More than 60 years after the Ford Mustang made its unforgettable public debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, one of the original Magic Skyway Mustangs has earned a permanent place in American automotive history.

In July 2026, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation announced that a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible had become the 38th vehicle inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Register—the same program that previously recognized the iconic 1968 Mustang fastback driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt.

The recognition celebrates an important chapter in Mustang history while highlighting something restoration enthusiasts understand well: preserving the original details of a classic vehicle helps preserve its story. For anyone who restores, maintains, or simply loves the early Mustang, this recognition is worth celebrating.

The Magic Skyway: Where America Met the Mustang

On April 17, 1964, Ford officially introduced the Mustang to the public at the New York World’s Fair. Rather than relying solely on a traditional showroom unveiling, Ford gave visitors something far more memorable.

Developed in collaboration with Walt Disney and his team, Ford’s Magic Skyway attraction carried passengers on a nearly half-mile, 12-minute journey through Earth’s history. Visitors traveled past prehistoric creatures, through scenes of early civilization, and into a futuristic city.

The entire journey was experienced from inside actual Ford vehicles, including brand-new Mustang convertibles. For many visitors, the Magic Skyway provided their first opportunity to sit inside a Mustang and experience the car firsthand.

The introduction helped launch an automotive icon. During the Mustang’s first year, Ford sold more than 418,000 vehicles, far exceeding its original sales expectations.

A Mustang With an Extraordinary Past

The newly recognized vehicle is a Wimbledon White 1965 Mustang convertible featuring a red interior, a 200-cubic-inch inline-six engine, and a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. It was one of 11 Mustang convertibles used during the Magic Skyway’s second season in 1965.

Each vehicle was fitted with special undercarriage equipment that allowed it to travel along the attraction’s track without operating under its own engine power. During its six months at the World’s Fair, this particular Mustang is estimated to have:

• Carried approximately 40,000 passengers
• Traveled approximately 5,000 miles
• Completed its journeys without consuming fuel

Following the Fair, the Mustangs were refurbished and prepared for resale. Their special ride equipment was removed, the bodies were repainted, and the interiors were refreshed. Most eventually disappeared into private ownership, making surviving Magic Skyway Mustangs especially significant today.

Rediscovery, Restoration, and National Recognition

The Mustang’s connection to the Magic Skyway was documented as early as 1978, when then-owner Gary Schweitzer submitted information about the vehicle to Mustang Times. Several unusual features helped establish its history, including physical evidence of the special mounting equipment used during the attraction.

The vehicle underwent an extensive restoration completed in 2015, with careful attention given to preserving its original components and unique history. Its original 200-cubic-inch inline-six engine and automatic transmission remain intact, while evidence of its former ride equipment is still attached to the chassis.

In 2016, the restored Mustang earned a Gold award from the Mustang Club of America (MCA), recognizing the quality and accuracy of its restoration. Today, the vehicle belongs to collector Sam Pack of Texas.

As the 38th vehicle added to the National Historic Vehicle Register, the Mustang is being documented through professional photography, laser scanning, and a detailed historical report. Ford Motor Company supported the documentation as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Its documentation will be permanently archived in the Library of Congress, ensuring that future generations can learn about this remarkable piece of Mustang history.

(The Mustang is displayed alongside the 15-Millionth Ford, also on the National Historic Vehicle Register.)
What the Grille Tells Us About Correct Restoration

Look closely at the grille of a correctly restored 1964½ or 1965 Mustang, and you’ll find one of the most recognizable details in American automotive design: the running horse and corral ornament centered in the grille opening.

On the World’s Fair Mustang, that detail was present from the beginning. When the Mustang earned its MCA Gold award in 2016, its restoration reflected the attention to original specifications and factory-correct details that concours judging recognizes.

At California Pony Cars, we manufacture the 1964½–1965 Mustang Horse & Corral Grille Ornament (EXT-065-051) to the same concours-correct standards emphasized in award-winning restorations like the World’s Fair Mustang.

• Official Ford Licensed Product and Mustang Club of America approved
• Proudly Made in the USA as an exact reproduction of Ford OEM C5ZZ-8213-A
• Designed to correct specifications for 1964½ and 1965 standard and GT grille applications

For 1965 GT grille applications, the horse and corral ornament is complemented by the distinctive dual fog light bar assembly—a configuration also used on the Magic Skyway cars.

Our 1964½–1965 Mustang GT Fog Light Bars (EXT-065-055) are sold as a matched pair with mounting hardware, reproducing Ford OEM C5RZ-8390-D and C5RZ-8390-E to exact specifications.

Restoring a 1964½–1965 Mustang? Explore our Made-in-USA early Mustang restoration components and find the factory-style details you need to preserve the character of your classic Mustang.

Why Concours-Correct Restoration Still Matters

The World’s Fair Mustang’s MCA Gold award was the result of an extensive restoration that emphasized accuracy and attention to detail. For Mustang enthusiasts pursuing a factory-correct restoration, details such as material accuracy, finish precision, and dimensional correctness can make the difference between a cosmetic restoration and one that meets concours expectations.

Imported reproduction parts can approximate the appearance of original components. At California Pony Cars, we believe the distinction lies in the material accuracy, finish precision, and dimensional correctness that separate a show-quality restoration from a cosmetic one.

California Pony Cars has been manufacturing concours-correct Mustang restoration parts since 1988, building on a history that began when our founder produced his first restoration part in 1982. Across more than four decades, our products have been used in MCA Gold award restorations, professional restoration shops, and by enthusiasts who hold their vehicles to the same standards as concours judges.

The correct horse and corral. The correct fog light bars. The correct finish and dimensions. Every detail contributes to preserving the character of an early Mustang.

Preserving What Makes These Cars Worth Restoring

From carrying passengers through a vision of the future at the New York World’s Fair to earning a place in the National Historic Vehicle Register in 2026, this Mustang has traveled a remarkable road. Its story reminds us that every classic Mustang represents a piece of automotive history worth preserving.

At California Pony Cars, we’re proud to play a part in that preservation by manufacturing Made-in-USA restoration parts for enthusiasts who appreciate the details that make these vehicles special.

Whether you’re completing a concours restoration or preserving a Mustang that has been in your family for generations, the right components help maintain the original character and craftsmanship that made these cars iconic.

More than 60 years after its debut, the Mustang continues to inspire new generations of owners, collectors, and restorers.

American-made restoration parts for your American-made Mustang.

California Pony Cars