The Mustang turns 50 years old today. It is hard to believe that it was
that long ago that Ford changed automotive lifestyles for millions with its
introduction. Based on the platform of the best selling Falcon, it was a short
trunk, long hood style reminiscent of Classic cars from the 30’s. Just big
enough for two, and maybe two small kids, this was the baby boomer generation
after all, sporty enough to look like fun, and a model for everybody.
Secretaries drove six cylinders, while gear heads had a Hi-Po 289 with 271
horses. Carroll Shelby used it as the basis for his Shelby Mustangs, incredibly
fast cars 50 years later. Hertz rented them on weekends, rent on Friday, race
on Sunday, return on Monday. It was advertised “presenting the unexpected,” and
it did. The early ones referred to as 1964 1/2, they were all really 1965
models, and the Pony car war was on. Barracuda had been released a few weeks
earlier, and it would take Chevrolet until 1966 to release the 1967 Camaro, but
Ford had it all first, and foremost. And being 10 at the time, and fascinated
by cars, I can remember seeing my first Mustang...
It belonged to Joey Coleman’s mom, who had traded her 1951 Chevy 2 door
coupe for it. A big deal in the suburbs, as mothers car pooled then, and a
station wagon would have been a better conveyance for us kids. But I admire her
choice, it was gray, with a red interior, automatic and the 260 cubic inch V-8,
the small V-8, that lasted only a short time. She would take us for rides
around the block, windows down, breeze in our crew cuts, and man we were
living. And for a kid whose parents drive a 4-door Rambler American, this was
heaven. It couldn’t get any better...Then Bruce and Barry’s dad bought a 1966,
silver with black vinyl top, with a six cylinder, auto. Those white walls
giving the car a classy look compared to Joey’s mom’s black walls. And soon
they were showing up everywhere. In school Mr. Dyer had one. A 1967, dark blue
coupe. Mr. Corea had the same combination, except it had the hi-po 289 with
headers, the only quality I ever liked about him. My eighth grade basketball
coach Mr. Ubersax had a yellow 1966 with a 289, with sand bags in the trunk,
they were so light in the rear end they would lose traction. A neighbor on my
paper route had a 1967 fast back, gold, and I was careful not to touch when I
looked inside. Mustangs had taken over America, everyone wanted to feel young,
and to quote the ad, “Mustang made it happen!”
But my first time behind the wheel was at the World’s Fair in New York in
1964. Ford used their Rotunda to introduce the Mustang, and you could sit
behind the wheel on a guided tour. Carefully choosing our place inline, so as
to get a Mustang, they alternated with Mercury Comets, we got my wish and soon I
was behind the wheel, not sure of what I saw, but the view over the hood was
glorious. A ride that ended too soon, and with parents who didn’t want to wait
another two hours in line. But I had my first seat time, some day I would have
one. Now along the way I had friends with Mustangs, Nicky had a 1968 6 cylinder
on its last legs, but Vinny had a 1969 Boss 302. Which he would let me drive,
my leg still sore from the stiff clutch. Unbelievably fast, and worth a year’s
pay today, I wish I had one just like it, stiff clutch and all. But Mustangs
were to enter my life, first a 1986 GT convertible, Theresa’s car, 5-speed with
headers, it was fast. Loved to do burnouts, as did my sons riding in the back.
It was our only car for awhile, even taking us on Christmas vacation once, where
at 150,000 miles we traded it for a new Thunderbird. But along the way things
started to go wrong, a flat tire, and then the headlights wouldn’t shut off,
causing all the patrons in Burger King to notice. We pretended it wasn’t ours,
and laughed the whole ride after. But it was showing its age....and soon it was
good bye Mustang, hello T-Bird, and no cruising to the hamburger stand in her
old man’s car, it was hers. Forget about the library. But life with Mustang
wasn’t over yet, as a new 2001 convertible still sits in the garage, and is used
on Cruisin’ Grand, trips to Sonic and the beach, and all with the top down. So
for 50 years Mustangs have made an impact on my life, and I cannot believe it
really 50 years. I’m too young to look this old, or feel it either. Not quite
old enough to be a classic, and not what you would consider collectible, I still
have many original parts, save for my aorta. But as I look around, I see many
afraid to get old, to age like Mustang did. And they end up looking worse for
the wear.
It’s funny how when the Mustang came out, I wanted to look older, so as to
pass for 12 and get into movies I wasn’t allowed in yet. And now approaching
60, I feel young, and any compliment saying “you don’t look your age,” is
appreciated. Of course only if it means I look younger than I am. Yet I see so
many ravaged by sin in their life, taking a toll on them. Toothless, hairless,
and hard of hearing, we will all get old someday. Some at an early age, so
never growing up like I plan. And it shows in my life style, no sedans for me,
and cars are the option, we ride. Which keeps us young. But I find my
relationship with Christ is the main reason I feel young. He takes my burdens,
and my worries, and sometimes my only worry is that I don’t worry. I have
learned to walk in His steps, and find it more exciting, and less dangerous. For
39 years now I have been a Christian, and with Jesus leading I still feel
young. Sometimes I feel too young to be this old, passing younger riders while
riding. I prefer the top down to surround sound, headers make their own type of
music. And I find many others who trust God look and feel the same. We wake up
to “Good morning Lord,” instead of “good Lord, it’s morning.” We feel young,
think young, and have found the fountain of youth in Christ. We are going to
live forever! And get a new body in heaven to show for it. Now I can tell you
mine is wearing out, but my relationship with Christ isn’t. I exercise that
more than any other part of my body, and it keeps me young. And keeps me
alert, and full of joy. A blessing and a testimony to a life in Christ. A
choice we make, and one I made and have seen the results.
In a life of looking back, I talk to ones who are happy just to “sit up and
take their meals.” To some that are waiting to die. Who have neglected God,
and aged before their time. Wore out, and feeling useless, but not to Jesus.
He is patient, and is keeping many alive just to be saved. If you haven’t
chosen Him, choose Him today. Why get old, when you can only get older? To be
in His will and way and enjoy every bit of life He has to offer. Some will make
a visible change, like Joey’s mom from her ‘51 Chevy to a ne Mustang. Some will
always lead a sedan life, wondering what it may have felt like riding with the
top down, wind in their hair when they had it. And some will never enjoy the
knowledge of heaven. I plan to see it first hand, to be there someday. My
reservation is made, my house in process. 50 years ago Ford changed how we look
at life with the Mustang, 39 years ago Jesus changed my life when I accepted
Him. What do you look back on? What are driving today?
Too young to look this old? Jesus has the answer, ask Him into your life
today and start living. Top down, wind in your hair. Radio blaring, cruisin’
and enjoying life. He calls it blessed. What you call it is between you and
Him. So don’t let anything stand between you and Him. We all get older, some
are old already. The only growing I intend to do is in Christ. He calls me a
kid.....I like that. And still just old enough to drive...”only Jesus makes it
happen!”
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com