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One of America’s most iconic automobiles, the Ford Mustang celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this spring and Goodguys will honor the car at its 21st Summer Get-Together, which closes today at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

The classic American muscle car was introduced to the masses April 17, 1964 at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. The car has stayed the test of time, and is currently available at dealerships nationwide in its sixth generation.

Featured at today’s Goodguys show, Mustangs from the 1960s through current day models will be on hand as part of the special display during a show that includes more than 2,500 show cars.

No fewer than 75 Ford Mustang’s from all genres will be a featured attraction inside the Young California building as part of the large Mustangs-only exhibit. The cars will come from all over California including several from right here in the Tri-Valley area.

Pleasanton locals Chris Brennan (2001 Roush Mustang), Dan Watts (2009 Shelby GT 500 Mustang), Kevin McClay (1967 Mustang), Sal Molinare (2006 GT

Mustang) as well as Ronald Garcia and Rich McManus (’66 and ’67 Mustang’s) will show off their prized Fords. At the culmination of the event on Sunday, Goodguys will announce the top Mustang of the show.

Those familiar with the Mustang’s history understand its place in automotive history. At its 1964 unveiling, Lee Iacocca (then with Ford) pronounced the “Mustang would represent more things to more people than any other automobile on the road.”

Backed by an unprecedented marketing blitz, the Mustang became an overnight symbol of personal freedom and moderately priced mobility to young people with big expectations. Even today in its current trim, it remains a popular car among high school students, college kids as well as middle aged weekend warriors.

Like most popular platforms, the Mustang is available in many different trim options. A quick visit to Ford’s website reveals 10 different models of Mustang available right now from your local Ford dealer.

That’s unheard of. No other manufacturer offers more varieties of a specific model.

The Mustang’s popularity has been well documented in popular culture over the years. Steve McQueen drove a dark green 1968 Fastback Mustang on the streets of San Francisco in the action film Bullitt. The song Mustang Sally, recorded by Wilson Pickett in 1966, is about a man who buys a Mustang for his ungrateful girlfriend.

The Goodguys event features vendor exhibits, Goodguys AutoCross racing, a swap meet and cars for sale corral, free kids games and face painting, Tri-Valley Quarter Midgets racing and more.

General admission is $18, kids 7-12 $6. Fairgrounds parking is $8.

Visit www.good-guys.com for more informaton or call (925) 838-9876.

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9 Comments

  1. Nice car show planned for the weekend…now, could someone remind the Ptown police & CHP to provide some traffic control for the event. The past years have resulted in major backups all over the area, from Hopyard/St Marys, Bernal, Foothill, Valley Ave and 680 South of 580.

  2. Like I said earlier before being censored (disappeared), Mustangs are crappy cars. Slightly more powerful than a Yugo, about as dependable as a Jaguar (one needs a LOT of garage space), the maneuverability of a Humvee, it’s a testament to American consumer stupidity.

    As for being censored, I take it as something of a badge of honor when the owner/editor of the ‘newspaper’ proudly displays an inability to distinguish objectivity from marketability.

  3. I agree with Traffic_jam trust me mr Ernie-many of us that live nearby have called the cops numerous times. I live across the street and geez, the jerks that go to the Good Guys think they own the roads and don’t have to obey the laws. since when is parking right on a corner or blocking a crosswalk the ok? according to PPD it is. well at least they never ticket these jerks.
    Obviously PPD would rather pull over residents that live in P-town for having a cracked windshield rather then issuing parking tickets for blocking crosswalks, fire hydrants etc. I give up. I pay $10k a year in property tax yet I am treated like crap.

  4. I admit I’ve never gone to any Goodguys car shows, but I think this one is obviously special. No car is more beloved all time. Worth the experience.

  5. Repeat Offender-wow…talk about someone who obviously knows nothing about cars…do you know how inept you sound? Last I checked a GT500 Mustang made over 100 HP MORE than a Z28 and over 60 more HP than a new Z07 Corvette. My advice? Study more/talk less, your ignorance is showing.

  6. Hey all you Mustang fanatics (or haters) walk over the the Hall of Commerce, building C, for the non-Mustang indoor exhibit. Lot’s of Chevys, a 1936 Jaguar, and a 1973 yellow and black Maverick Grabber (mine) that is 41 years old today.

    Roz

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