Hundreds of journalists, photographers and other Mustang enthusiasts recently gathered at the renowned Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica, California airport and millions more watched on Speed Television as Ford officially unveiled the newly re-designed 2010 Mustang.
The event, which coincided with the opening of the L.A. Auto Show, began with several short video presentations including a humorous and sincere feature film titled "Father's Day" that was the grand prize winner among hundreds of films submitted for a contest held by Ford. Organizers also paid tribute to U.S. Army Specialist Kory Chesher, who is serving in Iraq. Chesher won an essay contest chronicling his life-long affection for Mustangs.
With more than a dozen vintage Mustang race cars lining the walls behind the stage, a group of celebrity racers joined the gathering including Jack Roush, Parnelli Jones, Carroll Shelby, John and Ashley Force, Billy Glidden, Bob Tasca III, road racers Dorsey Schrader and Tommy Kendall, all of whom have had great success racing in Mustangs.
Afterwards the introductions, it was time to get down to business as the star of the show emerged from behind a black curtain. With its tires blazing and the engine howling, the Falken Tire drifting Mustang emerged first with driver Vaughn Gitten Jr., powersliding his way around the stage. Next, an array of street-legal 2010 Mustangs emerged, including a base model V6-powered entry, a 315-horsepower GT, a convertible, and a supercharged version that is scheduled to be produced sometime next year.
Once the cars were introduced, fans and members of the media were able to get an up-close look at the new vehicles, which feature among other things, a completely re-designed interior, new suspension and a host of technical advancements in the areas of comfort, styling and safety.