flair.

Source: Bill Brown Ford & Autoweek

Ford’s Latest Offering

The current generation S650 Ford Mustang, which includes the 60th Anniversary Edition, offers a variety of options to cater to different driving preferences. The base engine is a turbocharged EcoBoost inline-four, known for its balance of performance and efficiency. For those seeking more power, the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 is available, providing a classic Mustang muscle car experience. Additionally, the more powerful Dark Horse edition offers enhanced performance features, paying homage to Mustang’s racing heritage and providing an even more thrilling ride.

Mustang Experience Center

Set to open in 2025 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Mustang Experience Center will be a hub for Mustang owners and fans who want to celebrate Ford’s Anniversary. It will offer track experiences, a Ford Heritage Gallery, an aftermarket parts shop, a retail store, and conference space, making it a special gathering place for the Mustang community.

Ford Heritage Gallery

Located within the Mustang Experience Center, the Ford Heritage Gallery will celebrate 60 years of Mustang history. This gallery will showcase the evolution of the Mustang, featuring iconic models and historical milestones that have defined the Mustang’s legacy.

Throwback to an Old Vision

Lee Iacocca conceptualized the Mustang with a clear vision for a new small car that could seat four passengers with bucket seats and feature a floor-mounted shifter. He specified that the car should weigh no more than 2,500 pounds and be under 180 inches long. This vision guided the development of the Mustang, resulting in a compact, sporty vehicle that appealed to a broad audience.

Price Changes

Iacocca insisted that the Mustang should offer a variety of power and comfort amenities, all for a price under $2,500, equivalent to under $25,107 today. This focus on affordability, combined with the car’s stylish design and performance options, made the Mustang an instant success, embodying Iacocca’s goal of creating an accessible yet exciting car for the masses. However, the anniversary version is expected to cost $325,000.

60th Anniversary Edition Package

Ford has introduced a special 60th Anniversary Edition Package to honor the Mustang’s milestone. This package is available exclusively on the GT Premium Mustang and features retro-themed GT fender and trunk badges, vinyl striping on the lower body rocker panels, and uniquely styled 20-inch wheels that pay homage to the original 1965 model.

Production is Yet to Start

Although announcements were made in April 2024, production has yet to start. Many experts expect the anniversary car to be available by the end of the summer, although there might be some unexpected delays.

Bespoke Mesh-Style Grille

The 60th Anniversary Mustang comes with a bespoke mesh-style grille, accented with silver nostrils that enhance the car’s vintage look and aid the engine’s air intake. This design element is a modern twist on the classic Mustang aesthetic, which is a 1960s icon.

Serialized Anniversary Badge

Each 60th Anniversary Edition Mustang includes a serialized badge on the instrument panel, making each car a unique collector’s item. This badge highlights the limited production run of 1,965 units, a nod to the year the Mustang was created by Lee Iacocca.

Nostalgic Color Options

The special edition Mustang offers three nostalgic color options: Wimbledon White, Race Red, and Vapor Blue. These colors are inspired by the original hues available during the Mustang’s early years, adding a touch of history to the modern design.

Mustang Nite Pony Headlights

Standard on the 60th Anniversary Edition are the Mustang Nite Pony headlights with smoked-out housings. These distinctive headlights provide a sleek, contemporary look while maintaining the Mustang’s signature style.

Heritage-Inspired 1967-1968 Gauge Cluster

Ford offers 2024 Mustang customers the option to select a heritage-inspired gauge cluster reminiscent of the 1967-1968 models as part of its anniversary celebration. This update, available through software, features a realistic chrome render and combines elements from various iconic Mustang gauge clusters.

Ford Performance Racing School’s Mustang Unleashed

As part of the Mustang Experience Center, Ford is expanding hands-on track instruction with the new Mustang Unleashed program. This program, available for Mustang EcoBoost and GT models, builds on the Dark Horse Track Attack program and helps owners get the most out of their cars.

Mustang GT3 Champion Spirit Livery

To honor its racing legacy while celebrating its Anniversary, Ford Performance has introduced the Mustang GT3 IMSA factory race cars with the Champion Spirit Livery. This unique design celebrates the colors and designs of eight significant Mustang racers, blending art and history to highlight Mustang’s achievements in sports car racing.

Limited Edition Mustang Engine

This limited edition Mustang is equipped with the powerful 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine. It’s a signature feature of the Mustang, known for its high performance and robust power output. The GT Premium trim, which includes this special edition, is designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience, combining the heritage of the Mustang with modern engineering advancements.