Phantom Challenger - The following article briefly tells about the rivalry that really happened between the two American automotive giants General Motors and Ford Motor Company through the automotive products produced by both of them.
The Ford Cougar II Concept is built by Ford Motor Company intended to be an equal rival model of the Chevy Corvette. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)
The story begins when GM through its subsdiary marque, Chevrolet launched a design change of the Corvette sports car in the early 1960s, which at that time immediately caught the public's attention because of its good performance. Off course it made Ford top brass felt challenged to create an equal rival.
The Ford Cougar II Concept is featured an aerodynamic coupe styling bodywork, offered a great interior design plus retractable headlights. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)
Then they called the company's engineers for immediately devised a plan. In short, the engineers produced this interesting concept such the Ford Cougar II Concept, which featured an aerodynamic coupe styling bodywork, offered a great interior design plus retractable headlights and was also called one of three-X car concepts, along with the Ford Allegro and Ford Mustang II.
The Ford XP Bordinat Cobra is a concept car creation of Ford Motor Company collaborated with Carroll Shelby back in the 1963. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)
By design this Cougar II Concept is very similar to another concept car called the Bordinat Cobra, associated with Gene Bordinat, Ford's Vice President of Styling then, and the man behind the creation of these two great concept models. Well, the mentioned Cobra Roadster, which is one of the collaboration result cars of Ford Motor Company with Carroll Shelby, turned out to be warmly welcomed when it was introduced to the public, and many consumers really enjoyed the great styling. It's said that Ford never liked the eggshell-thin aluminum body of the Cobra, so it designed a coupe style similar to the Corvette and had one made.
The great looking Ford Cougar II fastback concept design built with a fiberglass body under finishing touches of a candy apple red color. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)
Furthermore, both are also built on a Shelby Cobra legendary chassis, only the Cougar II Concept is powered by a Ford small block 260ci V8 engine. This great looking fastback concept design built with a fiberglass body under finishing touches of a candy apple red color, in which its bodywork was created and built by Ford designers, Ken Spencer and Ray Behmer.
The Ford Cougar II Concept is powered by a Ford small block 260ci V8 engine. (Picture from: Motorcities.org)
While many historians and automotive enthusiasts have argued that the Cougar II Concept looked like a Corvette and deserved to be an equal rival for those Chevy's sports car, on the contrary Ford engineers at the time thought the car would be too expensive to produce.
So then the blue oval logoed company chose to be more focus on the Mustang project whose its production version is still could be seen until today, and left the Bordinat Cobra and the Cougar II Concept models dusty in the warehouse. Later, both of them were donated to the Detroit Historical Museum. 😢 *** [EKA [27102022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORCITIES | THEGENTLEMANRACER | HEMMINGS | BURRITODETODO ]
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Velvet Thunder - There’s something magical about cars that dare to be different — vehicles that break away from convention, not because they have to, but because someone believed they could. The late 1980s was a decade bursting with individuality, where design was bold, and engineers weren’t afraid to mix nostalgia with modern flair. Among the handful of creators who thrived in that creative tension stood Ron Sparks — a man whose imagination refused to fit inside the box of mass production. From his workshop in San Marcos, California, Sparks dreamed up a machine that embodied both elegance and eccentricity: the Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet.
The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet emerged from a vision to fuse American muscle with the romantic spirit of a European grand tourer, brought to life by Intercontinental Carriage, Inc. (Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)
Born from a desire to merge American muscle with the romantic flair of a European grand tourer, the Pegasus Cabriolet was a rare creation, crafted under the banner of Intercontinental Carriage, Inc.Its design took cues from Sparks’ earlier ventures — the Sparks Turbo Phaeton and the Sparks II Roadster — cars that flirted with neo-classic design in the late 1970s and early ’80s. But the Pegasus Cabriolet wasn’t just a revival of those ideas; it was a transformation. Built between 1989 and 1993, it represented one of the most obscure yet fascinating reinterpretations of the Ford Mustang platform, specifically the Fox Body Mustang — a staple of American automotive culture at the time.
The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet borrowed cues from Sparks’ earlier neo-classic models but reshaped them into a distinctly new creation.(Picture from: ClassicCars)
Under its sculpted hood sat a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the same heart that powered Ford’s own performance cars of the era. It produced 225 horsepower — more than enough to make the Pegasus roar down the open highway with authority. The power could be channeled through either a five-speed manual transmission for purists or an automatic overdrive for those who preferred their drive effortless. Beneath its striking exterior, the car carried a Ford LTD chassis, a solid foundation that offered both strength and adaptability. Sparks’ engineering approach was inventive — a blend of existing Ford components fused with custom craftsmanship.
