New York World's Fair Magic Skyway convertible is on its way to completion.
When it debuted at the New York World's Fair in April of 1964, few understood the impact Mustang would have on American automobile history. Expected sales of 100,000 units turned into a half million from three assembly plants that first year. By mid-year '66, Ford had sold more than a million Mustangs. By '68 - two million. And by '73 - three million. Today, nearly 10 million Mustangs have been produced. The car and the name became a national phenomenon. And based on what we're currently seeing at shows across the country, Mustang Mania never ended.
Walt Disney's Magic Skyway at the Fair was a showcase for both Disney magic and exciting new products from Ford Motor Company. More importantly, it is where Ford introduced the all-new Mustang on April 17, 1964. On Disney's Magic Skyway were new 1964 Ford convertibles, which included 12 '64 1/2 Mustang convertibles in a variety of colors. Participants hopped in and cruised through the Magic Skyway exhibit, learning all about man's progression from prehistoric times to current times to what was envisioned for the future. The Disney/Ford Magic Skyway was an excellent marketing tool for the Disney Company and Ford because it impacted so many people.
At the end of the 1964 portion of the Fair, Ford replaced 12 260-2V V-8 Mustang convertibles with 12 more '65 models with 200ci sixes, which were assembled at the Dearborn Assembly Plant in December of 1964. Gary's Schweitzer's Wimbledon White six-cylinder drop top was one of them.
Gary began his restoration in earnest a couple of years ago. He has done an incredible job on this car, fiercely committed to accuracy and craftsmanship. Check out our website for his efforts along the way, including complete rebuilds of his 200ci six-cylinder engine, C4 Cruise-O-Matic transmission, and light-duty 7 1/4-inch rear axle. Because Gary is a busy man with a family and career to take care of, progress has been about as expected - not always to plan, but steady with positive results. Likely his greatest challenge has been finding the correct new old stock and used parts for his restoration project, which has taken a lot of time not to mention money.
Gary's plan at the start of the year was to have his World's Fair convertible at Virginia Beach for the MCA National Show in August, which didn't happen due to the usual setbacks we all experience with restoration projects. Gary hopes to have his Mustang at the MCA National Show in the New York City area next June 2011 if all goes to plan - but no promises. He still has a lot of hurdles to overcome in the course of this winter. If Gary can meet that goal, it means his convertible will have come full circle right back to where it began at the New York World's Fair nearly a half century ago. Lets all keep our fingers crossed.
We will keep you posted on Gary's progress here in your Mustang Monthly Magazine.