The 1964 Indianapolis 500 was a pivotal moment in automotive history, marked by a series of dramatic events. This iconic race not only witnessed the debut of the legendary Ford Mustang as the official pace car but also showcased the growing dominance of rear engined cars over their front-engined counterparts.
Despite the tragedy of a fatal crash that claimed two lives, the race was a resounding success, drawing a massive crowd of over a quarter million spectators. The Mustang’s appearance at the Indy 500 was a significant milestone for the iconic pony car, which had only been introduced a few weeks prior.
Its sleek design and powerful engine quickly captured the hearts of the public, and it became an instant sensation. The Mustang’s presence at the race helped to solidify its reputation as a symbol of American automotive excellence. Meanwhile, the race itself was filled with drama and excitement. A.J. Foyt, driving a rear engined car, emerged victorious, securing his second Indy 500 win.
His victory marked the end of an era for front-engined cars, which had dominated the race for decades. The superiority of rear-engined cars was now undeniable, and they would go on to dominate the Indy 500 for many years to come. Despite the tragic crash that marred the race, the 1964 Indianapolis 500 remains a memorable event in automotive history.
The Mustang’s debut, Foyt’s victory, and the growing dominance of rear engined cars all contributed to the race’s enduring legacy. As a reward for his victory in the 1964 Indianapolis 500, the champion driver received a Ford Mustang. However, his joy was short-lived as he inadvertently destroyed the car shortly after acquiring it.
This modified engine pushed the Mustang to its limits, making it unsuitable for everyday driving. Despite its impressive performance, the Mustang’s odometer reading of 3,396 miles was a testament to its durability. The car’s speedometer, however, had a limitation: it only went up to 120 mph, even though the Mustang could reach higher speeds.
To accommodate the increased power, Ford had to develop a new transmission specifically for this pace car. The Mustang’s chassis, which was not designed for such high performance, was reinforced to ensure its structural integrity. In 1964, the Ford Mustang made its grand debut as the pace car for the iconic Indianapolis 500.
To ensure it met the high standards of the race, Ford equipped the car with a powerful race engine. Driven by Benson Ford, the younger brother of Henry II, the Mustang led the field of 33 racing cars on the parade lap. Decades later, Bill Ford, the nephew of Benson Ford, recalled the historic moment, standing beside the very same pace car.
Unlike the 35 convertible Mustangs produced as replicas, this particular car is a true one of a kind. It is the actual car that graced the track on Memorial Day in 1964. Owned by Bill Ford, it remains a cherished symbol of the Mustang’s legacy.
Built on the inaugural day of regular Mustang production, this car is the most powerful 1964 and a half Mustang ever created. Holman Moody, inspired by the GT40 racing program, enhanced the 289 V8 engine with forged pistons, modified heads, a special exhaust system, high performance tires, a lowered suspension with Koni shocks, and an oversized radiator.
After its duties at the Indianapolis 500, the pace car also led the field at the Sebring 24 Hours. Ford then gifted the car to the Florida racetrack for official use. It served its purpose for a decade before being retired and stored away in 1974.