The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet gained its distinctive visual character through Alain Clenet’s artistic touch, which refined Sparks’ mechanical vision with the elegance it deserved.(Picture from: Aiden Jewell in Flickr)
What made the Pegasus Cabriolet truly captivating, however, was its design language. The vehicle wore its personality openly: a mix of retro romance and futuristic bravado. Its sweeping lines and wide fenders exuded the confidence of classic luxury cars, while details like the real wire wheels and wide whitewall tires paid homage to the golden era of motoring. The use of iron and plastic body panels gave it structure and style, while the doors — borrowed intriguingly from the Volkswagen Cabriolet — added an unexpected European twist. Inside, the car continued its balancing act between opulence and practicality. White leather seats, power accessories, a convertible top, and a stereo with a CD player (a luxury touch for the time) gave it the comfort of a grand cruiser, yet it still held the soul of a performance-oriented Mustang beneath its tailored suit.
The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet showcased a confident mix of retro charm and modern flair with sweeping lines, wide fenders, wire wheels, whitewall tires, mixed metal-and-plastic panels, and Volkswagen Cabriolet doors that lent it a subtle European twist.(Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)
Only three examples ofthe Sparks Cabrioletwere ever built, and that exclusivity makes it as much a piece of art as it is a car. One of these was Ron Sparks’ personal vehicle — a testament to how deeply personal the project was to its creator. Sparks Motorworks, the division responsible for its construction, treated each build like a handcrafted masterpiece rather than a product. It wasn’t about mass appeal; it was about passion, design, and the joy of making something unique in a world that often prizes repetition.
The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet combined white leather seating, power features, a convertible top, and a then-premium CD stereo to deliver grand-cruiser comfort while retaining the spirit of a performance-driven Mustang beneath its refined exterior.(Picture from: ClassicCars)
Behind the design was another familiar name for aficionados of custom automobiles: Alain Clenet. Known for his artistic approach to vehicle styling, Clenet brought his distinct aesthetic sensibility to the Pegasus, enhancing Sparks’ mechanical vision with the visual grace it deserved. Together, Sparks and Clenet created something that bridged continents — a car born in California but infused with the spirit of European coachbuilding.
The
Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet carried a 5.0-liter V8 producing 225
horsepower— the same powerhouse found in Ford’s performance cars of its
era—giving it the authority to roar down the open highway.(Picture from: ClassicCars)
Today, the Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet feels almost mythical. In an age dominated by high-tech electric vehicles and algorithm-driven design, it stands as a reminder of a more romantic automotive era — one when individuality and craftsmanship were enough to make a car legendary. It may not have been produced in great numbers, nor did it chase mainstream success, but that was never the point. Its rarity is its essence; its existence, a whisper of a time when builders poured their identity into metal and chrome.
The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet blended Sparks’ mechanical vision with Alain Clenet’s refined aesthetic touch, resulting in a California-built car infused with the spirit of European coachbuilding.(Picture from: WorldCarsFromThe1930sTo1980s in Facebook)
Every once in a while, a car comes along that doesn’t just transport people — it transports ideas, emotions, and memories of what driving used to mean. The Sparks Pegasus Cabriolet is one of those cars. It’s less a machine and more a signature — Ron Sparks’ signature — written in steel, leather, and horsepower. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIDEN JEWELL IN FLICKR | CLASSICCARS | DRIVE2.RU | WORLD CARS FROM THE 1930S TO 1980S IN FACEBOOK | PINTEREST ]
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Rare ONES - The history of the Ford Mustang is filled with many intriguing chapters, and one of the most unexpected involves a partnership that few would have predicted: Ford and McLaren. While McLaren is typically associated with British supercars, such as the iconic McLaren F1, it also had a brief yet significant collaboration with Ford in the 1980s. This partnership resulted in a highly unique version of the Mustang, demonstrating just how versatile and surprising the automotive world can be.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang was the result of a collaboration between Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and McLaren, creating a truly unique Mustang. (Picture from: AmCarGuide)
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ford was eager to revitalize the Mustang after the disappointing Mustang II. New emissions regulations were challenging the performance of many cars, and Ford needed a new way to capture attention. The solution? A collaboration with McLaren that would lead to the creation of a very special Mustang.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang was clearly a Fox Body however it benefitted from a serious styling revamp both inside and out, and it had a much more powerful engine under the hood. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
