The Ford Mustang turns 50: 1964 Limited Edition Mustangs set for 2015

It's the muscle car your dad probably drooled over when he was a teen back in the 60s. Now, the Ford Motor Company wants you to want this car, too.

Happy 50th birthday to the Ford Mustang, widely hailed as the most iconic American muscle car or "pony car" ever. The Mustang made America's acquaintance on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair. Its first model came to be known as the "1964½" model by Mustang fans and cost just $2,300.

The Mustang has the distinction of being the only original pony car to remain in uninterrupted production for five decades. In celebration of the Mustang's golden anniversary, Ford said it will market 1,964 limited edition Mustangs in 2015.

The limited edition ponies will have chrome highlights around the windows, tail lights and grille. They'll also feature a faux gas cap badge on the rear, much like the original Mustangs. The edition will only come in two colors: white or blue, and will available in both automatic or manual transmission.

In New York this Wednesday, Ford unveiled a special edition Mustang to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. described the much loved sports car as "the heart and soul" of Ford.

"Frankly if you don't like this car, you don't like cars," Ford, Jr. said.

Dealers, media and other guests celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Mustang atop the Empire State Building. The centerpiece of the event was a gleaming gold 2015 Mustang convertible. Ford, Jr. said getting the car to the 86th floor was quite a feat.

The car had to be split into five pieces for the ride up the building's elevators and reassembled late at night when the observation deck is closed to visitors. The Mustang will be on display until this Friday.

Ford Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields said two Mustang Club of America events in Charlotte and Las Vegas honoring the famed sports car could see up to 5,000 Mustangs in each location and probably 10,000 to 15,000 people celebrating the Mustang.

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