On what date did the Ford Mustang go on sale in the United States?

The Ford Mustang went on sale in the United States on April 17, 1964. Ford introduced the new car at the New York World’s Fair, which opened in Flushing Meadows, Queens, that same month.

The Mustang created the “pony car” category by combining sporty styling with a relatively affordable price and components derived from the compact Ford Falcon. Buyers could choose from multiple body styles, engines, and options, allowing the car to appeal to a broad audience.

Ford’s launch was unusually successful. Dealers received enthusiastic crowds, and first-year demand greatly exceeded the company’s expectations. The Mustang’s popularity made it one of Ford’s most recognizable nameplates.

The date is sometimes confused with the car’s public debut at the World’s Fair or with its later model-year designation. Although commonly described as a 1965 model, the Mustang was available to American buyers beginning in April 1964.