This wasn’t just any Mustang, though—it was designed to show off McLaren’s hand-built engine expertise alongside Ford’s robust aftermarket and motorsport parts catalog. The result was the Ford M81 McLaren Mustang, a car that would combine elements of both brands into a rare and captivating package.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang's exterior was striking, sporting a boxy, angular shape that reflected the design trends of the Malaise era. (Picture from: Silodrome)
McLaren, primarily known for building high-performance cars and racing machines, may seem like an odd choice to work with Ford on a Mustang. But their expertise in engineering and performance was what Ford needed to create something unique. The partnership wasn’t McLaren’s first foray into collaborations, as they had also worked with Mercedes-Benz to produce the legendary SLR series. Yet long before that, McLaren’s focus shifted to Ford, leading to the creation of the M81McLaren Mustang. The car’s aim was simple: to boost interest in a Mustang that wasn’t powered by the typical V8 engine but instead by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The most noticeable styling change is the addition of wide IMSA-style fenders that gave the car a purposeful look and allowed the fitment of wider wheels and rubber. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Released in 1980, this special edition M81McLaren Mustang was built to highlight not only performance but also bold design. The exterior was striking, sporting a boxy, angular shape that reflected the design trends of the Malaise era. Its Bittersweet Orange color was particularly eye-catching, with seven out of the ten units produced being painted in this vibrant shade. But it wasn’t just about the looks—the car’s bodywork had been significantly upgraded to give it a more aggressive stance, marking it as something far different from the standard Mustangs of the time.
The interior of the Ford M81 McLaren Mustang was also upgraded, with Recaro seats, a Racemark steering wheel, a bolt-in roll bar, and Stewart-Warner instrument gauges. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Inside, the Ford M81McLaren Mustang featured a variety of enhancements to match its unique exterior. Recaro seats were a key addition, providing drivers with both comfort and support. A Racemark steering wheel, Stewart-Warner gauges, and a bolt-in roll bar were all part of the package, emphasizing the car’s sporty nature. These interior upgrades gave the M81 a distinct personality, one that stood out from other cars of its era.
This is the 2.3 liter turbocharged inline-four, originally produced 131 bhp however after McLaren were done with it it was making 175 bhp, and was capable of more still. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Under the hood, the M81McLaren Mustang wasn’t equipped with a large V8 engine, as many might expect from a performance-focused Mustang. Instead, it housed a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower—a respectable figure for the time. This engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. Although the horsepower may not seem impressive by today’s standards, it was a bold move in an era of increasingly restrictive emissions regulations.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang's handling was enhanced with Koni suspension, upgraded brakes, and Firestone HPR tires. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Despite its unique design and engineering, the M81McLaren Mustang struggled to find buyers. Ford had originally planned to build 249 units, but the high price tag—combined with the car’s relatively modest performance figures—meant that only ten were ever produced. This limited production run has made the M81 a highly sought-after collector's item today, with its rarity adding to its allure.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang's bodywork had been significantly upgraded to give it a more aggressive stance, marking it as something far different from the standard Mustangs of the time. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Though the car's 0-60 mph time of 9.76 seconds may seem slow compared to modern McLaren supercars, it was still an exciting performance for the era. The car’s handling was enhanced with Koni suspension, upgraded brakes, and Firestone HPR tires. These modifications ensured that the M81McLaren Mustang wasn’t just about straight-line speed but could also offer a balanced driving experience.| SIsYdlMA1HU |
While the original M81McLaren Mustang may not have been a massive commercial success, its legacy lives on as a fascinating chapter in the Mustang’s history. It was a bold attempt to create something different, blending Ford's American muscle with McLaren's precision engineering. In the end, it may have been too expensive for its time, but it remains a symbol of innovation and daring in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS | SILODROME | MOTORTREND | AMCARGUIDE | LMR ]
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Forgotten ONES - The Ford Mustang is an iconic American car that draws its inspiration from the legendary USAAF fighter plane of World War II, reflecting a blend of power, style, and heritage. Initially introduced as a pony car, it quickly evolved into a beloved muscle car, marking its place as a timeless classic in automotive history.
