In April 1964, on the floor of the New York World’s Fair, Ford unveiled the Mustang – a sporty car that the average American could actually afford, and what would become one of the most iconic American cars of all time. Housed in the Ford Wonder Rotunda, the Magic Skyway was an immersive Disney-designed exhibit where Ford vehicles carried visitors on an animatronic journey from the Stone Age into a gleaming, futuristic city, one lap at a time.

This 1965 Ford Mustang was one of eleven Mustang convertibles that served on the Magic Skyway in its second year. Modified by contractor Carron & Company with welded brackets, suspension tie-downs, and guide pins, the cars were pulled along the Disney-devised track. Over six months, this Mustang carried an estimated 40,000 passengers and covered approximately 5,000 miles without burning a drop of fuel.

After the Fair, the cars were returned to Carron & Company for refurbishment – the Skyway mounting hardware was removed, the bodies were repainted, and the interiors refreshed. This Mustang was subsequently sold, sparingly used, and treated to an exacting restoration in 2015 with care to preserve the original components. Evidence of the Skyway mounting hardware remains welded to the chassis. It earned a Gold award from the Mustang Club of America in 2016.

This Mustang was part of the launch of one of America’s most recognizable cars in history. From the World’s Fair unveiling, to racing and pop culture, the Mustang has made an indelible mark on American history for over sixty years, and continues to captivate enthusiasts nationwide, and abroad.

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, documentation of this vehicle for the National Historic Vehicle Register was underwritten by Ford.

NHVR No. 38, HAER No. TX-3410

Paint and exterior

The Mustang is painted in the original color of Wimbledon White, fitted with a black vinyl convertible top.

Upholstery and interior

The interior of the Mustang is trimmed in red vinyl.

Engine

The Mustang is powered by its original naturally aspirated 200 cubic inch inline-six Ford engine. It produces 120 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.

Mileage

The odometer of the Mustang reads 35,656 miles. It is estimated that this car travelled 5,000 miles while being pulled on the track in the Magic Skyway ride.

Wheels and tires

The Mustang features 14-inch steel wheels with 1966 Mustang wheel covers which were installed during the post-World’s Fair reconditioning. It rides on 6.95-14 B.F. Goodrich Silvertown whitewall bias ply tires.

Brakes

The Mustang is fitted with four-wheel hydraulic drum non-power assisted brakes

Transmission

The Mustang features the original Three-speed Automatic “Cruise-O-Matic” C4 Ford transmission with a floor shifter.