The Mustang is 50 and Fines Ford celebrates
A 50th anniversary is always worth noting, and that’s certainly the case with a model of automobile.
So it’s not surprising that people are celebrating the 50th anniversary of a signature car, like the Ford Mustang.
A crowd gathered at Fines Ford Lincoln in Bolton recently for the unveiling of the 2015 Mustang. The model used was the distinctive ruby red.
“We’re really excited,” declared Carlos Martins, general manager at Fines. “It’s a pretty radical redesign.”
Among other things, he said it boasts an EcoBoost engine with water-cooled twin turbines.
Sales Rep Bob Biggart said the car will get 26 miles per gallon in town and 38 on the highway.
But he said the best feature is it’s a world-class car, meaning the Mustang can be sold in Europe. Being a four-cylinder turbo, it will be able to keep up with the demands on the European roads.
Biggart said a car must be able to go 200 km-h to drive in the fast lane of the Autobahn in Germany, and this new model can.
He also explained that up until this year, all Mustangs had solid rear axels. This one has independent rear suspension. As well, he said the European markets wanted more fuel efficiency. “It’s a super-strong engine block,” he said, meaning it can handle the extra horse power — 310 horse power.
Biggart also said it’s possible to adjust the suspension with a toggle switch on the dashboard. “This thing handles like it’s on rails,” he declared.
Another feature is the frame, which Biggart said is 18 per cent more rigid than the 2014 models. “It’s a real light feel when you drive it,” he said.
The 2015s are available in both six-speed automatic or six-speed standard.
In honour of the milestone, “50” is prominent in various places around the car. The “50 is embossed on the seats and dash, as well as the cap on the gas tank.
And much of the Mustang mystique has been maintained, right down to the tri-bar tail lights. Biggart said there’s always some concern when the new models are introduced — “Will they take away that Mustang look that we’ve come to love and expect, and they haven’t!” Biggart himself appreciates the Mustang mystique, commenting that he still has a ‘71 convertible.
“Man, have they come a long way,” he said. “This is really the best of all worlds.”
“And it’s really pretty,” he added. “The thing is, you can see yourself driving it.”
Written by Bill Rea