The Ford Mustang B1 OSI concept paved the way for innovative design and technology integration. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Since its debut in 1964, Ford Motor Company has maintained a steady production of the Mustang, spanning six impressive generations. Adorned with the emblematic wild horse logo, the Mustang has become synonymous with durability and has secured its position as the fifth-best selling Ford car, showcasing its enduring popularity and appeal.
The Ford Mustang B1 OSI debuted at the Turin Auto Show in 1965, followed by the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, and entered production the next year. (Picture from: Coachbuilt)
Throughout its evolutionary journey, Ford Motor Company engaged in fruitful collaborations with esteemed Italian design firms such as Carrozzeria Bertone and Officine Stampaggi Industriali (OSI). The partnership with Carrozzeria Bertone resulted in a refined version of the Mustang in 1965, adding a touch of European sophistication to the American icon. Simultaneously, OSI's contribution with the Ford Mustang B1 OSI concept opened new avenues for innovative design and technology integration.
The
Ford Mustang B1 OSI debuted at the Turin Auto Show in 1965, followed by
the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, and entered production the next year. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
Specifically, OSI's partnership with Ford extended beyond the Mustang, leading to the development of other notable projects like the Anglia 105-based Torino and the Ford of Cologne-sponsored 20 MTS coupe. These endeavors showcased Ford's global reach and diverse product offerings, catering to a wide range of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ford Mustang B1 OSI featured a modified space-frame chassis and a powerful 289 Hi-Po 4.7-liter OHV V8 engine, delivering an impressive 270 horsepower. (Picture from: Fairytales and Dragons)
The Mustang's popularity transcended borders, with models like the T5 finding their way into the European market. The introduction of the Mustang B1 OSI, specifically tailored for European competition to compete with brands like Opel GT, underscored Ford's adaptability and strategic foresight in expanding its global footprint.
Inside the Ford Mustang B1 OSI, luxury intertwined with performance, seen in its mahogany dashboards, three-spoke alloy steering wheel, and premium leather trim. (Picture from: Fairytales and Dragons)
The Mustang B1 OSI was a technological marvel, featuring a modified space-frame chassis and a potent 289 Hi-Po 4.7-liter OHV V8 engine that churned out an impressive 270 horsepower. Its innovative design included an independent rear-suspension arrangement, self-locking ZF differential, and all-round disc brakes, setting new standards in performance and handling. Riding on knock-off Borrani wire wheels, and bodied in glass fiber, the car's signature feature was the fold-flat headlight arrangement which foretold the Porsche 928.
Rolling on knock-off Borrani wire wheels and crafted with a glass fiber body, the standout feature of the car was its fold-flat headlight arrangement, reminiscent of the Porsche 928. (Picture from: Fairytales and Dragons)
Inside the Ford Mustang B1 OSI, luxury seamlessly merged with performance, evident in its mahogany dashboards, three-spoke alloy steering wheel, and premium leather trim. Despite its groundbreaking design, only a single unit of the Mustang B1 OSI was produced, elevating its rarity and desirability among automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Despite its groundbreaking design, only one unit of the Ford Mustang B1 OSI was produced, enhancing its rarity and appeal to automotive enthusiasts and collectors. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars)
Unfortunately, OSI's journey was short-lived, culminating in its closure in 1968. Nevertheless, its contributions, especially embodied in the Mustang B1 OSI, continue to resonate as a testament to innovation and collaboration within the automotive industry.
Apologies, as this car is rare, we couldn't locate any related videos. Instead, enjoy this video showcasing the Ford of Cologne-sponsored 20 MTS coupe.
Lost GEMS - Undoubtedly, Giorgetto Giugiaro, the legendary Italian designer, boasts an impressive portfolio, having crafted numerous car models for a diverse range of brands including Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Fiat, Hyundai, Lotus, and Volkswagen. Before establishing his own firm, Giugiaro garnered experience at renowned names like Fiat, Bertone, and later, Ghia.
The Ford Mustang built by Carrozzeria Bertone in 1965 based on the design of Giorgetto Giugiaro. (Picture from: Pedal2TheMetal)
Interestingly, within his extensive portfolio, one notable connection stands out – his involvement with the iconic American muscle car, the Ford Mustang. Giugiaro's link to the Mustang's design traces back to 1965 during his tenure at Carrozzeria Bertone. This collaboration resulted in a significant milestone: the Mustang becoming the first European-designed car to debut internationally in America after World War II, and the initial Mustang to showcase Italian styling.
The Ford Mustang was commissioned by L. Scott Bailey, founder and editor of Automobile Quarterly, in response to criticisms directed at the newly launched Ford Mustang by the European press. (Picture from: Pedal2TheMetal)
This venture was commissioned by L. Scott Bailey, founder and editor of Automobile Quarterly, in response to criticisms directed at the newly launched Ford Mustang by the European press. The base was a 1965 red 2+2 Mustang fastbacks/n #5F09K275716 fresh from the American factory (like one in the video below), serving as a canvas for Giugiaro's creative touch. Equipped with a 289 V8, a four-speed manual transmission, white wall tires, and wire hubcaps, it provided the foundation for transformation.
Under Giugiaro's craftsmanship, the car underwent a metamorphosis, featuring a sleeker, more aerodynamic front end with louvered headlamps and a glass housing adorned with slender window pillars. The distinct addition of two small, operable rear side windows was introduced – an innovation unparalleled in Mustang history. A remarkable departure from the stock design, the sail panel and rear window took on a curvaceous, single-piece glass contour.
Under Giugiaro's craftsmanship, the car underwent a metamorphosis, featuring a sleeker, more aerodynamic front end with louvered headlamps and a glass housing adorned with slender window pillars. (Picture from: YahooNews)
Moreover, Giugiaro's ingenuity extended to the interior, where supple Italian caramel-colored leather materialized as the central theme. While preserving the original shifter, the design introduced an intriguing twist – relocating two of the factory Rally Pac elements, the clock and tachometer, from the conventional steering column mount to integrated instrumentation within the console's central stack.
Giugiaro's ingenuity extended to the interior, where supple Italian caramel-colored leather materialized as the central theme. (Picture from: Pedal2TheMetal)
Simultaneously, the factory wheels and hubcaps yielded their spots to 14-inch Campagnolo wheels, expertly designed by Bertone and composed of lightweight electron magnesium alloy. The exterior received a coating of refined metallic silvery blue/green, harmonizing effortlessly with the newly sculpted curves.
The exterior of Ford Mustang by Bertone received a coating of refined metallic silvery blue/green, harmonizing effortlessly with the newly sculpted curves. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)
Upon completion, the Bertone Mustang by Giorgetto Giugiaro debuted at the 1965 New York Auto Show, captivating attendees to the extent that it earned the prestigious Best of Show accolade. Shortly thereafter, this masterpiece graced the market with a price tag of $10,000, directly from Bertone's stable.
The Ford Mustang featured with 14-inch Campagnolo wheels, expertly designed by Bertone and composed of lightweight electron magnesium alloy. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)
Regrettably, despite its remarkable lineage and cultural significance, the trail of the Bertone Mustang's subsequent journey goes cold. Following the liquidation of the carrozzeria in 2014, the car seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving the automotive community puzzled and yearning for its rediscovery.
Ad showing when this Ford Mustang masterpiece went on sale with a $10,000 price tag shortly after the end of the 1965 New York Auto Show, straight from the Bertone stable. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
In the annals of automotive history, Giorgetto Giugiaro's collaboration with the Ford Mustang transcends mere design – it represents a meeting of minds that birthed a unique masterpiece, encapsulating innovation and style. Although the whereabouts of the Bertone Mustang remain a mystery, its legacy endures as a testament to Giugiaro's extraordinary creative vision and the enduring allure of automotive artistry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PEDAL2THEMETAL | FORMTRENDS | CARDESIGNNEWS | YAHOONEWS | ROADANDTRACK | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE ]
ONE-OFF - When you've seen of the many concept cars ever made by the Ford Motor Company, maybe the following car included in the ranks of unique and ultra rare collections. What car is it? It was the Ford Mustang 'Shorty' concept car developed by the American manufacturer in 1963 and introduced to the public in 1965, which is also widely referred to as the 3rd Mustang prototype made while it was still under development.
Here's the one-and-only 1964½ Ford Mustang III Factory Prototype aka Mustang 'Shorty' is designed by Vince Gardner in 1963, and introduced to the public in 1965. (Picture from: Hemmings)
As quoted from PerformanceFord, during the 1960s the Dearborn-based car manufacturer was looking for a sporty new car. For the reason Ford talked with the Budd Company in 1961 about creating a revived version of the original 1955-1957 Thunderbird. In short, the XT-Bird prototype was born which was combined a 1957 Thunderbird body with a 1961 Falcon chassis. The car looked flashy, but the rear seat was too small to be practical, at the end its development was not continued.
The Ford Mustang 'Shorty' has the look of a two-seater fastback built on the Mustang's trimmed chassis about 16-inches, and initially powered by the two-barrel 260cubic-inch drivetrain. (Picture from: RMSothebys)
Well, possibly it was from here that Ford started to get prospective candidate for its sporty new car. Sure enough, after carrying out a series of model developments, Ford finally launched the figure of a two-seater barchetta sports car called the Ford Mustang I Concept powered by a V4 mid-mounted engine at the 1962 United States Grand Prix in the Watkins Glen Raceway, New York on October 7, 1962.
The 1964 Ford Mustang 'Shorty' two-seater fastback posed along with its creator Vince Gardner. (Picture from: Hemmings)
Development of the Mustang model continued through a handcrafted prototype Mustang II which was also launched at the Watkins Glen Raceway one year later. Both of these prototypes were built fully operational and presumably could be made so again. It is not surprising that both are considered to be treasured artifacts which are now the collections of significant museums (the Henry Ford and Detroit Historical, respectively), and so are unlikely to appear on any public highway.
The 1964 Ford Mustang 'Shorty' retained the Mustang's original front-end, including what appears to be a production safety-glass windshield. (Picture from: PerformanceFord)
Back to the development of the Mustang model, in 1963, there's a talented freelance designer named Vince Gardner worked in the Dearborn Steel Tubing (DST) factory (a frequent Ford partner). He had previously contributed to the Cord 810 and later worked under Raymond Loewy at Studebaker, also had won the National Roadster Show award with his car creation called the Gardner Special was built based on the 1947 Studebaker Champion.
The interior of Ford Mustang 'Shorty' has retained its original parts, but the headliner, inner door panels and everything behind the doors was custom-fabricated. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As quoted from Hemmings, Gardner was given a free hand with one of 10 pre-production Mustangs later known as the 1964½ Ford Mustang III Factory Prototype. As the result, under Gardner-designed bodywork, the new-Mustang has the look of a two-seater fastback built on the Mustang's trimmed chassis about 16-inches, and initially powered by the two-barrel 260cubic-inch drivetrain.
The ultimate powertrain of the 1964 Ford Mustang 'Shorty' is a Falcon V8 with an experimental bored and stroked version that measured 302cubic-inch coupled with a trio of two-barrel carburetors. (Picture from: Hemmings)
When Ford caught a glimpse of the car, they incorporated it into their traveling show circus in 1964, and shortly after that took the car under their official wing, they replaced the drivetrain into a Falcon V8 with an experimental bored and stroked version that measured 302cubic-inch coupled with a trio of two-barrel carburetors. As a show car, it was equipped with an automatic transmission,
The original windshield was reused, but the door windows along with the concave quarters and the sloping rear window were custom-made out of Plexiglas. (Picture from: PerformanceFord)
Unfortunately, when it was introduced to the public for the first time at the Henry Ford Museum in 1965, this Mustang 'Shorty', received little response and enthusiasm from world's automotive enthusiasts, because its shape was considered 'too weird and asymmetrical'. Due to get such negative reception of visitors and the automotive community at that time, Ford abandoned its plans to produce this model in limited quantities. Disappointed that it was not being produced and to prevent the car from being annihilated as well, Gardner took away his Mustang 'Shorty' car creation, hidden it in a warehouse for couple months.
Bumper-to-bumper, the finished prototype measured 22.5 inches shorter than a production Mustang. (Picture from: RMSothebys)
In 1968 the Mustang 'Shorty' finally found someone named Bill Snyder who really take care of it to 2015. After being stored neatly for several years, Snyder then carried out a complete restoration to return the car to its original condition in 2007 and finished in 2012. Following restoration work, the Mustang 'Shorty' was shown at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Even the one-and-only car had shown at various events across the United States, as part of the Mustang Fifty Years celebrations back in 2014.
So then the blue oval logoed company chose to be more focus on the Mustang project whose its production version is still could be seen until today, and left the Bordinat Cobra and the Cougar II Concept models dusty in the warehouse. Later, both of them were donated to the Detroit Historical Museum. 😢 *** [EKA [27102022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORCITIES | THEGENTLEMANRACER | HEMMINGS | BURRITODETODO ]
